Sand. Is. Everywhere.
As we’ve mentioned in past newsletters, the roads on our little island are not paved; instead, they’re covered in a generous layer of sand. Lots and lots of sand. Navigating our sandy roads adds a unique charm to the experience. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for a few days or someone who lives here full-time, embracing the sand is a necessary aspect of living here and fully savoring this sliver of paradise. This week’s newsletter is dedicated entirely to the topic of…you guessed it…sand.
What is it like living somewhere with only sandy roads? Honestly, it’s pretty awesome. Many people here, locals and tourists alike, walk around with bare feet all day long because of the soft, comfortable nature of the roads. It’s incredibly refreshing to witness folks go about their business day in and day out without shoes, sandals, or even flip-flops. Even some construction workers will go an entire shift barefoot! I would not recommend that last one. That being said, after almost eight months here, Kaila and I have begun to embrace the barefoot lifestyle. Why? Because it’s freeing and comforting and for the benefits of grounding.
Grounding, also known as earthing, has many benefits to us. It can reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, improve sleep, enhance mood, increase energy levels, regulate blood pressure, and boost immune function. Physical contact with the ground was pretty standard for humans in the past. Plenty of evidence now suggests that walking barefoot allows the earth’s energy to be transferred into the human body. It’s clear why so many people have adopted this behavior here on our island—it makes you feel good! The more time we spend in bare feet, walking our sandy roads, the healthier we’ll be.