First we must find a strong foundation, a strong support system, a strong base before you can find the strength to rise. NOTHING lasting is built on a shaky foundation.

Importance of the foundation of your temple all begins in the feet. The base must be balanced and sturdy to support the legs, spine, arms and head for optimal alignment. Proper standing alignment is centering the head over the pelvis, the pelvis over the heels.

In a world of shoes; cowboy boots, ski + boarding boots, climbing shoes and paved surfaces our foundation loses the strength and flexibility we need to find this support for the rest of our body. Start by grounding down into the bones that strike the ground as we walk; the front of the heel, the base of the little toe and the base of the big toe. Then we can begin to lift our arches, and engage our lower leg muscles. As we find equality in the weight evenly into both feet and all four corners of the feet we can find balance.

Samastitihi (Mountain Pose) - literally translated into standing with equality, is the where we to start to find this balance from our foundation. Standing at attention with hands to heart or down at our sides we find our breath, our silence, our focus. The details start in the soles of our feet bringing awareness up and through every aspect of our bodies.

"If the foundation is firm, the building can withstand calamities. The practice of yoga is the foundation so that the self is not shaken under any circumstances." - Iyengar