In the 1980s I often used medical tape to affix crystals and gemstones to my body. I wasn't alone in this pursuit. Chi Pants developed a design of pants that actually had a quartz crystal sewn in near the root chakra.

To this day I believe that the laying of crystals and gemstones onto the body can have a positive effect on health, wellbeing, emotional balance and spiritual attunement.

After mining crystals in Arkansas a couple of times I became uncomfortable with the mining process and its devastating effects on the planet. I decided since all the stones came from the Earth one could simply connect directly with the Earth and gain their benefits.

I guess I've always been a tree-hugger.

Recently I heard about a New Age fad called Earthing. I posted about it on this blog. In some ways I was happy that people were remembering the value of connecting with the Earth. In some ways I was upset by the commercialization of it, the faddy nature of it and the fact that they called it "Earthing."

Then I discovered Juil, a company that makes shoes for men and women that use copper to enhance the connection with the Earth.

I love to be barefoot but it's not always practical. The idea of comfortable shoes that would help keep me connected to Mother Earth seemed brilliant, and, yes, just a wee bit hokey. But I am the girl who taped crystals to my body. Copper in my shoes is not a huge leap for me.

It was hard to choose between the sandals the clogs. Since I live in Florida I went with the sandals, specifically the Napa sandals in black and burgundy.

Juil footwear is available primarily on-line. My sandals arrived quickly and came in a lovely box with an interesting carrying bag. The sandals have five little round copper discs at the toes and another at the heel.

I am usually a solid size eight, but my new sandals were very tight - definitely too small. Juil was very kind and quick about getting me a size nine, which fit well.

After wearing the sandals for a couple of weeks I have to say I am happy with them. They aren't inexpensive, but they are very well-made. The foot bed is covered in leather and very comfortable. They feel good on my feet. They don't flex at all, which some people might not like but doesn't bother me. And they still look new after a few weeks of hard Florida wear.

But the big question, of course, is this. Do I feel more grounded and more connected to the Earth when I wear them? Actually, yeah, I do. I feel more focused, too - a benefit of being grounded.

Metaphysicians say that copper is a conduit and amplifier, which is how it can conduct the energies of the Earth. Copper is thought to be of specific benefit to the root chakra; the chakra that grounds us.

As high-end sandals go my Juil Napa Sandals are as good or better as others I have tried - Birkenstock, Earth Shoes, etc. The grounding copper works for me. I have spent years attuning myself to the energy of gemstones and minerals. Someone less attuned may or may not feel the benefits, but they would be benefitted nonetheless.