Springy Steps

I’ve noticed, for some time, my lack of ability to jump, run, or bounce with ease. I’ve played with improving my ability sporadically but I haven’t dedicated any time to it because it wore me out too quickly. That made improving my lightness on my feet less of a priority. Now, however, I have the time and energy to put forth the effort to find the spring in my step and lighten the load – so to speak. Being grounded is important but I think we become too grounded when we are no longer able to move quickly and lightly. The lack of ability to move easily is caused by a few factors like shoes constricting the feet, lack of playing, landing on our heels when we run, lack of moving about on uneven and unsure terrain. There are some people who do not lose their lightness on their feet and those people tend to spend time outdoors and they often go barefoot.
Since I’m staying in locales which do not require shoes, other than sandals, I can allow my feet to be flexibile and available. Some of the things I plan to do to regain flexibility in my feet include walking on the balls of my feet while allowing the metatarsals to provide the ability to raise/lower my heel from/to the ground, jumping up/down in place, doing kangaroo hops, playing hopscotch (without the actual lined layout), hopping from one foot to the other, jogging, skipping, and walking with the intention of using my foot in an efficient manor to push me into the next step. In other words, I’m going to return to acting like a kid as I move about in this world. Yes, I’m relearning how to walk. I have been bedridden and worn shoes for far too long. Put those two things together and you have an aging person. I am reclaiming my younger years by reclaiming my feet and ankles.
What can you do to regain your feet and, possibly, make you feel like a kid again?