A New Series - Back On Our Feet - 1 - Toes

Back On Our Feet - 1 - Toes

Beginners Mind: Reacquainting Yourself with Your Toes

A variation of Esalen 27

In “You’ve Done Self Care. You’ve Languished. Now Try This” executive coach Brad Stulberg advises that overcoming inertia requires fierce compassion. And what part of ourselves suffers neglect and deserves fierce compassion, especially in winter? Feet.

The occasional pedicure is a good start. Awareness is even better.

Back On Our Feet is a fiercely compassionate study of our feet. Get up, stand up. Explore balance. Ground. Improve athletic performance, craftsperson finesse, artistic expression.

26 bones, 33 joints, 100s of nerves, tendons and ligaments. source: ykerparkfootcare.com

A third of the entire body’s bones are in the feet. Twenty six bones, 33 joints, and hundreds of nerves, ligaments and tendons. The foot’s physics allow us to stand bipedal: by the foot can flatten against the ground AND lock into a rigid formation that propels movement.

This lesson is a rediscovery of the wonder of toes. They go up, they go down, they twist, they spread, they curl, they are anatomically connected in structure and occasional use to the fingers. They can help flatten or arch the feet. They can express fear and comfort in the way they touch the ground.

Foot foci in this series will include:

  • Toes

  • Sides of the Feet

  • Front of the Heel

  • Tripod Foot

  • maybe more?

Set Up: This lesson is written to explore toes in different orientations, alternating between supine and sitting, to play with the toes from above, below, sideways.

However, if grabbing toes is not on the menu, sit on a chair and use the floor as the mirror. Or lie on the floor with the feet “standing” on a wall or chair back; support the knees for extra comfort. You won’t be touching the toes, so more imagination is required in this set-up; the benefit is that imagination lights up the brain as much - or more than - actual toe-touching.

baby discovers feet

Baby discovers feet source: BreakMyHeart videos

Science nerd candy takes a different turn this week: anatomy through an artist’s eyes (plus one anatomy animation):

The Voice-O-Meter sounds this week:

  • Kidney - Choooo - the sole of the foot is considered the ‘bubbling well’ of kidney energy

How You Might Feel After This Lesson: Exquisitely familiar with each toe; Connected between fingers and toes; Grounded; Full-body relaxed; More flexible in the forefoot ; Amazed at the complexity of your oft-forgotten feet.

BY ZOOM New Students: Register here

Jacki Katzman