Awakening the Foot – the Foundation of Intelligent Movement

About Awakening the Foot – the Foundation of Intelligent Movement

Awakening the Foot – the Foundation of Intelligent Movement Did you know that the way your body is organised largely depends on the mobility, strength and sensitivity of your feet? And that many imbalances in your body can be caused by imbalances in your feet? Your feet are your foundations and will therefore affect the balance of the muscles, connective tissue and joints above. Our feet are designed to be extremely adaptable (mobile) and resilient (elastically strong) so that they can be used on different terrains and conditions, whilst supporting, cushioning and relaying movement to the structures above, such as ankles, knees, hips, pelvic floor, spine and so on. However, because of constrictive shoes and the lack of exposure to a variety of conditions underfoot, most of our feet have become quite inert. And due to the lack of direct or close contact with the ground, their proprioceptive ability has been restricted – this is the ability of the feet to relay information about their positioning in space to the rest of the body, so that the whole chain above them can respond and adjust accordingly. During this Scaravelli inspired Yoga and Somatics (Body-Mind Centering®) based workshop we will give the muscles, fascia and bones of our feet the opportunity to explore a wide range of movement possibilities and become the driving force behind effortless, free flowing movement. We will explore how movement can be transmitted from the floor up along a seamless, integrated chain (hello ligaments and fascia!) by following the natural pathways we used during our childhood development. We will also stimulate nervous system regulation by 1) using self-touch and mindful connection with contact surfaces, including yield and push patterns to release tension and foster a sense of agency 2) creating appropriate muscle tone in our feet, resulting in appropriate muscle tone in the rest of the body. Laura is a Somatic Movement teacher and therapist, whose exploratory approach draws from her 30 years of experience in Scaravelli inspired Yoga, as well as her extensive studies in Body-Mind Centering® at Somatic Movement Educator and Practitioner level. For further information, please contact Laura: laura@intuitiveyoga.org.uk *Body Mind Centering® and BMC® are registered service marks of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, used with permission