Barefoot

[Jundo]

Re: Barefoot

I happened to see this today in the Japanese news ...

Professor Akira Otsuka has been leading a research group which has been working since 2005 to develop a pair of shoes to use for walking on a sandy beach. You might be thinking this is akin to developing gloves to stroke cats. However, the professor says the aim was to find an efficient way to walk on sandy surfaces which are hot, may conceal sharp objects and which tend to tire out a walker. He does, however, think they may be also suitable for kids sandpits and playgrounds. Here he is with the prototype shoes made by Atom, a local specialist glove maker

[Seishin the Elder]

Re: Barefoot

Hi Will,

Father Anthony began as a Capuchin monk in his teens and in his 30's began an Eastern Orthodox monk.

Gassho,

Seishin Kyrill

[willjohndover]

Re: Barefoot

Thank you Kyrill I appreciate that information.

Jundo, actually shoes like that have become all the rage around here.

Hands together,
Will

[Risho]

Re: Barefoot

Yeah! My wife and I have a pair of those, except they are much, much cooler in black. :mrgreen:

[frjames]

Re: Barefoot

Hello all,

Haven't logged in here for months! .

Its sandal weather here in Southern California where the temperature today went upward to 90 degrees.

Kyrill, I thought of you about a month go when I attended the abbatial blessing of the new abbott of the Benedictine monastery where I go for retreat and spiritual direction.

Here's the tie in to sandal story. Most of the monks of this particular monastery wear sandals most of the time. So I felt comfortable going to the big ceremony wearing my own sandals. Little did I know that the night before at chapter there was a big discussion whether the monks should wear sandal or shoes for the abbatial blessing ceremony. The prior stepped in, put his foot down, and directed all the monks to wear shoes in deference to the invited dignitaries and visitors that will be present.

I was the only one who wore sandals that day seated among the "dignitaries."

Gassho,

James.

[Andao]

Re: Barefoot

Being barefoot throughout the day is like an extension of walking meditation. One must be mindful of every step as our feet will come to harm if we are careless and we will directly feel the impact of out foot stepping on a harmless insect. It's a wonderful practice and really shows you the power of pain suppression when walking on asphalt on hot days

Gassho