When roots are deep there is no reason to fear the wind
~African Proverb
“Root down to rise up”
This is something often said by yoga teachers when teaching. Why is that?
Trees have roots that keep them secured in the earth, and usually a strong trunk, so that everything above ground can move as needed in any conditions. Roots are also living, not static. So even if some roots of a tree die, others keep the tree standing and growing.
Even though humans don’t have physical roots, nearly every physical action we take comes from a place of stability. Think about it.
When you come to standing from sitting in a chair, you first place your feet on the ground. When reaching far to the right while seated, you brace yourself either at your feet, or your seat, to keep from toppling over. (Try it and notice).
In standing balancing poses we establish this connection to the ground by paying special attention to the WHOLE surface area of our feet. We can do the same thing while seated: feel everything that touches the chair and notice the weight downward. From that position we “rise up” by lengthening up through the spine, using muscles of the torso and other parts of the body.
When we feel off-balance we adjust by shifting to a more stable position. And we keep that “trunk” secure by working on core strength.
Similarly, when we want and need to take action in life, we begin with our “roots.” What are our personal values, cultural practices, and inherited family beliefs? Can we examine these, adjust as needed, and then take that next step?