Hey fellow yogis!

So, guess what? I want to chat about one of my absolute favorite things ever: the foundations of yoga!  It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about, and love sharing with anyone that wants to listen. Seriously, I could ramble on about this stuff forever (and if you let me, I just might!).There’s just something about the basics of yoga that gets me all fired up.  

In the world of yoga, there’s a golden rule that resonates deeply with me: “Watch your base; be attentive to the portion nearest the floor,” as famously stated by BKS Iyengar. This simple yet profound concept lies at the very core of every yoga pose—it’s all about establishing a solid foundation.

Think of your body as a building. Just like a sturdy foundation supports a skyscraper, a solid foundation in your yoga pose provides the support you need to rise up and expand. As Iyengar aptly put it, “If the foundation is firm, the building can withstand anything.”

Every pose in yoga has its foundation. Whether you’re standing tall in Mountain Pose or finding balance in Handstand, your foundation is key. Take Downward-Facing Dog, for example—it’s not just your hands or feet, but both working together to create stability. Similarly, Side Plank Pose relies on the strength of one hand and the side of one foot for support.

Identifying your foundation is the first step. Once you’ve grounded yourself, focus on actively pressing the relevant body parts evenly into the floor. Pay attention to every aspect of your foundation, even the parts you may tend to overlook. From this place of strength, you can then lift, extend, or lengthen with confidence.

So, next time you step onto your mat, remember the importance of your foundation. By building a strong base, you’ll find yourself reaching new heights in your practice and experiencing surprisingly positive results!

View our class schedule to book your next Foundations Friday class! (First Friday of every month)