Finding your feet

Studying the feet is a non-invasive way of understanding yourself or someone you are working with, and can be particularly useful with children who are not always able to explain their emotions. Ann adds, 'By becoming aware of our soles as more than just the bottom of our feet, we become aware of our souls and so have a tool to plumb the depths of our own being, to reach a greater degree of self-understanding, on the road to becoming more conscious.'

Foot facts

Take a look at your own feet - a mirror can be useful to ensure you see the entire sole - and think about whether any if these aspects ring true for you.

Athlete's Foot and Fungus problems:

Key issues - sadness and hurt at needing or wanting the approval and recognition of others for our efforts, thoughts or ideas and not receiving the recognition we crave. It is also important to look at where the fungus most commonly appears.

In order to heal Athlete's Foot, we have to let go of the need for acceptance and approval from others. As long as we continue to seek recognition and emotional reward from others, we put ourselves in a position of constantly being manipulated or drained by them. We have to work at giving approval to ourselves and acknowledge our own accomplishments without the need for recognition by others.

Corns and Calluses:

Key issues - hardening of self to protect one's vulnerability; shutting off; not wanting to see, hear, speak, feel, etc.
One needs to ask where we have become stuck? Why are you afraid to move ahead? What is holding you back from doing what you want to do? Does your family still govern your life? Is it not time to start living your life the way you want to? What can you do to bring about the desired change?

High Arches:

Key issues - perfectionism.
The message is: let go, ease up and stop setting unrealistic goals that leave you feeling down when you don't achieve them. Realise people will love you for who you are rather than how perfect you or your surroundings appear.

To buy a copy of Finding Your Feet: How the Sole reflects the Soul by Ann Gadd, contact Findhorn Press at 305a The Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TE, Scotland (tel 01309 690582/fax 01309 690036)
Or visit www.findhornpress.com