The consciousness of barefoot running
I would like to share a little about the more perhaps esoteric side of barefoot running.
I like to participate in a couple of forums around the web and I love the sentiments that get expressed in the essence of minimalest attitudes that can coexist with the liberation of learning that you do not need to have shoes to be a runner we are as a piece of evolution deigned to to be runners.
It was a modern need for fashion and inability to keep our innate connection to the amazing creation of our bodies ability to propel us safely and swiftly over all types of terrain that saw the rise of running footware.
Observations from one point of view expressing the thoughts that Barefoot runners maybe are slowly sowing the seeds of revolution and could this be the start of a shift to a more minimalist lifestyle, free of microwaves, dishwashers, cars and other assorted “labor saving” devices.
If this is so it can be countered by way of pointing out why were people so eager to get off of the family farm during the industrial revolution? Maybe 14 hours of back-breaking labor six days a week had something to do with it.
Laborsaving devices such as steel knives and arrowheads, firearms, needles, wool blankets, and horses were eagerly snapped up by natives and seen as a great prize of civilization.
Then comes the other side of bountyful exsistence- People putting big water-abusing fountains in their front yards… in the middle of the DESERT! - folks, we don’t need more golf courses. Especially in places like Arizona.
To be competitive and complete work in a short space of time the carpenter requires a vehicle to cart his tools around which all run off mains electricity,to return to the old skilled craftsmen days of producing everything by hand is but just a dream in a modern world.
Even our production of food is now tempered with the debate for GMO alleviating starvation, The essence of GMO
farming is an absolute reduction in natural variability and diversity of a particular species the reasoning behind it to produce more, and be more competitive
There is no doubt technology can generate lots of leverage. Using it wisely is the key, modern cladding and a nail gun is more efficient than using hardwood boards and a hammer, for example.
With each generation we are more dependent on technology, are we in danger of creating a generation of people who can’t do anything for themselves, and will rely on being told by the powers that be that this is the way to run your life this is what we consider to be acceptable.
Pardon if my skepticism of big brother shines through but big business and politicians do not give didly squat for you or what is best but what is expedient and follow the path of least resistance to control your industry and subserviance
If by throwing of the shoes and getting a reconect with the earth is seen to be a backward step I would be sorry to see that train of thought get hold.
I would like to believe that any movement that connects us with respect and gratitude
to the only earth that we have for ourselves and our children is one to encourage.
If learning to run barefoot can be seen to be an Evangelical mission for the sake of a need to engender a state of conscious awareness that encompass some of the issues that face us all.
Well I will put up my hand for the office of The priesthood of barefoot and rattle the tin for awareness, gratitude and preservation of a livable environment for all us inhabitants of this earth
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