Have you ever considered your feet as being the window to your soul? Reiki Master Ann Gadd explains why you should

Many of us find our feet unacceptable, either because of their shape or their smell! But how many of us realise everything that occurs on our feet - from warts to bunions - often reflects our innermost feelings?

Former advertising executive Ann Gadd now studies feet, as well as being a successful Reiki Master, counsellor, artist and writer. In her fascinating new book, Finding Your Feet: How the Sole reflects the Soul, she explains why so much emphasis is put on our feet.

'Simply because we always carry our feet with us; they are very visible and consequently easy to examine and have aspects that are very apparent,' she says. 'When I look at someone's feet, I often feel as if I am talking to an old person who is full of stories that are just waiting to be told.

'Often, after the story has been heard and the emotions that accompany their telling are released, the feature that attracted my attention clears or alters.'

According to Ann, the appearance of a cut or callus on the foot is relevant to a person's emotional make-up, and yet more insight can be gained with regards to the location of where such symptoms occur.

The foot is divided into seven 'chakras', each relating to the seven main chakras or energy centres, found on the body. These form the total energetic make-up of an individual and problems in these various areas relate to many of the phrases we use in our everyday life.

For instance, the first chakra relates to the heel and the small toe area of the foot, and represents fear and anger (feeling physically afraid or threatened). Its key words are fight or flight.

As it relates to our connection to mother earth and consequently feeling rooted or connected, Ann describes how someone with a large heel could consequently be well grounded while someone with a small or very narrow heel may be more etheric, airy or impractical.

Ann says, 'Do you feel well-heeled or down at heel? Does life make you want to take to your heels or stand rooted to the spot in fright? Do you find it hard to cool your heels? Do you quickly get impatient with situations or people?'

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