In this article The Secret Is Out: We Can See Your Feet, it reminded me of my own foot-shame years past.  It started with my mother telling me that my feet were ugly, that they looked like my father's (obvious marital conflict coming out), and as a consequence, I just felt awful about my feet.

That feeling followed me well into my 20s, and it was really noticeable when I first started practicing yoga.  We were forced to be barefoot, on our mats, and moving into positions (like Downward Dog) where I had to stare at my feet!  The inner revulsion came up, time and again, but one day, after a particularly tough yoga practice, I looked down at my feet...and felt grateful!  Grateful that they were there, holding me up strongly and beautifully.  Since then, I have taken good care of my feet, acknowledging their connection to this earth.

A month or so ago, I started running.  I've never been a runner my entire life, but something called me to start.  Maybe it's my body's way of saying, "Prevent osteoporosis later on!" that got me pounding the pavement as soon as I woke up!  At any rate, I took to it, bought myself a pair of New Balance shoes, and promptly injured my left heel.  Ow.  Has anyone ever experienced heel strike?  Plantar fasciatis?  ANY sort of foot pain richochets throughout your entire body.  That's how powerful, important, and sensitive you feet are.

Your feet contain so many small bones, it's important not to squeeze them into tight-fitting shoes and compress them.  They need to breathe!  Your feet also contain many nerves that send prioperceptive feedback to your brain, informing you of your immediate environment, and any dangers (be it people, dogs, sharp objects, or cracks in the pavement, etc.).  To get an idea of just how sensitive your feet are, try walking around barefoot -- there's something about letting your toes out to play that really heighten the sensitivity! 

I'm still recovering from that plantar fasciatis injury, but after doing research, I bought a pair of Vibram FiveFinger toe shoes -- perfect for barefoot running.  The minute I slipped those on, they felt like heaven!  I was sensing all sorts of things from my feet.  Sure, the shoes aren't conventionally attractive, but they sure are a conversation piece!  I highly recommend them, and look forward to strengthening my feet -- my connection to this earth -- vis a vis my new toe shoes!