Right smack in the commercial center of Medellin is a park which, translated into English means "The Barefoot Park". Its Spanish name is Parc de Los Pies Descalzos and its entrance is located across the street from the headquarters of its sponsor, Groupo EPM, the public utility company.
The
Parc was originally built for the exclusive use of EPM employees, locked in as
a fenced oasis for recharging, meditating and eating in the restaurant situated
in the space. But, after time, the novelty wore off and as employee usage
dwindled, the company opened the Parc to the public. We were led through the
Parc by a local who instructed us on the four stations.
First, enter the oval shaped grove of tall bamboo trees, of the local Guadua variety. Their unusually tall and thin profiles form an opening to the sky, where the blue void is intended to create an empty space in your mind. Sit on a bench and remove your shoes while gazing up into the oval space. Walk on the stony path toward the grassy area, noting the discomfort of the sharp edges of the pebbles, focusing your attention toward your feet.
Second, step onto the grassy field. Enjoy the cool relief and soft pleasure of the grass and forgiving ground in contrast to the pebbles. Draw circles on the grass with your feet.
Third, enter the sand area in the Zen rock garden. Pass around the large boulders symbolic of challenges presented in life and into the labyrinth. Still walking on sand, close your eyes and feel your way through the field of rectangular waist-high columns.
Trust yourself and your judgment to take the risks to get you through. Fourth and finally, the water area cleanses your feet and massages with pulsing water.
As to Grupo EPM, by contrast to the way utilities are operated in most places in the United States, EPM delivers a bundle of the public services: electricity, water, and natural gas. EPM's office tower is a smart building and its outdoor terraces facing the Parc are draped with green vines.
