GO BAREFOOT TODAY!
Interesting post from Mark Sisson over at Mark’s Daily Apple and the Primal Blueprint Insider: Go barefoot for a day!
Now, bearing in mind that I make my primary living as a Community Services Counselor performing outside sales in pre-need cemetery, cremation and funeral arrangements, I’m not sure I can pull this concept off.
True, I generally wear a golf shirt, khaki pants, and top-sider-like boat shoes; but barefoot as I’m cold-calling my way down the street?
“For this week’s PB Insider, I’m going to challenge you to dare to flout one of the most fundamental social protocols currently in use: the wearing of shoes. No matter your plans, your circumstance, or your foot odor problem, I am challenging you to remove your shoes for the entire duration of the day. If you were already planning on just staying home, that doesn’t count. Assume the challenge on a normal day, so that you’re forced into a potentially uncomfortable position.”
I don’t know, Mark. This may be a bit of a stretch for my job and industry, which is fairly straight-laced and formal. Most of the Family Service Counselors at the funeral homes and cemeteries are wearing suits and ties, even as the days get warmer.
“The social aspect, however, is an entirely different story. In my opinion, the best way to get over a social hang-up is to abolish it altogether. Just launch full bore into the “offensive” behavior. Going barefoot definitely qualifies as a socially malodorous act, but it’s essentially a victimless crime (unless, of course, you have a particularly potent foot odor problem). That’s why I’m challenging you to get over your hang-ups and just lose the shoes for a day. Don’t go on any full-day hikes or run barefoot sprints just yet, but it’s important to get over that mental hurdle.”
Well, yeah, I think I’ll just ‘launch full bore into the “offensive” behavior.’ It’s not enough that I’m knocking on your door asking you if you’ve made plans for your end-of-life needs, but I’m going to show you how serious I am by asking you while i’m unshod (barefoot). You need to know I also shave my head now - so I’ll be at your door with a naked top and bottom?
“Prepare yourself to be the subject of weird looks, raised eyebrows, and possibly even legal censure. If you get thrown out of a place, go willingly. You don’t want to make a scene and ruin it for the rest of us barefooters!”
Mark, I’m a huge fan of your website and your book, “The Primal Blueprint.” I am in the process of incorporating many of the ideas and concepts, including the 10 Immutable Laws. But to go barefoot today as I’m out trying to meet new people and help protect their families from the unnecessary pain and anguish that comes from the death of a loved one in the home - it may be more than weird looks I get.
On the other hand, one is always trying to find something to talk about, something to ‘break the ice” as you meet new people (prospects sounds too cold), a means of starting a conversation. What could be more of a conversation starter that when someone asks me, “Where are your shoes?”
(Multiple responses come to mind: ‘I decided to give them a day off.’ ’They ran away with my hat and gloves.’ ‘At home resting, where I’ll be tomorrow.’ ‘OMG! I knew I forgot something this morning!’ —- you get the picture.)
Okay. I’ll compromise. I’ll knock doors on one block wearing shoes (actually, they are Sanuks, a ‘shoe-like sandal’) and on the next, sans-shoes - barefoot on one side, shod on the other - and let’s see what happens today. After all, it is Friday.
Thanks, Mark. Once again you’re causing me to stretch with your thinking and insights.
~Faith, Chuck
