Hey ppl, I need some help. Recently I have been barefooting mostly at night or in places where there are very few people. I guess I feel embarassed when someone sees me (especially if they say something to me). Do any of you have any ideas on how to overcome this fear?
i used to worry, sorta, about what people would say. i'd think of every possible thing someone might same.. and then nothing. no one seemed to care that much. once in a while someone comments and i've already got a witty comeback to it. just do it.. it's your body.. your feet.. ANIMAL DON'T WEAR SHOES! why should humans?
I have to tell you, there is really no easy solution besides keeping your feet exposed. I've held on to the embarrasement factor for years, summer after summer. My suggestion would wear flip flops as much as possible, when you feel confident kick them off and go barefoot. If by chance a situation becomes too troubling slip them back on and remove them once again when your confidence returns. Like many difficulties, it gets easier over time with each time you bare 'em.
Most fears such as this stem from not wishing to be disapproved of by others. Keep in mind that what you are doing is not only right, but is a clear expression of literally "walking lightly" on the earth with humility and forbearance. It is also a physical discipline much like martial arts, requiring daily practice to become proficient (when is the last time you met someone embarrassed about being a black belt)? With that standpoint in mind, formulate your answers to the inevitable questions (regarding your bare feet) in advance and be ready to speak honestly, non confrontationally and without dogmatism. You'll find that when you have the answers to the questions in advance, your confidence will grow exponentially with each encounter. A time will come when you look forward to these encounters and the friendships and good will created from them.
I hear people making snide remarks and other more obvious comments about my going barefoot all the time. I just ignore those people. There's a lot of people in the world and I don't care to ever know those rude judgemental conformists anyway. I don't give in to their fears and peer pressures. My good friends all respect me and my ways just fine and they're the people I'll spend my time with.
sometimes i like to think about all the other barefeet touching the earth at the same time as me.. animal and man :grouphug:
Dude, the comments soon die away after a while. One thing I don't get is that, whilst over here (The UK) Nobody really gives a shit if your barefoot, in the states there's an almost segregationist attitude amongst non barefooters. It's amazing the differences in opinion...
Yay good point Boog, I often think of that too. Like all over the world there must be millions of people and animals casually walking around barefoot at any given moment.
Yeah, you'd think a park would be a normal place to go barefoot, but I still get "acknowledged" and "indicated by finger" there... <_<
I've had the same experience. Everywhere from Asia to Europe, the most significant response I usually get is one of surprise and/or interest. In certain areas of the mainland US, I often see outright hostility. There are, of course, exceptions, but they are just that.
