Stay With Your Feet is a mantra I picked up over the last several years. I can’t remember who I heard say it first, but it stuck and is a helpful daily reminder for me. If I am staying with my feet, I am not getting “ahead” of myself, leading with my head. I’m also not slouching back or bending (over) backwards. If I am staying with my feet, I’m grounded and centered through my core.
Teaching Shoes
Early in my teaching career when I had very little money and less time, I did not take good care of my feet. I stood up most of the day and walked constantly. However, I couldn’t afford good quality shoes. I wore uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoes in an attempt to “look professional” and feel confident standing in front of the classroom. I walked fast and directed everywhere on campus, getting copies and checking my mailbox in the office. There was no time to slow down, stop to go to the bathroom, drink some water, or eat lunch.
I remember a conversation I had with a colleague who shared her advice for wearing “cute, cheap” shoes. She told me where to buy them and then showed me all of her “hacks” for making them somewhat comfortable to wear all day long. I used some of those tricks for years! However, the shoes still hurt and they impacted my feet (and body).
Looking back, I recognize how much I was trying to “appear” in control and experienced, but felt a deep sense of anxiety. I felt like I could not be my most authentic self in the classroom because then my students (and administrators) might see through my “professional façade” and see how new I was at teaching. Growing up, the message was strive and achieve. It was loud and clear, “Hussle and don’t stop!” that’s how you prove your worthiness. I had no idea that if I considered slowing down and finding my center, nurturing myself, I might be able to show a bit more of my authentic self AND feel confident and in control.
Bottom Up
In somatic practice we work from the “bottom up” instead of the “top down”. During a body scan, we begin with our feet and move slowly up to the top of our head, noticing the sensations we feel in our body without judgement. As we notice our bodies from the bottom up, we bring greater awareness to areas that may need our attention.
Toe Hugs
As I bring more awareness to my feet and find my center, I recognize how much my feet need care. One of the practices that I use to care for my feet is a Foot Yoga practice called a Toe Hug. It is a way that I nourish myself and when I give myself a toe hug, it feels like a “breath of fresh air” flowing into my body from my toes and spreading through the rest of my body. For me, the reminder to Stay With Your Feet, keeps me present and centered and gets me back to my Toe Hug practice. It also reminds me to nourish my body, mind, and spirit from the bottom up.
I invite you to check out SarahBethYoga’s short, 10-minute Foot Yoga practice. The practice includes a guided Toe Hug and other good daily foot practices.
If you are looking for other practices to help you center and deepen your awareness, please reach out!
Let’s get there (with our feet) together!
