Heels on the Ground

Dear Reader,

According to one of my teachers, humans are the only animals that walk with heels on the ground. I guess that makes it right up there with the opposable thumb. Aside from being a point of trivia, it’s also a really important aspect of our anatomy.

When we stand upright, walk, run or jump—or even when we go from sitting to standing, the heels are integral to making these moves efficiently.

And, even when we sit, having our heels on the ground makes a difference. Heels have nerve endings that send messages to the nervous system about where we are in space, how our balance is, and perhaps even what direction our next best move might be.

Try this sometime. Sit in a chair with a firm seat. Rest the balls of your feet on the floor and let the heels be lifted. How long might you sit like that before you feel the need to move? Are you relaxed or ready to move? If you were going to move, in what direction are you inclined to go?

Now, gently lower your heels, until you can feel the weight of your legs resting in the sole of each foot—especially in the heels. Did you change the way your pelvis rested on the chair? Are you breathing a little deeper? Perhaps your eyes softened. Would it be comfortable to stay there for a while?

If you’re ever in a meeting, and find yourself being anxious, try coming a little closer to the edge of your chair, resting your heels clearly on the floor, and exhale.

Having your heels on the ground isn’t likely to solve all the problems of the world, but it could make some moments a lot easier. And most of us could use a lot more ease.

If you’re interested in exploring movement, please join our weekly Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson midday on Tuesday. It’s free/pay as you wish.

If you’d like to work with me privately, in person or online—Feldenkrais, coaching or felt-making—you can Book an Appointment or reply to this email and let me know what you’re interested in.

Heels up or down, have all the fun you can!