I and another Earth Runner recently went on a multi day packing trip into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. We wore a new Alpha prototype we are testing, and things could not have gone any smoother for our feet! This continues to be the universal favorite model for it’s all purpose application and superior moldability.

Being the first backpacking trip in sandals for us both, we marveled at the complete freedom from foot issues usually associated with such a trip in boots.

There is something profoundly invigorating about minimalist travel into the back country. Existing for a time in a way that connects us to our deep ancestry is incredibly fulfilling on many levels. The satisfying simplicity of this humbling experience quickly reminds us of our true needs and provides great perspective on what is really important in life.

#RewildBeFree

My passion for real food is magnified while immersed in nature. Flavors become incredibly pronounced and my gratitude for nourishment never so strong. I have been consuming a whole foods centered diet for many years but this was my first camping trip with Bulletproof–butter infused–coffee! A revitalizing way to start the day which fueled our adventures with lots of well needed energy! Long days on the move, burning lots of calories, I felt I earned my food more than in my "civil" life back in town. Packing in all the ingredients for the adventure, aside from water, made for much simpler meals that easily digested. Back home, this trip has encouraged me to "earn" my food through more regular daily movement and to keep my menu simple.

When the sun goes down–and fires are out of the question, there is not much to do other than admire the stars and drift off to sleep. Once liberated from the societal comfort of sleeping indoors I uncovered an innate magnetism to sleeping out in the wild. As my teacher always said in my Psychology of Sleep class, “Remarkable dreams happen in remarkable places.” It was amazing to camp in pristine nature at eight thousand feet and experience how it affected my dreams.

#BeFreeSandals www.EarthRunners.com

Experiencing this be free lifestyle is something I wish everybody would do more. Upon returning to society my circadian rhythm is re-calibrated and I feel revitalized. I don’t believe there is any better conditioning on Earth than to truly experience it’s wildness.

Having lived the Earth Runner lifestyle for a few years now has provided the wonderful opportunity to share my passion with the world while meeting many like minded people along the way. These connections reinforce my desire to stay grounded and create a positive environment for myself that encourages authenticity and growth. I am excited to announce that this spring marks a pinnacle moment in my personal journey where I am approaching a level of health ready to start radiating my energy and knowledge to the Grounded Symbiosis community!

Life has presented many challenges throughout the journey stimulating growth beyond my wildest dreams. I constantly find myself outside my comfort zone encountering synchronistic reminders encouraging me on my path. With my past decade of experience and research I feel like I have a lot to share and I'm excited to have an audience who can appreciate and benefit from what I have to offer.

This may sound like a rather personal post to receive from a sandal company but I envision Earth Runners as a lifestyle brand that encourages personal development. Our feet are the foundation of our physical body and the 'sole' is our connection point to the Universe. Connecting with the Earth on a regular basis helps to minimize the distractions of modern society and restore our oneness with the internal and external Universe.

Installment #1: As modern day technology manifests what was considered science fiction of the 1970's, we still don't have a better prescription for health than spending more time out in nature. It is really that simple. I wont burden you with all the ways in which moderns society is detrimental to your health as the reality may look a bit grim. Clearly, the collective consciousness needs to shift out of a persistent state of fear and protection and back into a state of growth and connection.

We are excited to sponsor the Rewild Your Life 30 day challenge by WeAreWildness.com Spend at least 30 minutes per day outside in nature for 30 days. The challenge starts on April 1st so you have plenty of time to prepare and get your friends to join with you!

All you have to do is sign up here by clicking the link and entering your name and email and you will be emailed the guidelines and the link to the challenge Facebook group on March 31st. Starting April 1st you will also receive a daily email with rewilding activities, nature quotes, information and more.

The challenge Facebook group is one of the best parts of the whole challenge. Once you have completed your daily 30 minutes of rewilding you can share photos, videos, blog posts, and stories about what you did/saw/experienced that day (It's all optional, but fun to share!). The group last year was absolutely amazing and there were so many beautiful pictures and experiences shared, and new friendships formed. Your outdoor pictures are welcome on the Earth Runner's Facebook page as well to help support our efforts to spread the importance of our communion with nature.

There are many great sponsors this year & awesome prizes you can win (Including Circadian Earth Runners & wool tabi socks). Awesome outdoor gear you can use to enhance your experiences in nature, stunning nature-inspired artwork, & mind expanding books full of knowledge that is sure to help you Rewild Your Life even further. With so many prizes to give away, your chances of winning will be pretty good! Join the challenge and find out how you can get multiple chances to win a prize. Click here to sign up!