Humanities Hidden Spaces — Anchors for the Soul

Why do so many people have hidden spaces that resemble wastelands

MWC Space

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” ~T.S. Eliot

Physical spaces often define our social status, occupation, ethnic background, aesthetic preferences, and the list goes on and on. It’s also true that if I can see your physical spaces, I can more easily profile specific aspects of your life that those spaces will reveal.

But for the sake of this discussion, I’m not going to talk about our physical spaces. Well, not much, anyway. I’m going to talk about those spaces that, in many people, are completely untouched, undecorated, unplanned, and often unused.

Before we go there, however, let me state my opinion on the approach we take to our physical spaces.

You, me, and our spaces

Whenever I view my physical spaces, three things become instantly apparent. The same three things stand true whenever I view the physical spaces of others. What are they?

1. My physical spaces are designed to satisfy ME. My need for comfort, privacy, recognition, and reward are woven into the design style. What I desire, what I think I deserve, and my self-esteem decorates every area of my space. The same is true for others. It’s discernable in the priceless tapestry on the wall or the gated courtyard of the very rich. And for the less affluent, it’s displayed in the oversized TV, the latest gaming system, and the triple deadbolt on the door.
2. My physical spaces are designed to show others what I want them to know about ME. When we decorate our physical spaces, there is a certain mindset that lurks in our thinking. If that isn’t a true statement, why do we strive to obtain the Top of the Line, Brand Name, and Designer Editions in our clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics, etc.? We all know that those things don’t necessarily mean — better products! But, at the same time, we are convinced that, if we possess them and they are displayed in our spaces, others will view us differently — as more successful, more attractive, more envied.
3. My physical spaces give clues about my hidden spaces What are these hidden spaces? I’m so glad you asked…

spaces that, in many people, are completely untouched, undecorated, unplanned, and often unused.

Hidden spaces

My observation and conclusions will not categorize every individual. However, with an honest appraisal of society in general, many will.

The gifted spaces At birth, each of us is given the deed to an equal amount of personal property. These spaces are invisible but powerful and will define us throughout our existence — and through us, society at large. They are the spaces of mind and heart.

They are the most precious, unique, and personal spaces in our world. But sad to say, they are also the most neglected. In fact, many don’t even recognize them as personal spaces or that they require our attention just like our physical spaces do.

The wastelands

“If you haven’t the strength to impose your own terms upon life, then you must accept the terms it offers you.” ~T.S. Eliot

Using the photo illustration, who of us would choose to stay in such an abandoned, unsafe, and undesirable space?

And yet, metaphorically, that is what we may be living in every hour of every day. But worse still, we chose to do nothing about the situation. YES, we made the choice ourselves. How?

When we ignored the responsibility deeded to us along with our MIND and HEART, we made the choice — the choice not to build, expand, and fill those spaces with moral principles and characteristics. Instead, we ended up doing what the above quote states, we accepted the terms the world offered us, regardless of their value.

There is another choice that some of us made. We don’t fully accept the terms of the world around us, but we fail to decide on an interior design for our hidden spaces, in effect, creating a mental and moral wasteland.

The hidden spaces don’t stay hidden

Be your character what it will, it will be known, and nobody will take it upon your word. ~Lord Chesterfield

The true nature of our hidden space is evident in the nuances of our physical spaces. They are also revealed in the spaces we occupy with others. Think of the three most common spaces you share with others — home, work, and school. Does the condition of your hidden spaces show?

To make that question easier to answer, turn it around. Is the condition of the hidden spaces of others visible to you?

Example — What do you see:

1. In the contentious, position-oriented boss
2. In those who have no humanity or fellow feeling
3. In the bully at school
4. In the abusive nature of a relationship partner?
5. In the warm and nurturing attitude of a child’s teacher
6. In the self-sacrificing services of community volunteers

If you can readily discern the corruptness, the goodness, or the total lack of concern, aren’t they also able to see those things in you?

What price do I place on my gifted property

As a gift, I believe my hidden spaces were given with a purpose. A purpose I’ve been seeking to understand and show appreciation for. Because I have the ability of mind to think above the norm, to reason beyond just what I see, I treat that with high esteem.

To coordinate the spaces of my mind and heart, I make sure to count the cost of my thinking patterns and dominant attitude. I strive to make sure that my heart is in line with truth and that it seeks not only my best interest but that of others as well.

My hidden spaces are precious beyond imagining. I will guard them and never sell them for material gain, base philosophies, and standards of lesser value.

How will you adorn and guard your hidden spaces?