Exciting upcoming project.

   One of the things I am most excited to design and physically make is a sensory path for The Phoenix Center in Marble Falls

A sensory path is like a game of Twister without the spinner integrated into a hallway with the intention of getting kids to slow down and think about what they are doing with their bodies. That is, there are places for specific hands and feet to touch clearly communicated in contrasting colors. The name comes from the idea of stimulating the 5 senses. By going down the path correctly, mindfulness could be increased. Balance and spatial awareness also sharpen as one hops, squats, and touches the shapes.

Anyway, preliminary designs for this have been percolating in my mind for months now, and today I find myself reading about how the USMC uses a similar methodology. (I admire our nation’s Marine Corps because I can’t think of an organization more dedicated to excellence in general. Nor can I come up with an org. that positively transforms people better.) My daily reading practice took me to USMC DP7 (PDF here) where I found the author advocating sensory paths in a backhanded way:

“Leaders of Marines must dedicate time and effort to learning, and prioritize mental fitness as much as physical fitness. For example, Marines can integrate learning activities into physical fitness training activities—stations can be set up along a run to demonstrate competence on a variety of tasks and equipment, such as using a radio, reporting specific items that are seen along the path, or demonstrating an understanding of different concepts (e.g., rules of engagement). Integrating learning activities into physical training events when Marines are both mentally and physically challenged encourages deep learning and facilitates the recall of lessons learned during combat situations.” 

Marines are known for their physical fitness. The fact that they must prioritize mental fitness as much is remarkable. Integrating the mental and physical makes sense for all human beings. That’s why I’m so driven to make a great decorative concrete company. I believe my people will be better humans for having mastered this trade.