Barefoot on a Gravel Path

Do you walk barefoot?  I love to walk barefoot wherever and whenever.   I can spend a lot of time in my head; in the “ethers” and walking barefoot connects me to Mother Earth, grounding and reminding me on a very physical level to be Here Now.  Plus, it just feels so darn good.

This morning I was lucky enough to sink my feet into a grassy green trail in the Pennsylvania mountains, leading to an emerald-green moss glen beside a laughing stream.  I lingered there, feet sinking into rich, deep, soft moss, listening to the gurgling waters, as a smile spontaneously spread across my face.  It was such a happy feeling, as though through my feet, my whole being was submerged in a nurturing, joyful glow.

Following the path through the woods, around a pond, the path turned into a narrow gravel road.  Back in my head going over the day’s to-do list, and feeling pressure to get to my desk, I gingerly tip-toed, as the sharp gravel dug into my feet.

I carefully picked my way through the gravel,  until in a burst of clarity, I noticed the green swath of soft grass to the side.  I rolled up my pant legs, hopped over to the grass and strode easily and purposefully again. 

I wondered…where else am I doing this in my life?  Following “the path” even when it turns sharp and gravelly?  Not noticing that by shifting almost imperceptibly there may be a soft nurturing alternative in plain view, where I can walk again with an easy rhythm?  Sometimes we need to stay on the sharp path – sometimes that’s the way through.  Often, there’s a more nurturing alternative.  Discernment and Wisdom are the friends who help us choose wisely.

Is there a path you’re on that has turned sharp and gravelly?  Do you need to stay on that path?  Is there a softer alternative within view (maybe that you haven’t noticed just yet)?

What if you lifted your head for a moment to see if a softer path is calling you?  

I’d love to know what you discover.

With Love, from Diane

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