First Principle of Alignment: Start with the Foundation

Mother Earth is our greatest support, providing us with our food, shelter and sense of ground; literally, she is our rock. Feeling connected to the solidness of the earth helps us stay centered and balanced, both physically and emotionally. When standing or walking, notice the ground beneath you, and make a conscious effort to enhance your connection by spreading and rooting through your feet and imagining roots growing down through your legs into the earth below. If during yoga or other exercise your foundation shifts from your feet to other parts, such as your hands, knees, back, or front, observe the part of you that is now your foundation, and feel an energetic connection between the earth and whatever part of you is closest to her.

How do you feel when you are connected to your feet, and to the earth? Are there certain times in life when you have noticed you are disconnected from your foundation, for example, after a long day of travel, or after a stressful confronation? How does bringing more awareness to your feet in your asana practice affect it?