The first thing I do when I come home is put down my heavy bag and take off my shoes. Despite spending years negotiating various dance shoe wear, my favorite way to be on my feet has always been wearing bare soles. After any summer rainstorm, I was out in my bare feet kicking up the puddles. I enjoy experiencing the various textures of green grass, rocks, and sand (NYC streets excluded!). Just recently I explored the cool stone floors and natural landscape of a beautiful country home in upstate NY. I padded around using my feet as sensors to the variety in temperature, surface, and experience.
The foot itself displays exceptional evolution, strong and agile, when allowed to move as intended in form and function. Practicing yoga in bare feet is not only optimal for traction, it allows you time to spread your toes, center your balance, and solicit support for your spine as a vertical biped creature. Imagine standing in a warrior pose in shoes…not the same experience. Or practicing headstand with sneakers on? It is surprisingly different even though the feet are not on the ground. Our feet bring the groundedness deep within, while tugging down on our chattering minds and bringing ease to our nerves.
How much do you notice the role of your bare soles in your mat practice? On your daily route to work? Around the house? On your summer outdoor adventures? Those bare feet bring you power, possibility, and pathway.
- TaraMarie Perri