by Ralph Strauch

Human beings and our hominid ancestors have walked upright for over three million years -- mostly barefoot on natural terrain, in a continuing and intimate relationship with the Earth beneath their feet. That relationship fostered the balance and physical agility -- rare in contemporary urban society -- that allowed them to walk easily across a log over a stream with things balanced on their heads. It also fostered a deep enduring sense of self, and an accompanying deep sense of psychological and even spiritual security.

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