When I arrive back home in Hong Kong at the start of break, I am greeted by a tidy rack of shoes beside the door. This practice of removing shoes before entering a house is rooted in cultural traditions across Asia. Alongside gun regulations and systemic racism, one issue I hope will be addressed in the future of America is the appalling practice of wearing shoes at home.
The act of removing shoes before entering a home facilitates mindfulness and connection to the present moment. In our fast-paced lives where multitasking and constant distractions are the norm, this simple ritual encourages individuals to pause and be aware of their surroundings. By taking a moment to remove shoes, people engage in a deliberate act that signals a transition from the outside world to the comfort of their homes. This practice aligns with mindfulness principles, promoting mental well-being and a sense of grounding.
Beyond its cultural significance, the practice of removing shoes indoors also offers tangible health benefits. Shoes serve as carriers of various pollutants, dirt, and potentially harmful microorganisms. By leaving shoes at the entrance, individuals prevent these contaminants from spreading inside their living spaces. The soles of shoes can harbor a myriad of germs, including fecal bacteria and diseases. As we continue to dodge pandemics and rapid outbreaks, adopting the practice of removing shoes is a necessary step in maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.
Practically, this practice also helps preserve indoor flooring. Shoes, especially those with hard soles, can cause scratches, scuffs, and general wear and tear on surfaces over time. By leaving shoes at the entrance, individuals contribute to the longevity of their flooring, reducing the need for repairs or replacements. There is no point in installing high-quality hardwood or expensive carpets if one will proceed to trample all over it with dirty shoes.
Removing shoes is also beneficial for comfort. Shoes, especially those clamped around one’s foot during the hot summer months, can be sweaty, restrictive, and uncomfortable. By removing footwear indoors, individuals can shed their sweaty socks, stretch their toes, and appreciate the freeing comfort of their home. This simple act contributes to a more relaxed and enjoyable environment within the home, where people can unwind without the constraints of outdoor footwear. If bare feet on hard flooring sounds unappealing, slippers are a hygienic and comfortable alternative.
Additionally, the act of removing shoes promotes a tidy and organized living space. Shoes left at the entrance reduce clutter within the home. This not only contributes to a visually appealing living environment but also facilitates an organized approach to storage, making it easier to locate shoes instead of burrowing through a mountain of clothes to retrieve a pair of crocs.
By preserving the atmosphere and cleanliness of a home, the practice of removing shoes signifies respect for the living space and the people who take care of it. This act is a gesture of reverence towards the home as a sanctuary, a safe place where one seeks refuge from the external hustle and bustle. It symbolizes a separation between the dirty, polluted world and the purity of home. Moreover, the act of removing shoes expresses politeness and consideration for others. This simple act can become a shared norm that fosters a sense of community and consideration between family, friends, and their homes.
From promoting mindfulness to practicality, removing shoes before entering home can be more than just a cultural practice. Whether you’re a germaphobe afraid of the next coronavirus outbreak or a guru promoting mindfulness, let’s all agree to leave our sweaty, disease-ridden, toe-breaking shoes at the doorstep.
