Just came from morning Sunday service, and the theme was about the value of being THANKFUL. I wanted to go for a run to reflect and savour everything that poured out this year. The ABUNDANCE of blessings, through people, races, waves, opportunities, and everything that I have prayed for... EVERYTHING, i mean EVERYTHING has been provided for.
This morning, I wanted to run for the sake of running, because most of my runs this year was for the pursuit of training for a race or something. Just wanted to enjoy and be thankful for it.
And so I changed to my running gear inside the car, only to realize that I didn't have my shoes with me. Crap!
I was set to go home, as a matter of logic. But then, a thought in my head made me silently smile. I'll run BAREFOOT.
I kick off my flip-flops... and off I go.
I remember how much I enjoy going barefoot whenever I climb mountains, whenever I visit a community, whenever I enter a simple house. I take of my shoes or slippers and I get more deeply connected.
Silence... and then puffs of my breath...
I was on my second round at the university acad oval, when, from behind me I hear a young girl biking on training wheels ask her dad: "Why is he running barefoot?.... Dad, can I take off my shoes?"
The first question struck me, as I didn't have any answer if that child asked me. The second question disclosed an inherent response to the question. Going barefoot is a natural yearning. It's how we were born, before prescriptions of having to wear shoes came about.
Come to think of it, I take off my shoes whenever I do creative stuff. When I paint, when I shoot, when I drum jam, when I ride the waves; when I sleep and when I go to the toilet at home. (yep creative stuff happens there too)... I'm barefoot when I write my journals... I was born barefoot...I'll be barefoot when I die.
As I complete my 3rd round, and fall silent about all that is happening. I feel more intimate with the ground. Free from what insulates me from its caress.
Yes it's more painful at first. But there's this deeper sensation that could only be described once the nerves try to feel each stride's authenticity. I can never capture what state it brings to my being.
I was running and reflecting for all that I am thankful for. For all the haves given... and all the haves that I learn that I can live without. Today, the opportunity to be barefoot. Everything is BLESSING.
