Might I Suggest a Foot Rub?

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Some people have fetishes, but the foot one was never something I could understand. I am not trying to judge you, if that’s your thing. I have my own issues here: feet stink most of the time. Cooped up in socks and shoes or barefooting it, they stay pretty dirty. The problem with my realism here is that they (feet) are an awesome reflection of the whole. The way we stand on them affects our posture. The points on the bottom of the feet function in relationship to our organs and overall well being.


At the beginning of a yoga class, when experienced yogis are moving around on their mats with prowess, what do you? Most beginners sit and wait for class to start. Can I suggest a foot rub? No, not for me or anyone else in the room, unless… well, no, let’s focus. If you have nothing else to do, rub your own feet while you wait for class to start. And this is not just a beginner's advertisement, this is for all. Whenever you can, rub your feet.


Just like rolling a tennis ball on the bottom of your feet is often credited as a means to loosen your hamstrings, a firm, compassionate hand to the bottom of the foot can do wonders to loosen fascia (the sheath of connective tissue that runs the whole of the body). “When you massage the soles of your feet, you loosen the starting point of a network of connective tissue that runs all the way up your back body to the crown of your head”  Relaxed feet, relaxed body, relaxed mind.


Not sure if it will work for you? Challenge yourself. Each night for the next five nights, massage your feet before bed, or if it's easier, for the next five mornings. Add some oils if you like, and really give it go. Massage your partner’s feet too. In between the toes, up the sides of the toes, the sides of the feet and the ankles, the soul of the foot and heel. Leave nothing untouched. If this works for you: you get better sleep and wake more refreshed, or you feel more limber and open throughout the day, use your technique (minus the oils, so you don’t slip and slid) to begin warming up before your mat practice.
http://www.journeycenter.org/newsletter/JCnewsSpring2016ColorWeb.pdf
Throughout the month of March I will be giving you tips. These are not just for beginners, but will be focused on beginner's needs and possible thoughts about yoga. As we warm up for our Beginner’s Series at the Journey Center, use these tips to prepare the mind and body. Not sure about this either, that's OK. Join me for two free Introduction to Yoga at the Journey Center Workshops: March 17th at 5:00 and March 20th at 1:00. The workshops will be an hour long with time for an introduction to me, yoga (to get you moving and feeling) and some time for questions.

See you soon, 
Sat Nam. Namaste.





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