Grounding: A Power Yoga Theme
It seems so idealistic, but it is a lot to do and think about. It should be simple to get back to basics in our lives, but it can be extremely challenging in the world we live today.
Our physical and energetic focus will be on grounding.
What does it really mean to “ground” in yoga?
The process of grounding means connecting with the earth through our physical body and our subtle body. When you consciously cultivate a grounded feeling in your body, you invite a greater sense of presence, calm, and mental clarity on the mat, in work, with family and simply for yourself.
In our yoga practice we practice grounding through our feet, legs, and through the root chakra. We ground through the earth because this is where we receive our energy. This is one of the reasons why we practice yoga with bare feet. According to yogic philosophy, going barefoot facilitates the flow of energy from the earth to our bodies, and allows for greater control and stability in the yoga poses.
We will start with a quick grounding meditation:
Close your eyes or soften your gaze if you haven’t already. Visualize your thoughts spinning inside your head like a snow globe. On the inhale, the thoughts are spinning around and floating and, on the exhale, visualize the snow falling and settling down. With another inhale visualize more space between snowflakes, fewer thoughts — exhale setting down. Inhale only a couple snowflakes of swirling thoughts — exhale settling all the way down.
Begin — Child’s pose
Cues:
Extended mountain: root down through your feet; spread your toes wide and press them firmly into the ground.
Downward Facing Dog: Grounding down through the hands and arms, create a strong foundation to the earth as you lift your hips up and back. Spread your fingers wide and press them firmly into the ground. Feel your whole hand rooted firmly to the earth. Anchor yourself to the present moment.
Ragdoll: feel all four corners of your feet on the mat
High plank: Feel the power and strength as you inhale in high plank, ground and connect with the stability of the earth beneath you.
Chair: Let your legs sink deep into the ground, ground and anchor your lower body to the stability of the earth.
Warrior 1: Breathe deeply and hold the pose, imagine yourself as a warrior, ready to face any obstacle that comes your way. Feel the power of the earth beneath you, giving you the strength to stand firm and unshakable.
Warrior 2: Draw energy up from the earth, through your feet, and into your core. Reach your tailbone down towards the earth and draw your belly button in and up to feel a rootedness that allows you to tap into the power and stability of the earth element.
Tree Pose: Draw strength from the earth and let it flow up your legs and connect with your root chakra. Just like a tree, you can grow and thrive in any environment and evolve into your highest potential. Keep your breath slow and deep. Align your body and mind with the power of the stability and calmness.
Triangle Pose: Triangle is often associated with stability and balance.
Goddess Pose: Ground your feet into the earth. Feel the strength and stability and power of the goddess.
Half pigeon: Breathe into this openness. Imagine yourself sinking deeper into the strength and stability of the earth below you.
Single leg forward fold & seated forward fold: ground your sit bones down into the earth and fold over
Waterfall & Personal Share:
“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present” -Lao Tzu
By embracing grounding in your yoga practice and your life, you tap into your inner strength. Off the mat, grounding becomes a way of life. It is a reminder to stay rooted amidst the chaos of daily existence. When I find myself feeling off balance — a stressful day at work or just too much to get done and my mind starts to race — there are simple things I can do to stay grounded. I can get more sleep, come back to my breath, tune into my five senses and simply slow down — put the to-do list aside and just bring myself to my mat — closer to the earth. Then, I feel ready to take on what I need to.
Shavasana
Do a body scan. From the toes, ankles, calves, knees, upper thighs, hips, abdomen, chest, shoulders, neck, jaw, nose, ears forehead center, crown of the head. Notice the places that are touched and supported by the mat, and the earth beneath your body. Melt into the earth and feel the benefits of your practice today.
