walking

Shoes are almost always a barrier between me and the earth, and sometimes I wish that I didn't have to wear them. But, when I am doing a lot of walking, my feet like to feel supported and can get pretty sore if I don't wear good ones. Plus, there are all kinds of critters around Asia that my body is not used to... I keep thinking of my friend Jodi who lived in India for a couple years, and went around barefoot, and wonder how she did that so fearlessly. I brought only two shoes with me: hiking boots, and chaco sandals that have little black straps and look decent with a dress, but can support my feet as I walk down rocky roads. Unfortunately, the little toe strap on my chacos were ripping the tops of my feet apart, and I wasn't liking the idea of having a callous on the top of my foot. So I started looking at everyone's feet. Most of the locals in chiang mai wear flip flops, or little plastic slippers. Even the older women who are balancing a pole on their shoulders with two huge baskets of food hanging off either end. I remember being in awe of the two guides I hiked with in Laos 6 years ago as they maneuvered over slippery rocks with their cheap flip flops as I slipped and fell with my fancy chacos. So, I bought a $7 pair of generic birkenstocks that are actually pretty comfortable, and sent my sandals back to the states with my Aunt and Uncle (who I spent the last two days with) to save room in my pack.

It was interesting how much fear surfaced when I did this. I am very far away from the stores where my favorite brands are sold, and most shoes that are sold here have very little support, and I started picturing myself with blisters and plantar fascitis and infections... I walked over to a massage place (just steps from my guesthouse) and sat down for a $3 30 minute foot rub and reflected about what I can learn from this (besides making sure my sandals fit and breaking in my sandals even though it is freezing in chicago)?

Remember to feel the earth under my feet with every step that I take, and receive the support that is there. The earth supports me in standing and walking, and I receive this support every moment. I am truly blessed. I can also find comfort in every moment, even if I have a blister. You try it! Experience your body breathing, and your body's weight. Sense the support that is there to allow you to experience comfort. (I am so grateful for my Breema practice which helps remind me of this)

On a lighter note, the last couple days were a blast! I took the sleeping train to Chiang Mai, Thailand and met up with my Mom's sister Jude and her husband John (who are on a tour of SE Asia with another couple for three weeks) and they treated me to some fun tourist treats! Jude and I went to one of the nicest spas in town for a Thai massage and giggled as we heard each other wince with the tight spots our therapists found. We had an authentic Thai dinner, complete with authentic Thai music and a little Beatles and James Taylor. The next day, we went on a bike trip out to the country and went swimming in a refreshing lake, an had lunch under a palm-leafed roof, floating on the water. And last night we took a cooking class with an entertaining, playful Thai woman who tried very hard to get my uncle to enjoy cooking! I still can't believe he actually put on an apron... we had so much fun. And the food was some of the best I've had so far because the ingredients were so fresh! I saw them off today after having breakfast at hotel's lovely outdoor restaurant, enjoying the view of the banyan trees and orchids and the boats floating by in the river. And now I'm off to enjoy walking around this familiar town, remembering to feel the my weight and my breath with every step.