Post: #1

This is Day 19 of Live a Healthier Life in 21 Days Challenge. Subscribe to the free newsletter for lifetime access of personal development articles and future challenge announcements like this one.

Welcome everyone - Today is Day 19 and we are just 2 days away from the end of 21DHL.

Day 19: Go Barefoot Walking



Today's task is about barefoot walking. I wrote about Barefoot Running/Walking and 10 benefits of doing so in May last year. In the article, I shared the experience of my first barefoot walk:

First thing I felt when I stepped out of my house was how cooling and smooth the surface of the pavements were. I never realized this since I always wore shoes going out. I felt present and connected with every step as I walked over to the lift, stood around in the lobby and took the lift down to the ground level.

As I walked to the park, I walked on different surfaces, including concrete pavements, roads (asphalt concrete) and cemented ground. It was interesting feeling the different textures and temperatures of the grounds – definitely something I had not paid attention to with shoes on. Concrete pavements felt very cooling and smooth – as if you can just slide on them. Roads felt rough and grainy.. somewhat prickly too. Cemented grounds felt like an in-between of concrete and roads.

It was just 2 minutes walking to the path, and I already felt more mindful and present than my normal self when walking with shoes. I was aware of every step I take, how it felt and my connection with the ground whenever my foot touched base with it.

The thing about barefoot walking/running is that it has helped me feel more connected and more aware of the whole walking/running process. In the past when I run, I would just feel the cool air and soak in the sights of the sky/trees/stars while running. Walking/Running barefoot has added a new dimension – I feel a whole level of connectedness to the ground, and the universe itself. Every step I take, I’m aware. Every time my foot touches the ground, I can feel both the ground and my foot. During my walk/run, I am present, of myself, my posture, my surroundings, my environment.

Not only that, barefoot walking/running gives you stronger feet. Shoe wearing over the years has made our feet weak and soft. In fact, some of us wear poor-fitted shoes that cramp our toes/feet. Here's an interesting excerpt from an article "Go Barefoot to Get Stronger":

Quote:Through years of wearing shoes, our feet lose their tactile capacity, which is bad enough. But they also fail to develop to their proper size and shape. Tendons and ligaments shorten, muscles weaken, and the risk for foot and ankle injuries increases.

If it sounds like the ancient Chinese tradition of binding the feet, it kinda is. "It's identical, but to a lesser degree," Rooney says. "Shoes crush the foot into abnormal positions and you don't get the movement the foot is designed for."

Today, I'd like to invite you to walk barefoot outside of your home. Not go to work barefoot (unless your office is cool with this sort of thing), but to just get outside for 10, 15 minutes today and walk without footwear. Do it during morning or evening when the ground is cool. You can do it while you're out doing grocery shopping or simply walking/strolling around your neighborhood. If you run/jog, try running barefoot during your runs!

If there's snow in your area (like for Matt and Xina), then don't try the task just yet! You can do so when the snow clears up and winter is over.

Day 19 of Your 21-Day Action Plan

What are your 21DHL tasks listed for today? Do them with excellence and report them in your 21DHL Journal! Also, read your group mates' 21DHL journals and cheer them along! Pick a few members' journals and make it a point to post meaningful replies there.

Share Your Progress!
How was your barefoot walk/run? Is this your first time walking/running barefoot? Feel free to share with everyone here.

"If you want to get something you have never gotten before, you've to do something you've never done before."
Personal Excellence - For people passionate about achieving excellence in life

Post: #2

I just love this so much and I would go barefoot outside in a minute, if the ground wouldn`t be wet and freezing outside
I can join you in this task only through some dear memories for the moment and through real action since March.. I can`t wait for it!

I started walking barefoot 6 or 7 years ago thanks to my dad, he suggested it to me one day while we were walking on the mountain, telling me about the benefits of walking barefoot and challenging me to do it..
My first experience with walking barefoot on little rocks of all shapes was a little bit painful (I can still remember all the sensations so well! ) and I made the funniest noises during it, but I was also enjoying it so much and I loved doing it since then..
It was amazing to feel through my feet the softness of the grass, the warmth of the ground, the sweet touch of moss and roots, the strength of the rocks, plus the incredible vitality of the mountain - all these made me to be very present - just like you said, Celes (I was very careful watching the road at the beginning, but soon I started to trust my own feet more than any shoe) and to feel myself so alive and connected with the mountain and forest and even with the Earth..
I walked barefoot on the asphalt as well on our road to home and it felt so refreshing and safe then, especially after a long walk on rocks and steep crests.

Since then, every time when I`m walking in nature at home or into a park from here between Spring and Autumn, my feet are simply begging me to let them walk free through grass and flowers, through dew drops, sand, in the water from rain or streams and even on the snow that remained on the mountain during Spring - this was another awesome and unforgettable experience!

Thank you so much for including this task and reminding me about this "best natural massage for the soles", Celes, I hope everyone will enjoy this fabulous task as much as I did in the past (and I will do again from this Spring )

Wishing you to enjoy a wonderful barefoot walk, everybody!

Post: #3

I probably have to wait 6 months before I can try this. We have so much snow, some snow banks are as tall as I am or taller than I am, it will take a long time to melt.

Qin Tang
Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Post: #4

(01-19-2011 01:40 PM)Qin_Tang Wrote:  I probably have to wait 6 months before I can try this.

I think this would be nice in the summer. We had some days of spring here in munich, but now it's to cold. In my home I use to walk just with some sox on. This is near by.

Have fun the last days of 21 DHL.

A big hug for all.

Steve

Post: #5

Celes, I've been doing this since reading your article about it last year. Well, at least when the weather's been warm enough. In the colder months I would wear socks though.

Glenn Thomas - Sydney, Australia
Avene Website | Personal Website | Facebook Page | Twitter

Post: #6

Quote:Do it during morning or evening when the ground is cool

Hee hee as others have said - here in the Northern hemisphere the ground isn't cool in the morning or evening - its pretty frosty right now but I do look forward to this task later in the year! Maybe I can walk around the office a bit haha - could be jobless by the end of the day

Post: #7

Hi!! Celes

Barefoot walking..great way of feeling alive to sensations....Our feet are very sensitive...

At home we walk barefoot...you can say religious or hygienic concern..all our footwear remain outside the main door in a safely closed shelf...

Post: #8

(01-19-2011 07:40 PM)Jyothirmayee Wrote:  At home we walk barefoot...you can say religious or hygienic concern..all our footwear remain outside the main door in a safely closed shelf...

The same with us! My wife is Japanese and we have the Japanese (and Asian tradition) of taking the shoes off at the front door. I find walking outside barefoot can be quite dangerous with so many sharp objects - sticks and gum nuts from the gum trees, so I always wear sandals (we call them "thongs")

I will try the barefoot walking on the weekend at a suitable place and time.

I wonder what your Day 20 and Day 21 challenges will be?
- Take a long hot bath
- Get a massage
- Spend the day at a spa/health resort
- Get your photograph taken showing your radiant, glowing health

Post: #9

Fortunately, I am traveling this week so I am able to do this task. If I was home I wouldn't step foot outside for fear of frostbite.

There is construction going on all around where I am staying here in San Diego, CA so I decided to do my barefoot walking at the beach.

Yesterday I went to a park in Coronado and walked along the water's edge. Exiting the car, the pavement was warm and rough and I had to step cautiously over the tiny pebbles strewn about by the weather. The soles of my feet are reactive to any stimulation to the point of being hyper-sensitive.

Six steps later, cool, fresh green grass tickled the soles of my feet as I made my way to the shoreline. I found myself gently lifting my feet and gliding them over the grass, enjoying just a whisper of a massage.

Grass gave way to compacted, wet sand and my feet and toes responded with a tightening and purposeful grip, pulling grains of sand into the crook of my toes and flinging it backward with every step, joining my trail of footprints in the sand.

I love walking in the sand because it stimulates all my leg muscles and with very little effort I get a pretty good workout. And, the scent of salty air and sound of mildy crashing waves was intoxicating in a way that a glass of wine never could be. Life at it's finest--in my book.

Post: #10

I love been bare foot, when I´m at home I´m always without shoes, you get an awesome sence of freedom.

One day I went out running shoeless and people where looking like "Oh por homeless boy, he has no money to buy some cool super athletic Nike sneakers" ... It was pretty funny, even an old lady was like "Put on some shoes, you´re gonna hurt yourself, this young boys are crazy!!!"

So form that day on , I started to do it on nights or very, very early in the morning.....is not an habit, but I do it when I fell like it.

Thanks for this tip, is awesome

=)

Post: #11

(01-19-2011 09:32 PM)ozcaveman Wrote:  

(01-19-2011 07:40 PM)Jyothirmayee Wrote:  At home we walk barefoot...you can say religious or hygienic concern..all our footwear remain outside the main door in a safely closed shelf...

The same with us! My wife is Japanese and we have the Japanese (and Asian tradition) of taking the shoes off at the front door.

Same here! Actually I'm surprised - I thought it's a universal thing not to wear shoes at home? Do people in Western countries wear footwear even at home?

(01-19-2011 09:32 PM)ozcaveman Wrote:  I wonder what your Day 20 and Day 21 challenges will be?
- Take a long hot bath
- Get a massage
- Spend the day at a spa/health resort
- Get your photograph taken showing your radiant, glowing health

Day 21 will be review/reflection day like on Days 7 and 14 (end of each week, whereas this is for the end of the whole challenge)

Day 20... I think it'll actually be quite close to the heart for you Charles! You'll know in a minute! I'm putting it up soon. (Wanted to have it up yesterday but had an early rest for the day)

By the way Charles, I just got your book!! Thank you SO much and for the lovely card too! I took a pic and will be sharing in my journal later today along with my new food pics. Really looking forward to read it.

(01-20-2011 05:53 AM)Francisco Wrote:  One day I went out running shoeless and people where looking like "Oh por homeless boy, he has no money to buy some cool super athletic Nike sneakers" ... It was pretty funny, even an old lady was like "Put on some shoes, you´re gonna hurt yourself, this young boys are crazy!!!"

LOL. I get people coming up to me every now and then (when I'm running in the morning - I find people are lower in their inhibitions and much more open during mornings) asking me if it's painful to run without shoes! I always give them a big smile and say no it doesn't at all. I think barefoot culture is a great emerging trend and it's very run to run without shoes - gives a great sense of freedom and groundedness to the earth. I haven't ran with shoes since I first started barefoot running in May last year (with the exception of 1 time in Jul last year or so - I tried it just to see how it would compare after going barefoot running, and it was uncomfortable and my feet was sore all after for a few days. It made me realize how much the shoes were inhibiting my feet when running)

"If you want to get something you have never gotten before, you've to do something you've never done before."
Personal Excellence - For people passionate about achieving excellence in life

Post: #12

(01-20-2011 07:03 AM)Celes Wrote:  Same here! Actually I'm surprised - I thought it's a universal thing not to wear shoes at home? Do people in Western countries wear footwear even at home?

By the way Charles, I just got your book!! Thank you SO much and for the lovely card too! I took a pic and will be sharing in my journal later today along with my new food pics. Really looking forward to read it.

Great to hear the book arrived safely. Enjoy it ! (The Tipping Point)

Australians often wear shoes inside the house. I keep asking my mother
to take her shoes off at our place otherwise dirt and sand get walked
in! I like the idea of "inside" and "outside" and shoes belong outside.

My piano teacher is Taiwanese and it is amusing to arrive at her house
and see the small shoes (belonging to her young students) on the front porch. I am used to operating piano pedals with bare feet or wearing socks

Charles

Post: #13

Unfortunately, it's so cold here that I have to wear socks under my shearling slippers. The only time I'm barefoot in this weather is when I'm in the bath or in bed!

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

~The Summer Day, Mary Oliver

Post: #14

This is an interesting one for me. It's a little cold here, so I'll wait on this one. We do wear shoes in the house sometimes. I like to wear my supportive clogs around or slippers.

Post: #15

Oh, man I so want to try this. Too bad we are supposed to get another three inches of snow tonight I'm definitely going barefoot walking or jogging as soon as spring comes though. I think it will be a lot of fun. There is a park close to my home where I will go.

Has anybody here tried using Vibram shoes or know anybody who has? These are interesting and I haven't heard much about them except for what I have seen in advertisements.

Andreea, you make walking in nature sound like so much fun. I'm going to have to find a place where I can do the same. I'm not sure where I can go since my city is surrounded by farmland. The only place out in nature that I can think of is by a local river but every time I have been down there I have found a lot of trash and broken bottles which I think is leftover by bums. I'm sure I'll be able to find a nice spot if I just keep searching though.

Celes, do you know the total distance you jog when you are at the park? Is it a large park?

Post: #16

Hey Matt! I haven't tried Vibram but after 2/3s of a year of running everywhere without shoes (I run outside of parks too), I think it's really not necessary to get one. Overall I think as long as you're mindful and watchful of your steps as you run (which is what the whole barefoot running experience is about too), it'll be fine. But if there are a LOT of weird, foreign objects lying all around your pavements, then you should consider getting one!

As for total distance, the longest I've jogged is about 4km or so. It's actually a park connector (there are quite a few in Singapore) that links up different parts of Singapore together. Makes it easier for people to cycle from one place to the next by having 1 long track, also doubles up great for strolling and joggers/runners alike.

"If you want to get something you have never gotten before, you've to do something you've never done before."
Personal Excellence - For people passionate about achieving excellence in life

Post: #17

It's quite difficult to walk barefoot here as the pavements are not clean, and it's risky as well. During daytime in any case, the asphalt to really too hot.
I do love barefoot walking, but I usually do that on grass or on the sand at the beach.

Post: #18

Oh yeah, I see you, I just get a big laugh and keep doing it ojojojooojoj

(01-20-2011 07:03 AM)Celes Wrote:  LOL. I get people coming up to me every now and then (when I'm running in the morning - I find people are lower in their inhibitions and much more open during mornings) asking me if it's painful to run without shoes! I always give them a big smile and say no it doesn't at all. I think barefoot culture is a great emerging trend and it's very run to run without shoes - gives a great sense of freedom and groundedness to the earth. I haven't ran with shoes since I first started barefoot running in May last year (with the exception of 1 time in Jul last year or so - I tried it just to see how it would compare after going barefoot running, and it was uncomfortable and my feet was sore all after for a few days. It made me realize how much the shoes were inhibiting my feet when running)