Roots by Suneel Madhekar (CC BY-SA 2.0)
In yoga we often refer to the feet as the roots of the posture. In standing postures the feet are the base which supports the pose. When the base is stable, we feel more secure and are able to explore a deeper connection with the pose, and our breath. In hand balancing postures, our hands become our roots. From a well-placed hand our physical structure can rise up relying on the structure of our hand and arm. Our sacrum can become the base of the posture when we are lying on our back, as in constructive rest, or legs up style postures. A level sacrum provides the support that allows the legs to rise up or to sink down and rest, depending on the posture.
This principle of finding roots to rise up also applies to life off the yoga mat. Our roots can be thought of as our home. This home is more of a feeling than a physical structure. When we find the sense of roots, a connection to something stable, we embody the idea of being at home with ourselves. The roots of connection is often referred to as being grounded. It is feeling the support of the earth, and to being able to stay present in life moment by moment.
I must admit that the idea of being ground has not always appealed to me. I am a creative being, and I quite enjoy the rush of excitement when a new idea pops into my head. I thought that, I needed to sacrifice the buzz and excitement that I feel when presented with a new project. I have learned that one does not have to sacrifice creative energy in order to be grounded. We can have it all!
There are many different meditations available that can help you find your sense of grounding, or personal home. The one that I use most often is one in which I visualize my energy travelling down into the earth. My energy weaves through rocks, sand, and grains of soil, deep down into the center of the earth. At the core of the earth my energy feeds into the magma of Mother Earth, the Mother that supports and nurtures all of life. Whatever energy is fed into Mother Earth comes back to us in the form of nurturing support. I envision this energy as always traveling with me. As I move through my day the connection is always there, providing me the support I need.
From the sense of roots into the earth I am able to rise up and face the world. Daily life can feel sometimes become overwhelming and feel like we are being sucked into a wind storm. When you are not connected to anything you get thrown about in the wind. If you use the energy of connected roots you can remain steadfast in the wind. You have a clearer vantage point from which to view the world. It is much easier to decide a course of action from a centered, stable place than it is to try and catch a glimpse as you fly by on the breath of the wind.
One quick way I use to get grounded is to breathe in through the crown of my head, and out through my feet. Sometimes I literally stomp my feet to feel the connection to the earth. The buzz of excitement that I love is still as much fun, only now I have that added benefit of feeling the support and love from Mother Earth.
The theme of the month of May on Sapphire Island is finding that sense of rooting / grounding. We will be exploring this theme through our social media outlets in the form of articles, pictures, yoga flows, and mediations.
We look forward to connecting with you in person and online.
