Taking Off Our Shoes
- spacetofeelings
- Jul 7, 2025
- 2 min read
“I want to take the shoes off my voice, so that I can enter a place with care, so that I can do the work I need to do.” Ocean Vuong, goes on to mention that in temples and even in many Asian households such as his when you enter the house, you take your shoes off.
This was one of the first customs we adapted to and adored when we moved to Maui. Nothing new for us, as we had removed our shoes enjoying our cozy slippers within our Utah house for years. This is non negotiable on the island, and is practiced out of respect. It is common to witness a pile of shoes scattered about on the front door mats, or right within the entry way.
I have noticed how it creates a depth of feeling, care, to not have anything binding one’s feet. I grew up with a barefoot mom all spring and summer long, who adored kicking off her shoes every chance she was offered. This was not a stretch for me.
The way that Ocean explains removing our shoes from our voice I sense is liberating, also frightening at times, because there exists no cushion, padding, protection, one is all out there. Thus creating a need for ongoing vigilance that we are meticulous with our speech. To welcome and invite silence, a pause, the I don’t know, before spouting out a plethora of what may resemble a word salad is essential.
I notice this acutely with the women I am in meaningful conversations with. As a human being, I am actively engaged in trying to listen to what I am receiving. I certainly will not always receive as accurately as I might like. Yet, the fact that I simply cannot remember most of what I shared after a session, suggests my role is to be a messenger. Within that comes a responsibility that I hold dearly. I am not in the driver’s seat, and nestled within exists the relief, freedom, and where the clarity resides.
When our shoes are left off, all filters, buffer zones, are no longer cushioning the words and thoughts that are imparted. Heart first as our default mode, and because of that, less censoring is required. It has already been birthed from the heart. Heart language is universal, and it’s truly what I believe our world craves to become fluent in, I know I do.
Shoes off our voices, speaking as intentionally, lovingly, in alignment with our truest selves. Imagine that, I am, might we all?
How life affirming and connecting for you to have that sharing time. Douglas knows no strangers. This feels SO much like him. In gratitude for your sharing. Beautiful my friend. Xo 💕
I love this post, Joanie! Taking off the shoes of our voice, oh what a huge difference this can make! Maybe this will be my new goal from now on. I will, even if no-one else around me does. Thinking of you and our precious children. 💓
Andelene
What a lovely post, and there is something ritualistic about taking off your shoes before entering - like a grounding practice to leave what is outside at the door so you can bring what is within forward. Holding space for you, dear Joanie, as you approach the 17th anniversary of Douglas shedding his earth suit. Sending you so much love. 💕
I had a completely different post in mind. Yesterday, the site would not allow me to load it. I sense Douglas wanted this one this week. Sunday, the 13th, is seventeen years since he shed his earth suit. There is not a day that goes by that he is not in our hearts. In honor of this fun loving son of ours, please engage in a random act of kindness. We may just become the difference in the way a moment goes for another. Four 'leggers' included. 🐾