In your mind, draw a line connecting the center of each point of contact on the foot below. It makes a triangle. In actuality, the lines would be curved a bit, making a funky looking triangle. The line on the left is the lateral longitudinal arch. The line across the top is the transverse arch and the line along the right is the medial longitudinal arch (the star of the Thankful ankles post). They make up the supporting structures of the foot. It makes sense the endpoints of these arches are the optimal points of contact we make with the ground. Let’s connect with them.
Can you locate each of these points? From a standing position, find the spot on your right heel, then move up the medial longitudinal arch to the ball of the foot and across the transverse arch to the little ball of the foot then back down the lateral longitudinal arch to the heel. Spend a minute connecting with these points and the space between them. Notice how the arches respond as you do this. It’s very organic movement. You can reverse directions if you like. Go for a little walk and compare how your freshly mapped foot feels in relation to the other foot and repeat the process there. Are you able to sense these points as you walk?
When you find yourself standing in line or from time to time, connect and balance these contact points. Notice if you have a tendency to bear more weight over the heels or balls of your feet. Maybe you stand more on the heel of one foot and the ball of another. Maybe it’s hard to feel or connect with one of these points. If that’s the case, give that point some extra attention and take notice of the result. You may find yourself making changes somewhere else in your body.
There’s a whole lot more a we can discuss about our feet, however, we are going to head up the body and take a closer look at the arms next. As we move along the arms and map the hands, we’ll revisit the toes and feet for a spell.