IMPORTANT FORGOTTEN NATURAL FORCES

Returning to my rented chalet after a hike in the Bernese Overland that had taken me up to a height of over 2,000 meters, I felt really exhilarated. It made me wonders why the mountains always induce this feeling of well-being, aiding me to shake off and forget the cares of life. This reflection was worthwhile, for I came to the realization that it is the things of nature that help me attain to such a pleasant state of mental balance. Especially responsible for this are the pure, oxygen-rich air, the glorious mountain sun and the peacefulness with its uplifting tranquility.

But there is something else that imparts strength, something modern man hardly knows anything about any more. People seeing me walking barefoot watch in amazement. This may not be considered out of place on grass. On pine needles in a forest, too, some gingerly walk barefoot, but on scree and loose chippings hardly anyone goes without shoes.

I feel comfortable doing so, having been used to it since childhood. I can hardly wait for winter to end, so that I can work barefoot in the garden and go on walks. As a result I soon feel refreshed, mental and physical tiredness disappearing incredibly fast. It definitely cannot be just imagination that leads me to the conclusion that the earth gives off energy waves. Bare feet directly touching the earth can use these to refresh the body more readily than feet stuck in shoes. Many a time I have come home tired from a lecture trip, my head aching from necessary concentration. Then the best relief was always a walk in the garden without constricting footwear. A quarter of an hour later the agonizing tiredness had already gone. Sometimes I have the impression that walking barefoot on ground warmed by the sun is just like plugging an almost empty car battery into the charger.

My inherent attachment to nature demands that I have frequent close contact with it. In this way I can remain more cheerful and efficient than if I were one-sided and did only mental work. From my plantations of herbs also emanates an aura capable of strengthening me visibly.