“On the side, being barefoot all the time is spectacular, but sometimes I take it overmuch for granted. I try and stop myself and realize just how sensual an experience it is. All day and night in Gainesville I kept having these little tickles of appreciation for it. I need that to happen more often. And I can make that happen. I can cultivate a more attuned sensuality. Keeping things fresh is really about never taking anything for granted. Feel, Be, Appreciate, and be forever mindful. I AM Barefoot Justine!I try to let life melt in my mouth like a bite of luscious dark chocolate.”

I typed that in yesterday and realized it seemed somehow out of place in my diary, as if this were far too personal, but it isn’t.

Why do I go barefoot? is probably the first question, well, to that I ask, with equal dumbfoundment… “Why don’t you?” I want to feel the world under my feet just as I want to taste food, smell the air, see the world, and hear the music all around me (except rap… that’s just noise pollution–sorry, but I intend to be honest here). I can’t imagine why anyone would want to wear shoes anymore than I can imagine anyone wanting to go around with a blindfold on or earplugs in! Being barefoot is one more–and the most delicious by far–way to engage in and experience the sensual world. When I am barefoot I am in-the-moment entirely. It is almost impossible to leave your home barefoot and NOT be in the eternal NOW. I can’t imagine suffocating or cutting off that world of experience by stuffing my feet in those dreadful bacteria incubators everyone else calls shoes–and sandals aren’t much better. Feel the world. Freedom.

Besides, life’s more fun barefoot!

Lots more to come.