Here I stand, not falling down.

It’s so inspirational watching babies learn to walk!

How they struggle on those wobbly legs. Compelled to move, they strike out. Over and over again, they try. Never losing faith, never giving up.

At some point, however, we did give up. We stopped being aware of what it’s like to “be” in our bodies. We stopped exploring what it means to live within the framework that is “us.”

So, let’s go back to where we all began and examine our relationship with gravity.

This is a relationship that is so powerful that everything begins there.

Whenever possible, take the opportunity to “re-explore” how it feels to simply stand.

Feel the finesse and control it takes just to keep from falling down. Feel your strength as you stand there, pressing into the Earth.

This is probably not something we’ve paid attention to in quite some time. But it’s a relationship we can’t avoid. A relationship that, if not kept in check, can cause us a great deal of distress!

As you go through your day, be aware of how you are being pulled on, all the time, by this attraction we call gravity. Re-acquaint yourself with what it feels like to move in relation to it. Be mindful of its presence and how it affects you as you go about your activities.

Monitor your posture and movements. How does your body feel when you are aligned with gravity? How does it feel when you are not? Examine whether any structural adjustments are necessary to keep your movements efficient and effective.

This exercise is a simple but effective introduction to the Foundational Method of Grounding.

Incorporate this awareness into your exercise program as well. Be conscious of the pull of gravity while you lift/run/jump -- whatever it is you do. Observe what it feels like to push back.

Play with this idea as often as you can. Use it to strengthen your awareness and build upon your understanding of this method.

Most of all, have fun with it!

Let this exercise remind us to feel ourselves again. To explore our movements, and to remember the simple joy of being in our bodies!