I have always been a fan of being barefoot on as many terrains as possible - the fascia loves it (google: proprioception) and it helps mobilise and strengthen the feet and ankles. I often tell the story of the research that was done finding that, in our ancestors, it was the structure of the feet that changed, allowing their hands to be free and then their brains to develop. We often think it worked in reverse: bigger brain = use of tools = bipedalism. But that’s not the case. Our feet are at the base of it all - literally.
So why do we squeeze our poor feet into socks and shoes, and get grossed out by weird toes and toe jam? We should be celebrating our feet! Right now, spread your toes wide and then wiggle them. Give your feet a squeeze and show them some gratitude - without them, we’re disconnected from the earth below us.
Another benefit of walking barefoot outside is that we pick up electrons from the earth. This is known as grounding. This is particularly important for our mitochondria. Most people know that the mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells. What you might not know is that these organelles are really sensitive - they may even get damaged by being bumped into by other organelles or products in the cell (shame.) Their DNA is very susceptible to damage and has a limited repair system. Damage caused by free radicals can lead to mutations, diseases and other conditions.
Free radicals are a reactive atom (or group of atoms) containing one or more unpaired electrons. When an electron is donated to them, they stabilise. That’s why antioxidants are so important - they stabilise free radicals. We cannot avoid free radicals. In fact, they are formed inside the mitochondria during ATP creation, for example!
So, by grounding, we pick up free electrons which are donated to the free radicals, stabilising them and reducing the damage done to the mitochondria. Malfunctioning mitochondria are associated with neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue, hormone dysfunctions, fibromyalgia and ophthalmic problems. To avoid the pain, frustration and expense of these issues, I’ll stand barefoot outside - even in winter!
Although I spend a lot of time barefoot, I have not ever had a conscious daily grounding practice. This is probably because the recommended duration is 20-30 minutes, which feels overwhelming because my days are so full already! After a talk with some clients in a morning class, I decided that setting a micro goal may be the way to tackle this overwhelm: can I spend just 10 minutes a day grounding, for 7 days?
It worked! 10 minutes felt doable for me. Some days the 10 minutes were completed in the morning with a glass of water or cup of tea. Some days they were completed in the afternoon with the cats. Most days the 10 minutes became 15. One day it felt difficult and I had to force myself to stand outside; it felt like a long 10 minutes, but I felt so much better for it.
Overall, this practice left me feeling calm and stable, yet energised. It is something I will continue to be more mindful about: I want my mitochondria to be happy, so they can be the most effective powerhouses, supporting my health and healing journey.
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