Barefoot living - Welcome the Magic of 'Earthing' into Your Everyday Life

Let me start by saying this: I’ve been walking barefoot for as long as I can remember. Not just at home, but outside - in the grass, on the beach, in the garden, in the forest, to the shops - in fact everywhere! On a sunny day, a rainy autumm day and even on a cold frosty winter day. This isn't just a quirky habit of mine (though I fully own that it might look that way) - it’s one of the ways I feel most connected, calm, and alive. Now, as it turns out - this very natural habit of mine has a fancy name - earthing, and it also seems it's 'THE thing' to do right now. It’s a form of natural medicine, one I return to again and again intuitively when I need to reset, recharge, or just come back to myself. Natural. Restorative. Soothing.

Earthing, or grounding, is simply connecting your bare skin - usually your feet, to the Earth. That’s it. No fancy gear, no apps, no subscriptions, no method - pure and simple doing or actually even being. Just skin to soil, grass, sand, or even stone - if you're that way inclined and I definitely am...

The idea is that the Earth carries a subtle electrical charge, and when we touch it, our bodies absorb those electrons. We spend so much time disconnected - rubber soles on pavement, feet confined in boots and shoes, eyes on screens, thoughts spinning in a thousand directions. But the Earth is always there, waiting to support us. When I take my shoes off and step outside, it’s like coming home. It's not just about the physical contact between skin and soil. It’s about remembering that I am nature. It’s about stepping out of the constant buzz of modern life and returning to something raw, simple, and true.

So why would you even contemplate walking around barefoot? After all, let's face it - sadly our environment isn't always as clean and pristine as we would like it to be?Well here are a some thoughts that might tempt you to give it a go:

• Instant calm - Some people meditate. Some people journal. For me, walking barefoot is one of the fastest ways to clear my energy and regulate my nervous system. I literally feel my body slow down, like it’s exhaling. It's become my go-to when I feel overwhelmed or ungrounded.

  
  

• Less Tension, More VitalityI - I’ve noticed that when I spend time barefoot outdoors, especially after a long day of movement or teaching - I feel lighter. My feet and ankles feel more aligned. My hips feel open. My spine lengthens. It’s like my whole system rebalances, bounces back quicker and I can breathe fully!

  
  

• Better Sleep (And Dreams!) - I know it sounds dreamy, but it’s true. On days I ground myself outside - even just for 15 minutes, I sleep more deeply and wake up more refreshed. Sometimes my dreams are clearer, too, as if my subconscious finally got the space to breathe.

  
  

• A deeper connection to Everything - There’s something beautiful about feeling part of the Earth, rather than separate from it, and there's even quantum physics to back this up... When I’m barefoot, I feel connected to nature, to myself, and to the rhythm of life. It's subtle and hard to explain - but it’s like remembering something ancient. Something wild and wise that lives in all of us.

Now, to start 'Earthing' just try this:

• Step barefoot onto your lawn, your garden, or a nearby patch of grass.

• Wiggle your toes. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply.

• Stay for 5–10 minutes. Let the Earth meet you where you are.

If you’re by the beach - amazing! Sand is one of the best grounding surfaces. If not, even a small square of soil or a grounding mat indoors can help. Just start somewhere.

There’s a reason 'Earthing' is becoming more popular in wellness spaces. People are craving simplicity. Authenticity. Connection. This is one of the simplest, most natural ways to reconnect - with the Earth, with your body, and with your sense of inner calm.

You don’t need to be a spiritual guru or health expert. You just need to take off your shoes, be present, and let the Earth do the rest.

Give it a try. You might be surprised by how good it feels to come back to the ground - literally.