Have you ever watched a dog run wide open? Grace and agility come to mind. A running dog is a beautiful sight.

The connection to the earth through their paw pads may just be the thing that brings so much joy and yet allows a grounded calm state when the run for dogs is done.

Connection to the Earth

Humans are just catching on to the fact that they have lost connection with the earth. Research reveals that re-connecting with the electrons and natural frequencies on the surface of the earth can:

  • Restore Normal
  • Improve Energy
  • Enhance Recovery
  • Improve Sleep
  • Relieve Muscle Tension
  • Reduce Stress
  • Biological Rhythms

A recent study found that the bacteria Mycobacterium accae, commonly found in soil, increased serotonin levels in the brains of mice. A lack of serotonin is thought to cause depression in humans. Researchers became interested in the bacteria after cancer patients being treated with it began unexpectedly reporting lifted moods and better quality of life. *Thats Fit

We’ve lost connection with the earth because we always wear shoes. Years of confining our feet to shoes have also affected the ability to balance, to use our toes, and in a growing number of cases caused injury from the constant flattened state of the shoes holding our feet in positions that not only are not part of our natural gait, but leave muscles unused and unable to help maintain fluid movement and strength.

Get your Feet Connected to the Earth

Barefoot running may seem a bit extreme, but getting your feet connected to the earth for even small amounts of time can change an attitude from stagnant and stuck to alive and flexible.

If you are in the habit of taking your dog out to run, or to a park or beach (or need to get in one) for exercise make a point to take your shoes off and connect with the earth while you are out. Even if you don’t have a dog, it will work for you too! You may find it gives you so much new found connection, energy and focus you’ll be barefoot running as your new favorite habit.

If you’d like to start barefoot running start slow. 3 days a week. Walk and run. Start with 10 minutes and do it for a week or even two weeks before you add time. Barefoot running with your dog more than doubles your connection with the earth since they’ve got those 4 legs!

At the very least, take some time for yourself, clear your mind and put your bare feet on the ground for even a minute to start some time this week.  It will never be a habit if your don’t start somewhere.

If you need help, encouragement, and a plan, I am here.

Mahalo for reading.  If you liked it please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter, & G+ and please leave a few of your thoughts in the comments.

Jt Clough lives on the Big Island, Hawaii, and practices health, happiness and natural remedies, while working as a Habits Coach for people looking to live healthier and happier lives.  She is a dog whisperer for our best friends; and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication.  Her latest e-book is 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

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7 Comments on Paw to Earth Connection

  1. Vidya Sury
    March 17, 2012 at 7:09 pm (12 years ago)

    I loved this post, especially because since the last month, I’ve begun to walk barefoot. The sensation, the feeling and the overall satisfaction is far greater than when wearing shoes. I enjoy the gentle left over warmth of the sun on the floor (I walk on my terrace, which is quite large). Another wonderful feeling is walking on sand – but we don’t live near the water – so have to make do with the times when we visit a place that has a beach.

    And yes, watching a dog is in itself a joy – and a running dog is a beautiful sight.

    Thank you Jt. 🙂

  2. Claire Kerslake
    March 18, 2012 at 9:35 pm (12 years ago)

    Really enjoyed this article JT. The info about the serotonin levels and the bacteria is really interesting. I’ve never really done anything barefoot so now might be the time to start!

    Regards
    Claire

  3. Lori Lynn Smith
    March 19, 2012 at 3:48 am (12 years ago)

    “We’ve lost connection with the earth because we always wear shoes”

    awesome, I totally agree with you!

    Although I can’t run barefoot, I LOVE love to go to the beach and bury my feet in the sand or walk though the morning dewy grass! Every chance I get I take off my shoes.

    it is renewing and re-energizing to feel the earth under you feet.

  4. Sarah / Wellness The Natural Way
    March 19, 2012 at 11:42 am (12 years ago)

    It’s lovely to touch our bare feet to the earth and it does connect us so much more deeply with Mother Nature. Of course, some climates don’t lend themselves to barefoot walking – until summer time! But even just touching your toes to the grass for a few minutes is truly lovely. Once summer comes I need to toughen up those tootsies a bit before I can consider a full on walk barefoot. But you’ve got me thinking…

  5. Ciara
    March 21, 2012 at 12:51 am (12 years ago)

    Hi JT, I totally agree with you, I’m just back from a couple of weeks in South Africa where I wore shoes once or twice in 2 weeks. All of my family are happier and calmer and rebel against shoe wearing when we are there, you may say it’s the holiday vibe but I believe it is more than that. Now back to cold Ireland my feet are covered and sad and my body isn’t in great form either. Roll on summer time so I can feel the earth again.

  6. Fran Sorin
    March 25, 2012 at 10:54 pm (12 years ago)

    JT…
    You’re signing to the choir. I love walking barefoot…on grass and sand. As you said, physically making contact with earth is a profound way for us to connect.

    I did read the article about serontin levels in the soil that can effect our moods. The bottom line is that we’re all interconnected.

    Thanks for a great post. I really enjoyed it:) Fran

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