Walking barefoot.
Two of my favorite words in the English language. The practice of walking barefoot, also known as “earthing,” has gone from being a playful, quirky trend, to a scientifically-researched routine with a number of significant health outcomes.
“A study found that earthing changed the electrical activity in the brain, as measured by electroencephalograms. Still other research found that grounding benefitted skin conductivity, moderated heart rate variability, improved glucose regulation, reduced stress and supported immune function.” (Source: MBG). I would argue that doctors might consider prescribing a barefoot walk, for everyone.
I would also argue an equally significant benefit is that when you walk with no shoes, you are immediately invited to presence. Each step is different. Each step is vital. Each step is dynamic.
Try this. Find a clean patch of grass / cement / dirt road / brick / sand and walk the path with your shoes on, while carefully looking at the surface. Look for anything that may hurt your feet. Now go back and take off your shoes, and see what a difference this makes on your stress level, on your well-being, on your mood. Walk. Simply walk on the Earth. Walk the Earth and take up the benefits. Now pause, and wiggle your toes.
On Instagram, I asked, “Do you walk barefoot? Why?”
Here were some of the wonderful responses:
“YES! It makes me feel connected.”
“I walk barefoot for all the sensations.”
“Yes, I love feeling the earth on my feet.”
“It feels free.”
“Barefoot is a way of life.”
“Nature is good for the soul/sole.”
“Yesss, I am a Reiki Master and this is how I get grounded.”
“Walking barefoot in the grass…nothing makes me feel more that it is summer.”
“On earth, grass, sand — yes! It takes me back to childhood, or perhaps, to my primordial roots.”
Barefoot healing. Try it.
Libby DeLana is an award-winning executive creative director, designer/art director by trade, who has spent her career in the ad world. Click here to get your copy of Libby’s first published book, Do Walk. You can connect with Libby on Instagram @thismorningwalk and @parkhere.