Finding My Ground

Stiffness gives way. A sudden surge pulses through my core down to my boots. I shift my weight forward, feeling the solid surface of the mat hold beneath me. Beside me leans another static figure against the ropes. I reach back with one gloved fist, gripping the middle red ring rope. It stretches taut and hums with tension under my grasp. I am grounded, primed, and fully in control.