Yoga tradition teaches that we have a physical body that where we experience and sense the world. We also have an energy body, an emotional body and mental body. All these layers affect each other. Changing one, changes all in some way.
When we have pain or illness in the physical body, its like the warning lights on the dash of your car. Its a signal to examine the energy, the emotions and the message behind the pain.
During the year we will pay special attention to the physical body and become acquainted with isolating a specific system in order to have a more efficient energy flow, thus better health in the physical body.
We also want to learn about the symbolism behind each system. Learning the metaphor and meaning of the feet for example can help us examine and change our emotions and thoughts and again that will change and improve the energy body and the physical body.
In other words – Body, Mind and Emotions, inseparably connected and unified in our yoga practice.
Let’s learn the symbolism of the feet. The message in the feet is associated with the very foundation of your journey here in life; how you are choosing to spend your time, energy and attention. Safety, security and understanding of the world are messages of the feet. Think of the metaphor, landing on both feet or putting your best foot forward. These are statements that the world is secure your path is clear and fortunate.
So when you experience pain in your feet, that is a clue to get quiet and examine your emotions and thought about where you are headed in your journey in life.
Here are some questions to ask yourself in a time of meditation:
Am I moving forward and spending my time and energy where my soul or passion is directing?
If I know I am on the right path, do I feel fearful, lonely disconnected or afraid to move forward boldly?
What can I do to feel safe and secure in the world?
What is the meaning and purpose in my life’s journey right now?
Do I find joy and satisfaction in each metaphorical step?
Are my decisions and commitments wishy-washy or unstable?
Am I filled with fears of falling, fear of failing, fear of the future or just fears in general?
Am I clinging to old hurts, old patterns? (keep in mind that moist, stagnant areas develop mold and fungus)
Am I frustrated or deeply angry with life?
These questions and the strong emotions like fear, anger, inflexibility, loneliness, misunderstanding, unforgiveness all contribute to the physical ailments of the feet.
Ways to hear your inner wisdom are to find a friend who will listen as you speak out loud and then come to your own conclusions. Prayer, meditation, journaling, walking, creative work, or menial work all provide opportunities for your spirit to speak to the conscious mind.
When a thought of suffering or negative emotion is brought out into the sunlight of the conscious mind, it is easy to release and let go. Use techniques taught in your own spiritual practice as well as other energy psychology techniques.
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