I hope and pray everyone is embracing life mindfully and deciding whether or not to take your socks off!
This brings me to the topic for today’s article.
Sandals and Still Waters
People at our age who slide our feet into sandals or flip flops often have aching feet. I remember when I was young, when I could walk in flip-flops for miles and it never bothered me.
Fifteen years ago, I walked through Rome, Italy, in barefoot shoes and was fine. Now, I can barely walk to my mailbox in them! I will share something personal: I am tall, and have big feet and goofy-looking toes—not the cute little feet as advertised. If I wear nail polish and then remove it, my toes turn yellowish. So, I do not enjoy putting on thick orthopedic sandals and showing my feet—never did! And I walk better in my Naot women’s sneakers. So, for me, it is a balancing act. I ask the question: “Why do we walk through life aware of how our toes look and how our feet feel?” Below is some advice from our pink feathered friends.
Flamingo wisdom vs. sandal concerns
I believe a female flamingo would say that humans in sandals often paint their toenails to feel pretty, and that we worry too much about appearance. They might say human feet are always carrying us from place to place in a rush, but we should try walking in the mud where it is cool and comfortable; feel our feet and wiggle our toes!
Flamingos dip their feet in the shallow mud to stay rooted and balanced. They trust the waters and wait patiently. Flamingos are graceful when they stand still and are fully present in the moment, watching the shore waters. Something to think about.
Do men care about their feet?
As I was writing this, I thought about men’s feet. I generally don’t go checking out men’s feet when they are in sandals. My husband, age 69, looked at me like I had three heads when I asked him what he thought about his feet. I asked if he had an opinion about how his feet appeared. He smiled, shook his head as he walked away, and mumbled, “They are clipped and clean!”
Closing thoughts
Next time you slide into your sandals, bless your feet—not because they are perfect, but because they carry your spirit. And maybe—just maybe—plant one foot like a flamingo in the mud. Breathe. And remember: Stillness is sacred, too.
The Flamingo News update
Next time, I will share with you how to become a Certified Flamingo Geek.
