Instructions to disrupt usual walking patterns

The purpose of these instructions is to prompt you to think about moving in a different way. Each instruction should be followed for at least 5 minutes*

You decide:

How many instructions you follow each day

The order in which the instructions are followed

How many times you follow the instruction

Walk backwards

Skip to work

Change direction every time you walk on a different surface

Stride

Walk barefoot

Notice the different surfaces that you step on

Hop

Walk to work an hour later than usual and notice the difference

Move at the same pace as the person next to you

Walk round the perimeter of buildings as opposed to through open space

Shuffle

Close your eyes and let someone else to give you directions of where to go

Every time you cross a road, alter the pace of your walk

Move without your feet leaving the ground

Wear a pair of shoes that are too big for you

Walk sideways

Tip-toe

Stop and look up after every 10 steps

Notice the colours

Change direction every time you pass a red car

Walk to work an hour earlier than normal and notice the difference

Jump

* Please note that I am not responsible for you being late to work, getting injured, or for you receiving funny looks when carrying out such instructions!

Wander|n

I was one of a group of students who have been involved in 'The Art of Straying', a research fellowship organised by Bridget Kennedy.

We have been on a number of journeys, including a walking meditation in the atrium at the University, urban rambles, a 'big adventure' and a trip to Cheeseburn.

Wander|n was an event; a group response to our engagement on the fellowship, and an opportunity to share our experiences with others.

We began in the XL gallery with a 15 minute walking meditation, and then were lead downstairs and along a corridor to a damp spiral staircase. At the top of these stairs, Simon handed out cups with tomato soup and a biscuit to enjoy as he told us a story about one of the urban rambles and then read a couple of T.S. Eliot poems.

We then meandered to Zoe's studio space where she presented an installation featuring an assortment of objects such as stones and branches that she found whilst on our journeys in combination with various other objects that she has collected over years. The origins and information about such items were contained within a concertina book which she passed around.

Franziska and Michael then took us to a couple of viewpoints in the university pointing out the way that the old building is often engulfed by the new building, with both styles of architecture being on view. They compared this with their Art School in Munich.

Once in the atrium space I recited my instructions to disrupt usual walking patterns, reading them like a poem. I handed out the instructions for people to take away and try out in their own time. This idea stemmed from my experience of the walking meditation, and how this exercise had made me consider the way in which we move and being more conscious of the journeys we take.

Before reaching the XL gallery agin, we stopped at the 2 statues at the entrance to the Hatton Gallery and Charlotte read us a story about the figures.

The event closed with a picnic, with homemade edibles and warming drinks.