Photo by Gordon Harkins
Confined in Wide Open Spaces
Thinking about an open concept versus rooms with walls. The common interpretation would refer to the architectural approaches to living and working spaces. Bright, open spaces with vaulted ceilings and window walls as opposed to more conservative and confined areas that may be secreted and cut off from the rest.
The same model could be applied to the mind. And even to some degree to riding a scooter or motorcycle.
My head inside a full face helmet; a mind inside isolated from the outside world. Life inside little boxes. Even riding in wide open spaces I remain confined in those little boxes.
Small Spaces
The narrow walkway between buildings in State College, Pennsylvania feels safe in the closeness of the walls and the protection against the sky. It’s as if you’re cut off from much of the world — a decidedly non-open concept for space.
There was a time when the open concept held my imagination and fueled dreams of adventure in the wild and open spaces of the world. Over time I’ve realized I’m predisposed to a compartmentalized existence which affords opportunities for invisibility, isolation and privacy. But more powerful is the sense of self and focus I find in the small spaces where the yawning abyss is not drawing energy and concern. While the open concept and space is seductive, it ultimately leaves me entirely reactive — I see and respond. It’s visceral and fires emotions. But ultimately I retreat to a little box where I’m free to think.
When I was younger I would have thought the rooms with walls would be a prison. Could be for me they may be the doorway to freedom.
