Susie Spades (Official Website)
Barefoot Lifestyle
Barefoot: Living the Freedom of Natural Footwear
For me, going barefoot isn’t just about comfort; it’s a lifestyle, a personal choice that reflects my deep commitment to living authentically and naturally. I’ve been barefoot for nearly a decade, and for me, it is as much a part of who I am as breathing. My bare feet are a statement, a reminder of the freedom I cherish, and an integral part of my connection with the world around me.
The Path to Barefoot Living
My journey towards living barefoot began long before I ever consciously made the choice. As a child, I loved running around outdoors, feeling the ground beneath my feet. There was a pure joy in it, a simple pleasure that no pair of shoes could replicate. Over the years, I found that the more I embraced barefoot living, the more I felt connected to nature and the more attuned I became to my own body and its needs.
By 2015, I made the decision to stop wearing shoes entirely. For me, it was a declaration of independence, of shedding societal norms that dictated how I should present myself and live. I had already embraced naturism and felt that being barefoot was an extension of my desire to live as naturally and authentically as possible. Since then, I haven’t worn shoes or footwear of any kind, and I’ve never looked back.
Physical Benefits of Going Barefoot
One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of living barefoot has been the improvement in my overall health, particularly my foot health. Our feet are designed to be bare; they are full of nerve endings, muscles, and ligaments that help us stay balanced, connected, and aware of our surroundings. When we wear shoes, we often restrict the natural movement of our feet, leading to problems like poor posture, joint pain, and weakened muscles.
Going barefoot has allowed me to strengthen the muscles in my feet and lower legs, improving my balance and posture. My arches have naturally strengthened over time, and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in aches and pains that I used to experience when wearing shoes. The feeling of the ground beneath my feet, whether it's soft grass, warm sand, or cool earth, provides a sensory connection that is incredibly grounding and comforting.
Additionally, walking barefoot has improved my circulation. Without the restrictive nature of shoes, my feet are free to move naturally, promoting better blood flow. I’ve found that my energy levels have increased as a result of this improved circulation, and my general sense of well-being has become more aligned with the rhythms of the earth.
Emotional and Mental Clarity
Going barefoot is not just physically liberating; it’s emotionally and mentally liberating as well. When I walk barefoot, I feel more connected to myself and the world around me. It’s as though the ground beneath me offers an anchor to the present moment, allowing me to experience life more fully and with greater mindfulness.
Shoes, while functional, often create a barrier between ourselves and the world. They separate us from the earth we live on. Walking barefoot, on the other hand, helps me stay grounded, literally and figuratively. There’s something incredibly calming and soothing about walking barefoot, particularly when I’m outdoors. The feeling of cool grass or warm sand beneath my feet offers a kind of sensory meditation that brings clarity to my mind.
Living barefoot has become an exercise in mindfulness. It’s about feeling each step I take, being conscious of the world beneath me, and allowing my mind and body to be fully immersed in the experience of the present moment. When I’m barefoot, I’m not thinking about the past or worrying about the future; I’m simply existing in the now.
Social Liberation
When I first made the decision to go barefoot full-time, I was initially worried about how others would perceive me. The truth is, society places a lot of emphasis on appearances, and being barefoot is often seen as rebellious or non-conformist. However, over time, I’ve found that going barefoot has actually been an act of social liberation.
By choosing to go barefoot, I’m reclaiming my autonomy and rejecting the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Shoes are often worn not just for protection, but as a way of adhering to social norms. By going barefoot, I’m choosing to step outside of that box. I’ve realized that people are generally more intrigued by my lifestyle than judgmental, and my barefoot living has opened the door for conversations about freedom, authenticity, and self-expression.
Through this experience, I’ve come to understand that the way we choose to live, whether we wear shoes or not, shouldn’t be dictated by what others think. Going barefoot has empowered me to live unapologetically, embracing who I am and how I choose to exist in the world.
Connection to Nature and the Environment
One of the most profound reasons I choose to live barefoot is my deep connection to the natural world. I’ve always felt more at peace when I’m outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature. When I’m barefoot, I feel like I am truly in tune with the earth, experiencing it in its purest form.
Walking barefoot allows me to connect with the textures of the world; whether it’s the roughness of gravel, the softness of moss, or the warmth of sun-baked earth. These sensory experiences are not just physical, they are emotional and spiritual as well. Each step I take barefoot is a reminder that I am part of the natural world. The earth, in all its beauty and imperfection, is my grounding force, and walking barefoot allows me to stay connected to it at all times.
As a full-time nomad, I embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes sustainability, minimalism, and environmental consciousness. My choice to live barefoot aligns with my values of respecting and protecting the environment. Going barefoot allows me to feel the earth more directly and be more mindful of the world around me; whether it’s the grass beneath my feet or the soil that sustains the plants I encounter on my travels. Every step I take barefoot is a reminder that I am part of something much larger than myself.
The Joy of Simplicity
Living barefoot is, in many ways, an exercise in simplicity. There’s a freedom in not having to worry about shoes; no ties to tighten, no blisters to tend to, no weather-specific footwear to choose. I can go anywhere, do anything, and all I need are my feet.
This simplicity extends beyond just footwear; it’s a lifestyle choice that encompasses my entire approach to life. By embracing the bare essentials, living barefoot, embracing naturism, and simplifying my journey as a nomad, I’ve created a life that is free from unnecessary distractions and possessions. I live with purpose, with authenticity, and with a deep connection to the world around me.
The Joy of Sharing My Story
One of the most rewarding aspects of my barefoot lifestyle is the opportunity to share it with others. Through my blog, social media, and in my everyday interactions, I’m able to encourage others to consider a barefoot lifestyle, to explore the freedom it offers, and to step away from the pressures of society’s expectations. I believe that if more people embraced barefoot living, they would feel the same sense of freedom, connection, and empowerment that I do.
For me, going barefoot is not just a way of living; it’s a way of being. It’s a reminder to slow down, connect with the earth, and live authentically. It’s a lifestyle that I will continue to embrace, not just for the physical benefits, but for the emotional, mental, and spiritual freedom it brings. Living barefoot is a journey, and it’s one that I am grateful to walk every day.
For me, going barefoot isn’t just about comfort; it’s a lifestyle, a personal choice that reflects my deep commitment to living authentically and naturally. I’ve been barefoot for nearly a decade, and for me, it is as much a part of who I am as breathing. My bare feet are a statement, a reminder of the freedom I cherish, and an integral part of my connection with the world around me.
The Path to Barefoot Living
My journey towards living barefoot began long before I ever consciously made the choice. As a child, I loved running around outdoors, feeling the ground beneath my feet. There was a pure joy in it, a simple pleasure that no pair of shoes could replicate. Over the years, I found that the more I embraced barefoot living, the more I felt connected to nature and the more attuned I became to my own body and its needs.
By 2015, I made the decision to stop wearing shoes entirely. For me, it was a declaration of independence, of shedding societal norms that dictated how I should present myself and live. I had already embraced naturism and felt that being barefoot was an extension of my desire to live as naturally and authentically as possible. Since then, I haven’t worn shoes or footwear of any kind, and I’ve never looked back.
Physical Benefits of Going Barefoot
One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of living barefoot has been the improvement in my overall health, particularly my foot health. Our feet are designed to be bare; they are full of nerve endings, muscles, and ligaments that help us stay balanced, connected, and aware of our surroundings. When we wear shoes, we often restrict the natural movement of our feet, leading to problems like poor posture, joint pain, and weakened muscles.
Going barefoot has allowed me to strengthen the muscles in my feet and lower legs, improving my balance and posture. My arches have naturally strengthened over time, and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in aches and pains that I used to experience when wearing shoes. The feeling of the ground beneath my feet, whether it's soft grass, warm sand, or cool earth, provides a sensory connection that is incredibly grounding and comforting.
Additionally, walking barefoot has improved my circulation. Without the restrictive nature of shoes, my feet are free to move naturally, promoting better blood flow. I’ve found that my energy levels have increased as a result of this improved circulation, and my general sense of well-being has become more aligned with the rhythms of the earth.
Emotional and Mental Clarity
Going barefoot is not just physically liberating; it’s emotionally and mentally liberating as well. When I walk barefoot, I feel more connected to myself and the world around me. It’s as though the ground beneath me offers an anchor to the present moment, allowing me to experience life more fully and with greater mindfulness.
Shoes, while functional, often create a barrier between ourselves and the world. They separate us from the earth we live on. Walking barefoot, on the other hand, helps me stay grounded, literally and figuratively. There’s something incredibly calming and soothing about walking barefoot, particularly when I’m outdoors. The feeling of cool grass or warm sand beneath my feet offers a kind of sensory meditation that brings clarity to my mind.
Living barefoot has become an exercise in mindfulness. It’s about feeling each step I take, being conscious of the world beneath me, and allowing my mind and body to be fully immersed in the experience of the present moment. When I’m barefoot, I’m not thinking about the past or worrying about the future; I’m simply existing in the now.
Social Liberation
When I first made the decision to go barefoot full-time, I was initially worried about how others would perceive me. The truth is, society places a lot of emphasis on appearances, and being barefoot is often seen as rebellious or non-conformist. However, over time, I’ve found that going barefoot has actually been an act of social liberation.
By choosing to go barefoot, I’m reclaiming my autonomy and rejecting the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Shoes are often worn not just for protection, but as a way of adhering to social norms. By going barefoot, I’m choosing to step outside of that box. I’ve realized that people are generally more intrigued by my lifestyle than judgmental, and my barefoot living has opened the door for conversations about freedom, authenticity, and self-expression.
Through this experience, I’ve come to understand that the way we choose to live, whether we wear shoes or not, shouldn’t be dictated by what others think. Going barefoot has empowered me to live unapologetically, embracing who I am and how I choose to exist in the world.
Connection to Nature and the Environment
One of the most profound reasons I choose to live barefoot is my deep connection to the natural world. I’ve always felt more at peace when I’m outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature. When I’m barefoot, I feel like I am truly in tune with the earth, experiencing it in its purest form.
Walking barefoot allows me to connect with the textures of the world; whether it’s the roughness of gravel, the softness of moss, or the warmth of sun-baked earth. These sensory experiences are not just physical, they are emotional and spiritual as well. Each step I take barefoot is a reminder that I am part of the natural world. The earth, in all its beauty and imperfection, is my grounding force, and walking barefoot allows me to stay connected to it at all times.
As a full-time nomad, I embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes sustainability, minimalism, and environmental consciousness. My choice to live barefoot aligns with my values of respecting and protecting the environment. Going barefoot allows me to feel the earth more directly and be more mindful of the world around me; whether it’s the grass beneath my feet or the soil that sustains the plants I encounter on my travels. Every step I take barefoot is a reminder that I am part of something much larger than myself.
The Joy of Simplicity
Living barefoot is, in many ways, an exercise in simplicity. There’s a freedom in not having to worry about shoes; no ties to tighten, no blisters to tend to, no weather-specific footwear to choose. I can go anywhere, do anything, and all I need are my feet.
This simplicity extends beyond just footwear; it’s a lifestyle choice that encompasses my entire approach to life. By embracing the bare essentials, living barefoot, embracing naturism, and simplifying my journey as a nomad, I’ve created a life that is free from unnecessary distractions and possessions. I live with purpose, with authenticity, and with a deep connection to the world around me.
The Joy of Sharing My Story
One of the most rewarding aspects of my barefoot lifestyle is the opportunity to share it with others. Through my blog, social media, and in my everyday interactions, I’m able to encourage others to consider a barefoot lifestyle, to explore the freedom it offers, and to step away from the pressures of society’s expectations. I believe that if more people embraced barefoot living, they would feel the same sense of freedom, connection, and empowerment that I do.
For me, going barefoot is not just a way of living; it’s a way of being. It’s a reminder to slow down, connect with the earth, and live authentically. It’s a lifestyle that I will continue to embrace, not just for the physical benefits, but for the emotional, mental, and spiritual freedom it brings. Living barefoot is a journey, and it’s one that I am grateful to walk every day.
