Feet

(This is a revised blog from 2009)

With the onset of spring here in the Northern hemisphere and the weather inviting us to spend more time outdoors has brought to the thought for this week.

Feet.

Think about the last time your feet actually touched earth. Soil. Dirt. Not concrete, tile, carpet, shoe-beds or socks. We live in a society that is smoothly paved for easier movement. We certainly notice potholes in our roads, but how often do we notice the actual earth under our feet?

Our feet connect us to the earth in the most primal way. We have a huge number of nerve endings in our feet and motion detectors within our joints to give us feedback on unstable ground. But from a yogic perspective, our feet are the reminder that we are supported by the earth-always.


I love the practice of standing barefoot and imagining that the soles of our feet are able to send energetic cables right into the middle of the earth. In return, the earth's energy travels back into our soles and through our body and out the crown of our head connecting us to the heavenly realms of infinite space. It's as though we are the conduit of this vital force simply by being in our body and walking upon the earth.

If you need to feel yourself in a amplified place of presence, kick off your shoes and walk barefoot in sand, soil or grass. Or really go crazy and get into gardening bringing this amazing tactile experience into your hands as well. That's right...I said it..."take off the gardening gloves and get some dirt under your nails". Not only will you connect to Mother Earth, but your soul will send a message of gratitude and remembrance.