Vernon man lives barefoot lifestyle
VERNON Alan R. Bruens is an advocate of the barefoot lifestyle. A real estate instructor, he works and plays without the benefit of footwear.
Bruens started out his adult life wearing shoes. He received a bachelor's degree in English from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and taught English at an international high school in Japan until 1971 and then, he said, returned home to culture shock. Once back, he switched careers, earned a real estate license and went on to spend the next 40 years as a builder, developer, broker/salesperson and is currently teaching as a licensed real estate instructor.
Like many people, Bruens would go barefoot once he returned home from work, until it was time to leave for work the next day. But one day, at about the age of 50, he decided to go barefoot full time. I have no idea why," he said, "I just decided that bare feet was the way to go.
And, he's not alone. Bruens is a member of the The Society for Barefoot Living, which espouse the benefits of going shoeless.
Barefooters are more aware of and acclimate to different textures and temperatures in their surroundings. In the larger world, barefooters feel more connected. According to Bruens, One of our members of The Society for Barefoot Living recently coined the phrase seeing with our feet. Bruens calls it The other half of living.
He says he doesnt remember exactly how long it took, but now, after 16 years of going barefoot, his soles are like rock. The soles of my feet have thickened but have not lost any sensation. I can feel a grain of sand.
Go easy For others willing to try it, Bruens advises: Try it at your pace. Acclimation to going barefoot will vary by the individual. Our members of the SBL have reported several weeks to several months before they felt comfortable.
It's worth it, though, he says. Of the rest of the world, Bruens says, "I really dont think that half the population sees half of what appears before them...Although I did have an older couple comment 'nice shoes, did God make them for you?'
Everyone's different Bruens was hassled years back at Newark Airport, while waiting to pick up a friend. Airport security told him he couldnt be there barefoot. But had the foresight to carry a copy of a letter from the Department of Health stating that there were no federal or state laws against going barefoot. Later he received an apology. Some places do have local ordinances against going barefoot, though.
While he is a confirmed barefooter, his family is not completely sold on the idea. My wife is quite supportive and in fact goes barefoot around the house and grounds. My daughter is married and does as she wishes. My son would not be caught dead in bare feet. Go figure. Ive never gone out of my way to convert anyone. I live barefoot for myself.
As far as encountering difficulties in a business or restaurant, Bruens says, Ive never felt the need to make a statement. If an establishment puts up a fuss, I will take my money elsewhere. He has, however, kept a pair of flip-flops in his vehicle for initial meetings when showing a home to prospective buyers who are unfamiliar with him. Once they know him, however, the flip-flops come off.
What about bringing dirt into the house on the soles of your feet? Living a barefoot lifestyle entails the idea that your feet will naturally pick up a certain amount of street or earth dirt. There is nothing wrong with that. It comes with the territory. And I scuff my feet off at the doormat, just as I would if wearing shoes. Shoes will track a lot more dirt into the house than bare feet. Manufactured treads tend to accumulate more grit. Bare feet, on the other hand tend to be smooth and really dont attract much street dirt. At least that has been my experience.
Is he bothered by others reactions? At my age I make decisions to enhance my quality of life. Most of my life is behind me, less is in front of me, unless I live to be 130, which is not likely. Recent trends range from tattoos, piercings and multi-colored hair, none of which is my style. Going barefoot is my choice. So I dont really pay much attention to the odd stares, strange looks or perhaps silent mumblings of others, if any. And I also think that with my silver dollar grey hair, few have come forward to challenge me.
Find out more at The Society for Barefoot Living's Web site: barefooters.org