Barefoot

Introduction: Walking barefoot is a sensory experience for all. Greater feedback helps with balance. Foot strength increases and the development of arches. Relaxation is needed as you become mindful of the new sensations.

Instructions:

1. Identify a mixture of outdoor surfaces that can be
   linked together to create a route. This could be grass,
   mud, gravel, woodland or paths. Add in extra surfaces
   such as leaves, sticks, sand, pebbles, water. Natural
   items could be supplemented by household items of
   your imagination. Check for any sections that may have
   sharp items or hazards.
2. Time to give it a go and follow the route in bare feet.
   Describe the sensations as you move from one surface
   to the next, be as descriptive as possible. What is loud,
   quiet, smooth, squishy, rough, soft, hard, warm, cold,
   relaxing, painful?
3. Now try the course blindfolded, while guided by a
   helper. You can use a hat over the eyes, hooded top
   back to front or a scarf to make the blindfold.
   Can you still recognise the different surfaces? Would
   you trust your helper enough to be guided on to new
   untouched surfaces, whilst still blindfolded? Don’t
   forget to swap around.