So I'm kinda new to this forum. I've been reading a couple posts every now and then, but this is just an introduction, and giving my story. Yes, I can post this on the Introductions page, but since 3/4 of this goes to how I love going barefoot, I decided to post here. anyways. I feel like I'll keep posting things and checking this forum more, if I find that I'm not busy enough to do so. Anyways: I'm a 16 year old, Filipino male unk:. for a while, I noticed that I preferred going barefoot and loved how it felt (I originally thought it was a Native Filipino thing.:2thumbsup! I never realized it could be a lifestyle choice, until I saw this forum, and the thought of a -mostly- barefoot lifestyle (excluding winter, until I'm accustomed enough, and school.) intrigued me. Reading a lot of encouraging posts, and "first experience" stories is what really made me decide I want to be barefoot as much as I can. That was around a year and a half ago. once I had my mind set, I figured since I usually get up early to take a morning run anyway, I thought I'd use that time to get my soles tougher. I ran for 5 minutes around my neighborhood, and damn did that hurt! But after that I started carefully and slowly increased my time barefoot, and now I think I can go barefoot just about anywhere. The first time I decided to make it known that I like going barefoot, was going to this old-school drive in movie with friends. I showed up completely barefoot, and they were kind of like "" and I was acting like there was no difference. ever since then, they've gotten used to it, and one of those friends also goes barefoot as well! As far as the social aspect of going barefoot. I have yet to encounter a negative comment. Then again, most people that have come up to me are more curious and focused on the fact that I only have three toes on my right foot. (Boating Accident )
Nice story, friend. It takes courage to be different and to do what is naturally good for you in the face of a culture that is waiting for the next instruction. Have fun!
You may want to check out this Yahoo group: http://asia.groups.yahoo.com/group/laginakapaa/?yguid=32285232 The Moderator, Richard Paa, is a fulltime barefooter from your country. Good luck in your barefoot adventures!