The Rock Balancer's Guide
The Rock
Balancer’s Guide
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This book guides you through the practical techniques of rock balancing, while also explaining how to breathe properly, approach the rocks with self-belief, face fear and go beyond what you had previously thought to be your limits. People balance rocks for fun, to challenge themselves and as a way of being mindful, connecting to nature and focusing on the present moment. The guide also discusses leave no trace laws and how to let go, destroying the balances you have created to leave nature in a pristine state.
208 Pages with Color Photographs
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Travis Ruskus is a rock balance meditation artist that loves to help others make peace a daily habit. Based in San Francisco, he has been sharing the mindful art of rock balancing to Fortune 500 companies, veterans, charities, and individuals in pursuit of enlightenment.
Follow on Instagram: @travisruskus
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What Readers Are Saying:
“This is an awe inspiring piece of art. The gravity defying photographs and the inspiring pieces of wisdom interweave into a perfect gift. I find myself coming back to this book over and over again - for grounding, for direction - and for balance :)”
- Meggan
“Travis Ruskus has done a remarkable thing. He has developed for all intents and purposes a ‘traditional’ Japanese art form in the spirit of all the ones in existence that have the appendage ‘do’ on the end such as Kyudo (way of archery), Chado (way of tea), Shodo (way of calligraphy), Kendo (way of the sword) and at least ten martial arts ending in ‘do.’ The word Do in Japanese comes from the word Tao in Chinese which means ‘way of’ with connotations of philosophy and doctrine as in the ancient revered book the Tao Te Ching (way of integrity). Basically it is using a physical discipline as a tool for self knowledge, self discipline and eventual Enlightenment if carried to its final conclusion. Thus his book is squarely in the Eastern traditional stream of thought. The big difference is in teaching the already developed ‘ways’ out of the East, very few words or explanations are given and the student has to practice intense observation and copying to master such. I find it very refreshing to have an American do the opposite of this and expound exponentially and continuously about every aspect of this ‘do.’ His book is excellent from expounding the philosophical end of things to the how to, practical end of things. Quite a feat for an American to develop what could be a traditional Japanese art form and be so articulate about it!”
- Mackintosh
“Enjoyed the book very much as it covered practical matters, the how to and the why, how you might find it a helpful practice. Other books on rock balancing seem to steer clear of the spiritual aspects. This book is not afraid to jump right into it and I especially liked the breathing part because dam if I don’t hold my breath every time I have to place a rock on top of another. Ha! I’m new to rock balancing, burnt out from making art and teaching it for thirty years. Love the purity of this, the simplicity, yet the complexity, and being in nature, and at the end putting the rocks away, and not being responsible for it. Perfect. The book laid it all out and the author shared his story. The pictures of his rock stories (that’s what they were to me) were inspiring, He provides a web page and offers an online course if you desire more assistance. It looks interesting and I may sign up!”
- Kay
“What makes your heart sing? Travis Ruskus found the answer to this question in a Boulder, Colorado river...rocks. In discovering his passion for developing his art in rock balancing, Travis also found something larger. He found a connection to himself, to others, to nature, and to the universe that far surpasses his age. At his core, Travis is an artist and a scientist of rock balancing. He is also a philosopher and spiritualist about life and living. And his courage allowed Travis to creatively find the path to living as a rock balancing artist. ‘The Rock Balancer's Guide’ is at once an autobiography, an art book, and a creative and spiritual guide. Even if you never pick up a rock to balance yourself, having joined Travis on his journey, it is unlikely that you will ever look at rocks - or life - quite the same.”
- Brian
“Excellent book! Rock balancing is so much more spiritual than I ever realized! I love Travis’ art and enjoyed doing a class with him via Airbnb online adventures! I highly recommend this book!”
- Jane
“I had made a few balances before buying this book. It gave me some great ideas and I have been able to do many more. Confidence is way up! Thanks Travis!”
- Greg
“Travis Ruskus has discovered a creative art form to connect heaven and earth. READ THIS BOOK to discover how rock balancing skills along with breathing exercises enhance our spiritual growth allowing us to go beyond fear and limitation to develop our higher self and pristine ways of living an authentic, healthy, loving life. Rock Balancing is an art form in which stones are balanced naturally on top of each other creating beautiful formations and is also a metaphor for the cycle of life- of beginnings and endings, teaching us the power of learning to appreciate each moment and also to allow change. A book of art, mindfulness and gratitude for life, what could be better? Well Done!”
- Sheryl
“Love this book! Even though the idea of rock balancing was new to me I found out it is so much more than that.
The author takes the idea right into ‘life.’
Very well written, thought provoking and fun!
I have even balanced rocks.. (on a kitchen table! Since you don't have to go rock climbing!). 3-4:)”
- Dawn
“Although the technicalities of rock balancing are clearly laid out in a 'how-to' format, this book far exceeds only the teaching of rock balancing. Each page is filled with mindful ways to connect to the art with modalities of thinking and breathing that push the reader beyond the rock art and towards what can happen when one believe's in the 'grit' of a task. Travis takes us on a journey through our own expectations of the self. Highlight: the photos of the rock sculptures against various backdrops and waterscapes are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!”
- Kaela
“The author's painstaking research and attention to detail is obvious in the writing of this book. There were many facts that I only discovered after reading this!”
- Cristie
“At first glance you wouldn't know you were about to gain an immersive lesson on life, meditation, and self worth all in one. This book does an amazing job of reminding you who you are and what you are capable offing in this life on top of how to balance rocks. Such a great deal of information on the art of balancing (rocks and life) and to apply it in everyday practices. A huge shout out to the author! Chalk full of great photos as well :)”
- Anonymous
“Un libro che affronta in modo piacevole l'equilibrio che sta alla base della vita, consiglio la lettura anche a prescindere dalla pura tecnica di stone balancing. Ho trovato utile questo libro anche nella vita di tutti i giorni, soprattutto nel curare la respirazione.”
- Simone
“This was a pretty brief read but was actually more than I expected in that it's not just about the science of rock balancing but also the philosophy of balancing. Taking something simple and using it as a tool for calm and peace.”
- Steph
