Our Feet, they support and carry us thru life, yet often go neglected and unnoticed until they hurt. Our feel are a reflection of our attitude, confidence, energy as well as our place in the world.
Standing on you own two feet is a sign of growing up, no longer dependent.
Putting your foot down means not letting someone take advantage of you, holding your own.
Put your best foot forward represents stepping forward with courage and confidence.
Dig your heels in- holding on tight fear of change.
Then intention is to be able to plant your weight and energy firmly and confidently beneath you. As you are able to do this you are better prepared to meet comfortably the challenges that life may throw your way.
As you become rooted, self supported, you will find the confidence to handle anything life throws your way. As you begin to accept and acknowledge that the way we are in the world fits and molds the shape and function of our feet, you then are ready to take the steps needed to reverse the process in two ways.
As we become more grounded emotionally we will find this reflected in our feet or we can begin to restructure the feet and observe changes in our lifestyle and way of being in the world.
As you come to the mat focus your attention on the four corners of your feet. Notice if the weight is evenly distributed between not only left and right sides of the feet, but left and right foot. How about front to back.
Notice how a shift in the action of the feet can change the sensation in the pose. Try lifting your toes up into your shin, pointing your toes, turning your toes in or out. Can you detect how a simple movement in the feet affects many areas of the body.
Often tightness in the sole of the feet is reflective of tight hamstrings as the feet are a continuation of the back of the legs.
Become more observant of your feet in your practice, don't wait until they hurt before you give them any mind.
As you leave the mat today, be reminded that the way we ground ourself physically is the way we ground ourself emotionally. Notice as you walk thru the day if you take small uncertain steps, or large confident steps. Adjust your stride to be reflective of the emotional state you need to be in for that moment.
Appreciate the need for balance and stability as you give yourself time to slow down and support yourself , Your feet are your roots, they are your foundation, the hands that touch the earth.
I read how the Redwood trees, know for there strength and longevity, actually have very shallow root systems, yet because they share their root systems with each other they each help support the whole system. As women we to need to strengthen our root system as we ask for and encourage each other.
As we begin to build a healthy support system it is important that we choose wisely with who and when we share them. Finding women who we can trust and that you feel safe with is a great guide. Have the courage then to ask for support when you need it and be willing to provide support for others when they need it. This will in turn help create, like the redwoods, a safety net that as a whole is greater then its parts.
before after
I had the privilege of working with this young man, who after several orthopedics, orthotics he decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. He worked tirelessly over his summer break, meeting with me every week with a new set of yoga exercises that he took home and did everyday. sometimes twice a day. We also did Thai Body Work, worked with tennis balls and every lost of mindful awareness.
The results are amazing Even the skin color looks healthier. His mom is thrilled, yet cannot believe after all the dr. visits that it was the yogalady that helped her son find his footing. It was a privilege to work with this young man and I cannot wait till he comes back for a visit this fall.