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“There is a need to be aware an almighty storm is on the way and so do what you can to lash yourself down as securely as possible until it passes and the rebuild operation gets underway.”

Though Taoist teacher (and regular Skrufff contributor) Barefoot Doctor is more than a little apocalyptic in his new book The Message he’s characteristically optimistic despite his warning.

“We have reached a crisis point in human history,” he continues, “The indication is for collapse rather than destruction – the sort of collapse that leads to the discovery of a necessary jewel that might have otherwise been left undiscovered.”

Chatting to Skrufff this week, he says the book is aimed at those with ‘any interest in the 2012 phenomenon and a yen to contribute to the potential dawn of a new golden era for humanity’: and is also categorically ‘not a book for idiots, bigots or sheep’.

But wouldn’t it be better to target those people rather than preaching to the converted?

“Who said anything about the converted?” he retorts, “I’m assuming I’m mostly talking to the ‘unconverted’, but am not willing to dumb down what I’m saying or placate bigotry to win popularity.”

And what signs should people be on guard for to understand if they’re worried they might be a sheep?

““Thick white fur growing on their body,” he laughs, “And a tendency to talk in bah-bahs”.

Released last month, the book has already been reprinted for a second run and Barefoot, normally as loquacious as he’s opinionated, is equally in a hurry. Much of the book was written up various mountains in Wales and France though he gives short shrift to any comparisons with Moses.

“Did I experience any revelations up the mountains, er no,” he admits, “I was too busy writing down the revelations I’d already had – all of them in the book.” So what makes your message any more valid than anyone else’s?

“Who says it is?” he challenges, “But it’s certainly as valid as anyone else’s.”

Skrufff (Jonty Skrufff): in the Message’s introduction you declare ‘this book accepts no fatwa”: have you ever been targeted by traditional religion activists? 

Barefoot Doctor: “No, but I do receive the strangest emails from people claiming theirs is the only way implying there’s no point presenting any other. I tend not to take these personally but rather with compassion for the psychotic hold various dogmas exert on people.  On the other hand, I’m getting far, far more feedback in the positive vein, people loving the book so much they try to eat it, and in some cases even marry it, but likewise, I tend not to take these personally either.

I’ve done my job in the writing and getting it out for the world – what happens at the other end is the business of whoever is reading it, though of course I love being in contact with people who’ve kind things to say to me as we all do.”

Skrufff: What’s been the biggest mistake you’ve made in life?

Barefoot Doctor: “Wasting energy worrying. I’ve eventually learned through years of meditation and martial arts practice that whenever I project even one day into the future, unless specifically required to do so for logistical planning or positive visualization purposes, it elicits anxiety and achieves nothing. The meditation (as taught in the book), helps me stay in the here and now, where nothing is lacking and as long as I let myself feel the fullness of this moment, the next one and subsequent ones will take care of themselves. And this preserves and even increases my vital force rather than deplete it.”

Skrufff: How can readers be sure you’re not a false prophet?

Barefoot Doctor: “They can’t – only I can.”

Barefoot Doctor’s new book, THE MESSAGE, vision for a new world, is now available in all formats via www.barefootmessage.com

Jonty Skrufff: http://listn.to/JontySkrufff

Thigh high boots; click to buy (not in Egypt)

Top Salafi preacher Mustafa al-Adawi branded high heels a ‘source of seduction for men’ this week, as he announced a fatwa prohibiting the saucy shoes.

“A woman can only wear high heels for her husband,” the Egyptian cleric decreed, “but she is not to do so outside her house,” he ordered. (English Alarabiya: http://bit.ly/v6hsiw )

News of the high heel ban emerged just two weeks after top Saudi religious policeman Sheikh Motlab al Nabet ordered women to refrain from showing ‘tempting’ eyes, in addition to the face and hair-covering headscarves they’re already forced to wear.

The Sheikh (from Saudi Arabia’s Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice) reportedly issued his decree after a husband got into a fight with one of his religious cops, after the policeman ordered his wife to cover her attractive eyes, Asia News reported (MuslimWomenNews: http://bit.ly/tY8neq )

In more high heel shoe news, the New York Times reported that fashion conscious male hipsters are increasingly adopting platforms, such as Mr Black regular Jeff Piace.

“I wish society was more acceptable of men wearing heels,” Mr Piace told Times reporter Trish Romano last month, “I think it’s fun. I think it makes a statement.”

Ageing English soccer star David Beckham previously tried to spark a revival in 2007, impressing Times critic Matthew Syed (though not so many others) for  ‘changing the contemporary notion of masculinity, softening it, smoothing it, widening it, diversifying it’.

“He has also made it possible to be a real man and sensitive,” the Times columnist declared, “To be a real man and concerned about one’s appearance; to be a real man and to cry in public; to be a real man and to wear dresses and high heels.”

Jonty Skrufff: http://listn.to/JontySkrufff