Re: the balancing issue. When I first did them I had no problem. Later I realized I was supposed to point my toes. When I started doing this. I had more difficulty. I noticed that rising foot was being kept in-line with my supporting leg.
I find that move is easier by checking two things. The first is making sure the supporting leg is not locked (slight bend at the knee). I was locking it when I worked on pointing the toe. The second isto allow rising leg to be a couple inches forward; say with the sole parallel with the front of the supporting leg's shin. I still don't have the balance I had, but it is a lot better.
P.S. thanks for the preparing of meditation area comment. It's amazing which details you pick-up and which you let roll by.
Sending love,
Iam2 
