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Our feet are our primary means of connecting with the earth but remain so neglected being confined to shoes. In most contemporary cultures, where there are not many opportunities to go barefoot, few acts are as intimate as touching the feet of another person. Our feet are our primary means of connecting with the earth, yet they usually remain confined in shoes or sandals.

Cleansing of the feet can be a relaxing interlude that can help you feel refreshed and has also has become a popular stress reliever and beautification ritual, ie getting a pedicure.

“Ritual foot cleansing has a long and intricate history involving many methods and motivations.  It has been used as an initiation, a welcoming gesture, a purification ceremony, and as a means to demonstrate humbleness. Cleansing ceremonies involving the feet are performed in many different parts of the world. In many cases, the meaning of the ritual was twofold. It was a way of cleaning a guest’s feet before entering a home and a sign of hospitality. In Buddhism, clean water mixed with sandalwood to clean the feet is one of the eight typical offerings. By cleansing the feet of an enlightened being, it is possible to cleanse one’s own karma.”

For a more modern twist to this cleansing ritual, you may want to make a natural sugar or salt scrub (See my recipe here)and put together a nice basket for a friend including a pumice stone, body butter or soft fuzzy socks.  I also like to include a nice card stating the ritual statement above. Wrap the basket with ribbon, raffia, tissue, flowers ect… and give as a wonderful gift, this makes a perfect house warming gift.

Source: Staying Grounded, Foot Cleansing Rituals by Madisyn Taylor, dailyom.com