Good Morning Manjusri:
I spoke to Jim and Master Lee about this last week at the Level III class. They said that most people after standing for 30 minutes doing the active exercises have trouble maintaining their balance while lifting the alternating legs and it is best to just stand to perform this exercise.
I find that if I do a few rounds just standing and then lift my legs slightly and then increase the lifting with each successive round then I am much better able to keep my balance. Master Lee also said you can open your eyes slightly for a few rounds and then close them and this helps to maintain balance. By lifting the legs you get more pumping action and can really move the Qi better and Master Lin said that you give your inner ear and balance an excellent workout so over time do try to lift the legs but standing is very effective and perfectly acceptable.
Cheers,
Agent B
