One seldom wakes up one morning thinking-"I am going to walk barefoot on some glass today to develop the mind/body connection." It is something we are introduced to, taught how to accomplish and encouraged to achieve this unusual feat to expand our preconceived perceptions of what we can or cannot accomplish.

The first step in accomplishing this feat is to change our perception of glass. Glass is primarily made up of particles of sand. Sand originates from Mother Earth. Likewise our body is also primarily made up of the fluid form of Mother Earth-water. Other than air, earth (sand) and water are two of the top three components that comprise our existence-(Babies have the most water, about 78%. By one year of age, about 65%. In adult men, water is about 60%. However, fat tissue does not have as much water as lean tissue. In adult women, fat makes up more of the body than men, so they have about 55% of their bodies made of water. Fat men also have less water (as a percentage) than thin men.).

If we are in agreement that Air, Earth, (sand) and Water are a derivative of the same source (Mother Earth), then it would stand to reason that as descendants of each other, water and sand must be molecularly compatible. Metaphorically speaking, a bed of sand (glass) can often be found below the surface of a body of water (our bodies). So it is in keeping with the rhythm of the universe and the balance of nature that we are able to walk (our bodies) above a bed of sand (glass) unscathed.

Overcoming the challenge of walking on glass is easily achievable. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to change the thought processes (negative influence) about glass we have come to accept as truth during our formative, impressionable years, as well as any associated thoughts related to the glass itself.

The process of altering one's thoughts has often been conceptualized as 'mind over matter,' but more appropriately it could be conceptualized as 'mind over mind.' When people make a decision to alter their thoughts both consciously and subconsciously, we virtually eliminate the 'tug of war' between the minds that is often commonplace in one's everyday beliefs.

In the instance of walking on glass, after merging the minds and refusing to allow any counterproductive ideas to get in the way of the intended goal, the motivated person can walk barefoot with confidence, easily and comfortably above the shards of broken glass.

It is important to caution you to not do this on your own without adequate instruction and supervision. Injuries may occur when someone is improperly trained-i.e. mentally prepared with a conditioned state of mind. You need to learn a process that allows all body movements to flow simultaneously and work co-operatively with each other by making continuous and necessary corrections and adjustments while achieving and engaging in the ultimate journey-walking barefoot on glass. This walk is not unlike your spiritual journey.

Before you embark on this journey, it is important to take a few moments to meditate, reflect and look within, to quiet your mind and alleviate any conflicting inner thoughts. The ultimate resolve is the achievement of perfect synchronization of the mind.

If after examining your motivation to participate in this exercise by using your all-knowing inner wisdom, you may hear a voice echoing from within, telling you that it is conceivable and believable to walk barefoot on glass, then it is absolutely achievable to do so!

It is irrelevant whether you arrive at your decision based on analytical analogy or having faith in a power greater than your own. Either belief will manifest the exact same physiology in the body.

"If you think you can you can or if you think you cannot, you are right." Henry Ford. And coupled with Dharma teachings of Looang Boo Sim Buddhacaro, "Whatever the mind harbors the physical body must bring forth," we can achieve the seemingly impossible. We are the combined total of all of our thinking processes from birth. Herein are some of the many reasons why walking barefoot on glass has become a much sought-after exercise in developing the mind/body connection and can prove to be a rewarding and unforgettable experience in our journey to a higher consciousness.