Having a stable base is especially important in our daily life and learning how to connect our feet into the ground is one of the first principles taught in Tai Chi. The feet are the root of the body posture and like the roots of a tree they create a stable base. If they are relaxed and flexible, they can spread out giving us a wide a base of support allowing us to adjust our balance and reduce the risk of falling.

Here is an exercise to help you find your feet. Stand in an upright posture with your feet apart, hold onto a firm support if you are unsteady. Can you feel the soles of your feet resting gently on the floor? Very slowly move your weight over to the left. Can you feel how the pressure increases under the sole of your left foot and simultaneously has decreased under the right foot? Repeat to the right side and then return to the centre. You can also feel the pressure changes as you move your weight forward onto your toes and back onto your heels. Repeat as necessary throughout the day.