From the Archive – Jan 2011.
It may seem as though I have been dragging my (unshodden) feet recently, with regard to blogging about being barefoot but to be honest it’s been too damn cold to get my toes out. Last week I only managed to be unshodden four times.
Once whilst launching Marie Curie’s Swimathon at Cardiff International Pool and to be honest, everyone else was unshodden too … obviously!
The second time was for (another) lunch meeting at the infamous Bear Hotel in Crickhowell with the Barefoot Doctor (who, incidentally, was snuggled up in socks and Crocs) and I’ve also managed to squeeze in two barefoot workouts at the gym. Oh and you know what, I also went out to a Chinese restaurant for dinner barefoot too and had to walk a ridiculously long way to and from the car, on cold wet pavements.
Actually, I seem to have been unshodden more often than I initially thought; I wonder if that means it is becoming more ‘normal’? Wow.
I was also close to tears more than once last week, whilst working outdoors in temperatures of -5 and not even being able to feel my feet (or hands) despite them being safely wrapped up in two pairs of socks and neoprene boots. The cold can be cruel; it’s also exhausting. And true to form, the harder it is to do something, the stronger my desire to do it. The steeper the climb, the stronger my desire to see the view from the top. I can’t wait for the better weather so my unshodden journey can really pick up the pace!
I have been doing a little barefoot footwork; I have decided to go to a chiropodist, just to get the ok, to give my feet the best start they can have on this barefoot path; I’ve researched the Vibram Fivefingers – a kind of foot glove (and will be investing in a pair as soon as I can decide which ones); I’ve checked out different types and styles of folding and rolled up shoes which will be sensible to keep in my pocket once I start stepping up my unshodden status (and will be investing in a pair of those too, as soon as I’ve decided which ones!).
But despite being a little indecisive about footwear, I seem to have been ‘finding my feet’ in other areas of my life. Being barefoot is like dropping a mask; I am already feeling more comfortable in my skin; being barefoot suits me. I’m loving the paradox of feeling ‘free’ and yet connected. Light and yet grounded. Authentic yet unconventional.
Since working with the motivational coach Anthony Robbins, I have always been conscious of the importance and value of ‘stepping up’; I just never thought I’d be taking my shoes and socks off to do it.!
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