About

Barefoot and Grounded is Back!

With this blog, I hope to share mostly-rational commentary, information, stories and advice on the world as I see it. My goal is to share about the noises in my brain, whether it be about politics, entertainment, health, religion, science, etc. Politically, I strive to remain centered and sometimes agree with Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and the Green Party. Religiously, I believe that people have a right to believe what they believe -- or nothing at all -- so long as those religious beliefs don't infringe on the rights of others who don't share those same beliefs. Ethically and morally, I trust in the concepts of "live and let live" and "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Those rarely steer us wrong.

Why the name "Barefoot and Grounded?"

I'm a normal guy who just likes to keep my shoes off. It's not about foot fetishes. It's not about being a "hippie" -- and there's a lot of others who feel the same way. For more information and to learn the facts about the benefits of going without shoes, visit The Barefoot Alliance's Website.

This blog is called "Barefoot and Grounded" as the result of my very first blog post in the spring of 2009. I realized that, when it comes to going barefoot or so many other hot topics in life, being "grounded" can take on several applicable meanings. In some cases...

"Grounded" is at a Stand-Still

When an airplane is grounded, it's not flying. It's not moving. It's not getting where it needs to go. Oftentimes I feel like getting stuff done and making rational decisions in our society is like this. We want to move forward. We want to "take off" and be able to go where we want to go, yet others often hold us back and keep us from taking that journey.

"Grounded" is in Trouble

When a teen messes up and their parents get angry, that teen gets "grounded." They are disallowed from doing what they like to do as a punishment for undesirable behavior. In many ways, I hold opinions different from the "norm" and they get me in trouble. For example, while we barefooters may want to bare our soles while out and about, we're disallowed from doing so because it's undesirable behavior.

"Grounded" is Level-Headed

Sometimes we refer to people as grounded when they seem to "get it." They know who they are, they know how the world works, and they make wise decisions about their lives. I strive to stay level-headed when it comes to any topic in life, and that began by realizing the benefits of keeping our shoes off.

I welcome you to read through this blog with an open mind. Reconsider everything you think you "know" about feet, politics, religion, ethics, and so much more. You might just rediscover your own humanity and find out how far you can stretch yourself.

Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net