I’m really enjoying seeing balconies from my fellow Lens Artists who are world travelers! They are so diverse and interesting and culturally influenced by weather and social status and other factors. Our host, PR, gives many beautiful examples – visit our inspiration HERE.

When I visited New Orleans in May, I was very impressed with the balconies in the French Quarter. I suppose they function to move air in the upper stories of these city buildings, but they are decorated so lavishly as well.

However, as a performer and a theater nerd, my first thoughts about balconies are about the ones inside a concert hall or theater.

Have you ever stood on a stage and looked into rows of balconies? Have you ever stood on a stage and looked into the faces of people in the balcony, anticipating your performance, eager to be entertained, to be moved, to feel alive? Would you find that exciting…or terrifying? For me, the difference is whether I believe I’m being celebrated…or being judged.

Have you heard the term “balcony people”? Joyce Landorf Heatherly wrote a book about them, saying, “Some people are in the ‘balcony’ of your life, cheering you on, energizing you with their affirmation. Others are in your ‘basement’ doing exactly the opposite. This book is about being a balcony person.”

Jennifer McClure writes in LinkedIn: Balcony people are intentional with their encouragement. Balcony people listen well, and ensure others feel they’ve been heard. Balcony people focus more on facilitating victories that solving problems. Balcony people have the courage to share constructive feedback – even when it’s difficult.

So, I would like to add to our weekly Balcony challenge and invite you to consider how you gaze at others from above. Are you looking on in love and encouragement, benevolently shining your smile in a glow that allows the one in focus to shine? Or do you perhaps gaze in judgement like a magistrate whose frown sparks fear into the hearts of those standing below?

I find the balcony to be an interesting arena, worthy of creative thought.