
The world in which we live is a curious place. We are
constantly surrounded by varying sights, sounds, textures, smells, and sensory
stimuli. Every inch of the earth has some small variation that makes it
uniquely distinct in its own special way.
More often than not we disregarded the world around us, forgetting the
subtleties that comprise our overall perception of reality.
I personally am a very kinesthetic, tactile person. I have
to use my hands and body to learn and understand the world around me. I have to
touch the coarse velvet of a leaf with its subtle drops of dew to understand
the way the northwest likes to start its mornings. I have to wade in the river
and feel the cool, wet stones and racing current of the stream to realize the
journey this water is on and the environment is has created to be conducive to
life. I have to gain my insight on life through my senses in order to stay
connected with the world. If I were merely to sit and perceive life with no
further exploration, I would become numb to the world. I thrive on the changes
of textures, tones, and sensations. The dance of the leaves over my hand in the
wind or the sharp pricks of cruel gusts that slap themselves across my face
each imprint a unique code on my body. Each sensation resonates differently
throughout me, but these sensations would be lost without my continual need to
go out and experience them first hand.

Being barefoot in an unfamiliar environment is one thing, but
walking around town to places you’ve visited a hundred times is a very
different experience. It’s humbling to stand in a place you’ve only perceived
through your eyes, and then re-walk the area, understanding it in a new light
through your feet. The tough stones and blistering cement lend a different mood
then could have other wise been experienced with shoes.
Hiking is now one of my favorite barefoot activities. My
friend Cody and I hiked Green Mountain a few weeks ago and decided to go off
trail for a while. Taking our shoes off
we spent well over an hour crawling and climbing our way through dense forest,
moss covered boulders, and prickling cold streams. To experience the texture
and physical changes of the environment beneath our feet was incredible. From
rough, coarse wood to soft, bouncy moss. Over crushed bumpy leaves and slick
jagged rocks. Feeling the sting of ice-cold water swirl around your toes, to
the small tickle of critters running along your feet gave such a serine spot
and even more magical appearance.

My challenge to you is to take some time, pull those shoes
off for a while, and just see what lies beneath your feet. I’m not saying sizzle
your feet on hot pavement or walk on a bed of coals, I’m just saying next time
you go to the park or are walking around the yard try to kick those shoes off
for a while. You might just be surprised at the unusual sensations you’ll
discover.