Barefooting: A Tool for Environmental Consciousness

Abstract: Modern human animals’ relationship with Nature is damaged and damaging. An emotional and physical separation is at play in this broken bond, with footwear literally and metaphorically embodying the disunion between spirit and body. This research explores how North Atlantic populations can use barefooting to support the healing of human animal connection with Nature, leading to pro-environmental behavior. Such an attitude change can contribute to a more caring and balanced world. Five adult barefooters were interviewed about the link between barefooting and environmental consciousness. Results suggest that the practice of barefooting is associated with a strong sense of nature connectedness.