Main Entry: tap·rootPronunciation: \-,rüt -,rut\
Function: noun
Etymology: tap
Date: 1601
1 : a primary root that grows vertically downward and gives off small lateral roots
2 : the central element or position in a line of growth or development
(Webster.com)
Like that first tentative, yet decisive taproot that reaches into the earth to create a foundation, the taproots of our yoga practice are the support from which everything else unfolds. For most of us, including myself, we come into yoga through the physical practice. We learn to create the foundation of our poses through our feet, hands or pelvis – whatever parts of our bodies connect to the earth in the various poses. We learn to root down through these points, so we can then rise up with strength, clarity and stability; much like a well-rooted tree.
Sometimes in our practice, our taproot gets disturbed and we have to rebuild it. After the birth of both of my children, I had to work hard to find the stability and strength in my practice again. Other times in our practice, the locus of our taproot changes. While my physical yoga practice is still very important, the central element now is more the stillness I find in meditation.
There is no right or wrong place to grow that first taproot. It will be different for each of us. And, it will change over time.
What does the idea of a yogic taproot mean to you?
Etymology: tap
Date: 1601
1 : a primary root that grows vertically downward and gives off small lateral roots
2 : the central element or position in a line of growth or development
(Webster.com)
Like that first tentative, yet decisive taproot that reaches into the earth to create a foundation, the taproots of our yoga practice are the support from which everything else unfolds. For most of us, including myself, we come into yoga through the physical practice. We learn to create the foundation of our poses through our feet, hands or pelvis – whatever parts of our bodies connect to the earth in the various poses. We learn to root down through these points, so we can then rise up with strength, clarity and stability; much like a well-rooted tree.
Sometimes in our practice, our taproot gets disturbed and we have to rebuild it. After the birth of both of my children, I had to work hard to find the stability and strength in my practice again. Other times in our practice, the locus of our taproot changes. While my physical yoga practice is still very important, the central element now is more the stillness I find in meditation.
There is no right or wrong place to grow that first taproot. It will be different for each of us. And, it will change over time.
What does the idea of a yogic taproot mean to you?
Posts
Lovely blog, Brenda. I like that you list your quotes and class schedule in the sidebar and look forward to seeing more!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I have to think about my taproot a bit.
ReplyDeleteThanks, sis! Love you!
ReplyDelete