~ Everybody Cut Loose, Footloose! ~

We are experiencing some amazing weather here in Chicagoland! Loving the spring sunshine and the warmer temps. As we peel off the layers and the heavy socks freeing the body. Slipping bare feet into sandals, walking barefoot in the grass, kids running minus shoes and socks on pavement or jumping high in a trampoline.

Looking down those two feet and ten toes take us many places and are put through the ringer on a daily basis. What's even more fascinating is that the feet actually possess their own chakra. The feet are connected with the root chakra and is situated at the base of the spine linked with the earth element along with feelings of stability, grounding and physical world connection.

When balanced, our foot chakras help us to feel in divine alignment with the natural rhythms of life. We feel confident in where we are and trust that we will be supported by the world’s tangible energies. We feel aligned with our purpose for this human life and we take conscious steps, figuratively and literally, in the direction of fulfilling that.

To nurture and bring this chakra to light the practice of dancing, walking barefoot in the grass, yoga and self foot massages are amazing! As always another practice to bring the foot chakras into balance is meditation. Try this one out for size the next time you are barefoot outside, on the couch, on your mat or in the kitchen!

*Standing feet about hip-distance apart, knees unlocked. Bring your hips forward slightly to take the C curve out of the back. Let your arms fall comfortably by your side and with shoulders back. Neck aligned with the spine and gazing straight ahead.

Close your eyes and take a few moments to ground yourself through the breath. As you breathe in, visualize the incoming air moving into the heart space then slow exhale. On your next breath, take the breath into the belly then slow exhale.

Continue this deepening of the breath until you are able to visualize each inhale moving all the way down through your legs. When you have reached the feet, gently soften your attention on the breath as you increase your awareness of the soles of your feet. Begin to visualize the energy that comes from the ground. First notice this simply as the feeling of your feet in direct contact with the floor.

Visualize that there are thin roots beginning to develop beneath your feet and into the surface beneath you, the roots expanding and strengthening. Continue to breathe slowly and steadily, observe energy moving upwards and into the soles of your feet.

When you are ready to let the energy continue on from the feet, visualize it moving up your legs, through your abdomen, up the chest and neck, and into the entirety of your head space. Soften your shoulders and release any tension that you may feel. Focus on the energy you've created vibrate as you stand. When you are ready to come out of the meditation begin to focus on the breath, deepening the inhale and lengthening the exhale. After a few rounds of breath, drop the chin to the chest and flutter your eyes open to your feet, thank them and then eyes to the horizon.

Written by Brooke Halperin

Check out Brookes classes at Good Juju Lombard! sign up at goodjujuyoga.com