“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair” ― Kahlil Gibran

In her poem “If I Had My Life Over – I’d Pick More Daisies”, Nadine Stair writes:

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds….

Kids are a great inspiration to take life less seriously and also to stay grounded. Whenever possible they want to loose their shoes and go barefoot.

For kids it is especially important, because letting them go barefoot, allows their feet to grow and to walk more gently, putting less pressure on heels. Going barefoot also strengthens the feet and lower legs, developing all together a healthier body awareness.

When we’re barefoot, we naturally walk more gently, with a shorter stride, putting less pressure on our heels. Our knees bend to cushion the shock of each step.

There is something magical and powering when your body has a direct connection to the Earth.

I am confident we all need more connection to the Earth. Walks in the forest, fresh air, late night swims under a shining moon and walking barefoot as much as possible, among many other things.

I have read very little on the science behind it all. Reportedly grounding helps restore your natural electrical state in your body, thin your blood, alleviate inflammation throughout your body.

To me there is this mystical energy, when your bare feet touch the ground and you start feeling the surface. In a way you become more alive, regaining your connection to the Earth.

We spend our days very often in rubber, plastic or leather shoes, walking on synthetic materials, breathing in air that is far from fresh, all in part disconnecting us from the Earth and nature.

From my experience, it has become more important than ever, to find time to connect with the Earth in this way.

Simply by getting outside, barefoot, touching the Earth, you quickly start feeling grounded.

When you focus on the ground below you, how your feet react to the surface below, the sun on your skin, fresh air filling your lungs and soft wind playing with your hair, it is a moment worth experiencing.

Going barefoot is a joy to the senses and your physical body, no matter your age.

So whenever possible, kick off those shoes and enjoy your feet and the playground below.

Feel the soft warm sand at the beach, the morning dew on grass, muddy trail in the woods, small rocks in the backyard, rough bark of a climbing tree, or even a soft snow and crispy ice during winter…