Moving in the Future by Thinking in the Past

I don’t wear shoes.  Yeah… you read that right. I walk around outside barefoot.  For the last couple of months, I have not worn shoes whenever possible.  Whether it be walking to class, going on a run, or hanging out in the local nature preserve, I have found any excuse I can to walk barefoot.  And let me tell you, it has felt amazing.  

Now I know what your thinking, “what a hippy.”  “Is he always this desperate for attention?” “That’s disgusting!”  Honestly, I can’t say you’re totally wrong. Yeah I am a bit of a hippy and I’ll admit, it is a little gross at times.  And sure, deep down I love it every time someone gives me a disgusted look, but I would also say you don’t know the whole story.  Would you have guessed that walking barefoot can improve your balance and body awareness? Or considered the improved hips, knees and core mechanics?  How about considering the fact that walking barefoot can help with pain relief? These are all physical benefits that I have started to feel since my revolt on shoes. 

I wondered why this seemingly outrageous action had such positive effects on my body.  If this action really did improve my health, then why doesn’t anyone ever do it? And why are the few who have decided to venture outside the norm looked at as freaks?  

To begin to answer this question the obvious should be stated, shoes were made for a reason.  Shoes are a simple, yet incredible invention that has allowed human feet to step pretty much anywhere they choose for thousands of years.  So, don’t get me wrong, shoes are great, but so are many other innovations. For example, antibiotics have been keeping people healthy since 1928.  Yet within the century we are already seeing this great invention begin to backfire. The bacteria this medicine once killed so well has begun to mutate and evolve to a new breed that can withstand its powerful effects.  To top it off, humans are becoming dependent on this medicine and our immune systems are beginning to weaken. Our once savior to physical illness is now weakening our bodies and preparing us for an epidemic.

My question to you is, what is so different about these two inventions?  Both were invented to protect parts of our body, and both have weakened those same parts.  They have weakened because of our body’s tendency to adjust according to what it is taking in.  We also see this trend in medications like antidepressants. Antidepressants work until your body realizes the amount of dopamine it is receiving and begins to close the receptors so that it finds equilibrium once again.  All these technologies are great until our bodies adjust and counteract their effects.  

This is why we need to change how we view these new and old technologies.  Rather than using them without limit until our bodies demand more, we need to use these technologies in moderation.  Of course we should wear shoes when out in the snow, but the occasional barefoot jog might not be the worst thing to do on a summer day.  

The same goes for antibiotics and antidepressants. These drugs should be used when our lives depend on it, but at the same time, our bodies should be given a fighting chance before the drugs fight for us.  Creating and refining the newest innovations for our wellbeing should always be a priority, we just need to use these technologies so that they continually do what they are meant for.