The "root to rise" principle in yoga refers to the grounding effect of active feet coupled with the lifting effect of opening the chest and shoulders. In previous sections we've discussed the rooting action of the feet and hands in connection to the core and pelvis. In the following sections we'll begin exploring the rising actions of the chest and shoulders.

We can bring greater understanding to the "root to rise" principle by thinking about a tree. The roots of the tree reach down into the earth, providing a strong foundation from which the tree trunk rises. The roots must be able to keep the tree grounded through any storm. The trunk must be tall enough to reach towards the sunlight for sustenance. The higher the rise, the deeper the roots.

In yoga, we can think of our feet, hands and legs as the roots of our tree, grounding us into the earth. Our spine, chest and shoulders are the tree trunk, rising up towards the light.