On Finding My Feet

We talk about feet all the time at Verge Yoga. If you’ve ever taken class with us you have probably heard your teachers say, “press into your big toe’ or “anchor into your inner heel”.

For years I have been listening to my teachers and observing my body. And for years I have been trying to communicate with my feet. I have backed off of poses and modified with the intention of understanding how my foot works in the pose. I have studied my feet without much reward. I’ve walked barefoot and brushed my teeth on one leg for years. The process has been long and sometimes painful……

Well, I am happy to announce that the connection is finally being made. My feet are coming alive in my poses and I feel more grounded and much more stable in my practice than ever before. I certainly am not the master of my feet yet but these days I can feel little light bulbs turning on in my feet. It is very exciting. (scary, but true)

As I write this, I recognize how silly this all may sound (to a non-yogi that is). However, most of us that have been practicing Hatha Yoga for more than a year get how important the feet are to the health of not only our bodies but also our minds.

Our feet are our foundation. They are our connection to the earth. If you have weak feet, you have a weak foundation. If you have strong, functional feet, you will have a strong, stable foundation. Let me tell you, having just found a small portion of my feet in my practice, it is worth the work.

The easiest and the best way for us to continue to work the muscles in our feet is by walking barefoot as much as possible. Stand in Tip Toe pose when you are at your kitchen counter. Press into your big toes while standing in line and yes, brush your teeth on one leg.

You may not feel anything right away. Perhaps you’ll turn on a small light bulb here and there. Perhaps you will feel more stable mentally or emotionally in a tense situation. Perhaps you will have spring to your step. Perhaps you will feel as sturdy as a mountain.

It’s all possible. Don’t stop trying. It is worth the ride.