Finding your calm, one foot in front of the other

Let’s talk about walking —but not the usual kind where you throw on headphones and power-walk your way to a podcast finish line. I mean the kind where you slow down, tune in, and let yourself really feel the walk. Bonus points if you go barefoot, because there’s something magical about letting the energy of the earth flow straight into your body.

If that sounds intriguing, stick with me. I’m going to show you how to turn an ordinary walk into something grounding, calming, and maybe even a little transformative.

Getting Ready for Your Walk

First, make sure you’re comfortable.

• Clothing: Wear something loose and breathable. The kind of outfit that makes you feel like you can move freely and just be.

• Shoes or Bare Feet: If you’re in a park, your backyard, or somewhere safe, try walking barefoot. It’s not just about feeling the grass or soil—it’s about connecting directly with the earth’s energy. If barefoot isn’t an option, wear something minimal that lets you feel the ground beneath you.

Start with Intention

Before you even take your first step, set a simple intention. Something like:

• “I’m here to connect.”

• “I’m walking to feel calm.”

• “I’m taking this time just for me.”

This isn’t about walking to get somewhere or to check off an exercise goal. It’s about being present, step by step.

Feel Every Step

As you start walking, slow down and bring your attention to your feet.

• Notice how your heel touches the ground first, then the ball of your foot, then your toes.

• If you’re barefoot, feel the texture of the ground—the coolness of grass, the warmth of sunlit pavement, or the softness of sand.

• Imagine the earth’s energy flowing up through your feet, grounding you with every step.

Engage All Your Senses

This is where the magic happens. Let yourself fully experience the world around you.

• Touch: How does the breeze feel on your skin? Is the sun warm on your face? If you’re barefoot, notice the sensations underfoot—pebbles, dirt, grass.

• Sight: What do you see? Are there trees, clouds, flowers? Look at the little details you might usually miss, like the way the leaves dance in the wind.

• Sound: Tune into the sounds around you. Birds chirping? A dog barking? Maybe just the rustling of your clothes as you walk.

• Smell: What does the air smell like? Fresh and earthy? Sweet and floral? Take it in.

Why Bare Feet?

There’s something deeply grounding about walking barefoot. It’s not just a “nice-to-do” thing—it’s a way to connect directly with the earth’s energy. Think about it: shoes are like a barrier, keeping you from fully feeling what’s beneath you. When you’re barefoot, it’s like the earth gets to reach up and say, “Hey, I’ve got you.”

Some people call this grounding or earthing, and it’s said to help calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and bring you into balance. I don’t know all the science, but I can tell you from experience—it feels amazing.

Bringing It All Together

If your mind starts to wander (and it will, because hello, we’re human), gently bring your focus back to your steps or your senses. Feel the rhythm of your walk. Listen to the sounds around you. Notice how your body feels in the moment.

This is your time to just be. No distractions, no expectations—just you, your breath, and the earth beneath your feet.

Ready to Try It?

The next time you need a break, take your shoes off (if you can), step outside, and give it a go. Let your feet feel the earth, let your senses wake up, and see what happens.

If you try it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you feel grounded? Inspired? Maybe even a little magical? Let’s talk about it—because there’s nothing I love more than geeking out over simple ways to bring more peace into our lives.

With love and light,

Chika B.