Rooted in the Earth

Grounding is a purposeful practice within yoga that supports our feeling of stability, or rooting, to the Earth. Grounding poses include any position where we connect our body to the ground below. Warrior II or even the simple standing Mountain Pose, for example, offer two powerful opportunities for our feet to touch the earth and our minds to feel secure and centered. 

When grounding, we send energy downward, putting pressure on the soles of our feet from our heels to our toe pads. We might imagine growing deep roots, as if we’re a tree.  In yoga, we wiggle our toes to feel them as distinct and we stand tall in the energetic connection to the Earth. In Child’s Pose or even in Downward Dog, we spread our fingers wide and channel that energy downward through our palms.  In a sense, we’re employing our reflexes in our hands and feet to create these grounding sensations. It’s the curling and extending movements that enable us to channel that energy, while at the same time feeling safe in our own bodies in the present.

We often hear about chakras from yogis as well. The root chakra, located at the base of the spine, is thought to be aligned to our sense of safety and stability. It brings to mind how our symphony of reflexes works together to create our sense of connection and place in the world. 

When we practice exercises in a Thrive session, we’re building upon our earliest reflex movements to support a greater sense of our awareness of our bodies and their capabilities. Just as yoga encourages presence of mind, I encourage my clients to be aware of how they feel as they move. I’m supporting the feeling of being grounded, of knowing yourself and your unique and special place in this world.