Self-Confidence Life Tool - Root Down/Rise Up
“Storms make trees take deeper roots.”
Meet Faking It Fran from Powerful You. Fran struggled with friendships and her posture told the story. With her head forward and her shoulders down, she felt overwhelmed and lived in a state of chaos. To combat fear, Fran anchored her feet into the earth and lifted the crown of her head towards the ceiling. She took a slow, even breath to send a message to her brain to calm down.
She created a rebound effect by rooting down into the ground and rising up through her body. Whatever body part was touching the ground or had the most surface area connected to the ground became her solid base. After rooting and rising tall, she pulled her shoulders back and held her head high to radiate self-confidence. In her head she quietly said, “I fake it to become it.”
Restart your day at any time by coming from a place that feels grounded, connected, balanced and solid.
Use the Root Down/Rise Up Life Tool before the following Powerful You Lessons:
Kindergarten and 1st Grade: Lesson V - Voicing Viv
Grades 2-6: Lesson F - Faking It Fran
Teens: Lesson E - Engaging Ella
Stand or sit tall in (sailor salute) mountain pose to align the body and promote alertness. Press your feet evenly into the earth as you lift your rib cage away from your hips. Look straight ahead and relax your face muscles. Add the following arm variations to stretch your shoulders, wrists, and fingers.
Arms to the Sides - Stretch your arms along your sides with your fingers pointing to the floor. Take 3 even breaths.
Arms Stretched Up - Raise your arms to shoulder level with your palms facing each other. Extend them above your head and push your shoulder blades into your body. Open your palms to the face the front and breathe evenly for 30 seconds.
Bound Hands - Clasp your hands and turn your interlocked palms inside out. Stretch your arms out in front of you at shoulder level. Raise your arms above your head until they are perpendicular to the floor. Breathe evenly for 30 seconds.
Bound Arms - Take your right arm behind your back and hold your left arm just above the elbow. Bend your left arm and take it behind your back to grab your right arm. Breathe for 30 seconds and switch sides.
Hands In Prayer Position - Join your fingertips behind you and point them to the floor. Rotate your wrists so your fingertips point towards your head. Wiggle your palms together and move them up your back. Move your elbows back and down. Breathe evenly for 30 seconds.
Hands Held in the Shape of a Cow’s Face - Raise your right arm and bend your elbow it to touch your fingers on your upper back. Take your left arm behind you and walk the back side of your palm up your spine towards your right hand. Grasp fingers if possible without forcing. Breathe evenly for 30 seconds and switch sides.