Moving in outdoor spaces

I had the wonderful opportunity to move in the outdoors this weekend. I don't mean just walk or run somewhere in the park or city. I got to experiment with some butoh exercises with another mover as well. We checked out areas in the embarcadero and financial district. What I found so cool about this area of San Francisco (which I hardly visit) is that's it's practically empty on the weekend. Like most financial districts in cities, every business closes for the weekend, including Starbucks.

The area (pictured above) we practiced was a wide, open concrete space in front of a huge high-rise building. There were various potted plants, flowers, huge wide steps for sitting at different levels, tables and chairs and glass windows. We each took turns blindfolded, moving within the space. First the blindfolded is guided by a partner throughout the space. This allows the other senses to kick in. It's amazing how we go throughout our days and lives relying on sight the majority of the time. In this exercise, our other senses--smell, sound, touch, taste--are awakened and enlivened.

When I was blindfolded, my sense of trust kicked in as well! Although, I knew my guide wouldn't allow anything or anyone to harm me, I had to trust myself. I reminded myself to soften, in my mind and body. When I would feel the wind blow, I felt it in a way I've never felt before, like a prisoner, who had not been outside for year and had not felt the wind that whole time. The feel of the concrete planters and the smell of the flowers and plants within them. The whole experience was so primitive.

Then my guide let me go to move within the space, but also making sure I don't run into anything and hurt myself. What was so unnerving about this experience was letting go of my guide as well as a concrete object I was holding onto. Emerging into the open space was liberating, fun, scary, and exciting. Then the blindfold was removed by my guide and I moved and danced a little longer. I felt more exposed and seen without the blindfold. Not the way one feels in front of an audience, but more exposed by the world and my surroundings. By the flowers, plants, the tree, the concrete, the concrete planters, the high-rise buildings, the wind, the sky, and the other elements that were present, and that I had connected with.

What a wonderful way to exercise your senses and challenge yourself. Why don't we do this more often? This exercise is very playful and awakening. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone did this exercise? Wouldn't it be nice to have a group of people witness this exercise?