WEEK 4 Sensation
WEEK FOUR - SENSATION
ASSIGNMENT: In this week’s walk you will focus on physical sensations. Pay attention to what your body is feeling as you walk. What is the sensation like of each footstep against the ground? Heavy or light, fast or slow? Is temperature a factor? Do you feel warm or cool? Does you skin feel dry or wet? Can you feel the wind on your skin? Are you experiencing any other bodily sensations like pain, numbness, heaviness, lightness etc.? Think about tempo or pacing - the speed at which you walk - try to vary your pace by slowing down and then speeding up. What effect does this have on your walk? How might you translate this aspect into your creative exercise this week?
Recreate a physical sensation you experienced during your walk using a visual medium - drawing, photography, sculpture, digital media, or other
This week's walk was welcome. Having spent 4 months in Cali in relative isolation (other than grocery runs and this walk each week), we made a decision to exit the Covid hot bed we found ourselves living amongst, with no signs of abating. While we made great use of our VERY tiny yard, we decided to head to Canada where we lived until 4 years ago. I did this walk the morning after we arrived "home" via a 23 hour straight through car ride. Luckily, the walk back and forth worked as we cannot leave our home and yard for two weeks. Taking each step felt GLORIOUS. The grass was slightly wet and cool. I walked slowly to really connect with the land, my home land. The air held a cool breeze that I had not felt in months, fresh air, quiet and the heave of nature all around me. My body was achy from the LONG drive, but my heart was elated. I pondered for awhile what it was that I was feeling. Ultimately the sensation i was feeling was a grounded-ness. Happy to be planted back where I am from.
I feel happy for you.( . you have a young person's feet.)..... I am reading The Beekeeper of Aleppo and read American Dirt about refugees, and I couldn't help think of your 23 hour car ride to YOUR homeland and their plight and escape... not comparing.. just commenting how even when circumstances are so very different.. all people yearn for safety, calmness, green grass underfoot and a sense of HOME.
ReplyDeleteI know you are sleeping well tonight. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
I am happier than I even anticipated. thank you.
DeleteThis made me think about my own relationship to home and where I feel most grounded – what that means, how it relates to seeking… also, the toll of a journey, both literal and spiritual. Pilgrimage takes many forms – even the square of a backyard. The context you provide really helps deepen the feeling of the photo – physically as well as emotionally— the significance of standing still. Welcome home!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I had no idea I had missed this place so much.
DeleteI agree with Chrissy and Gail that your story really resonated with me. I feel like especially at this time of crisis we are all longing for feelings of home and belonging in so many different ways. Your image and text visualize this beautifully. I can just feel that grass between my toes from looking at your photo and the words ground it in even further. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
ReplyDeleteA journey it was, but the scenery was beautiful, so no complaints. Thank you.
DeleteHi Trudy, I think the green lushness of the grass and the red text and your obviously happy feet all combine to communicate this glorious sensation! I found it hard to imagine 'how' I'd communicate a sensory experience but your image really sends me straight into that combination of softness, the slight tickle, and maybe even the dampness of the ground.There is joy and delight in your arrival back home, as attested to by the colour combinations and font and text... I'm happy for you to have this reprieve!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I am so happy that it gave all of you a sensation. This pleases me.
DeleteWhat a release to be home! A most powerful physical sensation. I am so happy for you. Your composition moved me, in particular its repeated use of the word "Canada" the rhythm and reinforcement of the letterforms. The lush grass beneath your feet personifies vitality and good health. A potent post and I thank you!
ReplyDelete