Exploring the Interplay Between Ourselves and the Spaces We Inhabit

Picture filmed in Mont Blanc

Our lives are intricately connected to the spaces we move through, shaping our sense of self and belonging while also leaving traces of our presence. From outdoor adventures to everyday routines, the artifacts we carry and use—whether a chair, a Bible, or personal narratives—serve as bridges between us and the environments we traverse. Inspired by Cadogan's Walking While Black and Solnit's Footwork, this blog explores how our relationship with spaces is defined by comfort, security, and adaptability.

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Finding Comfort in the Familiar: The Chair as a Portable Home

As an outdoor enthusiast, I often find myself hiking trails or climbing hills during my free time. After a long, exhausting trip, the desire of sitting on a hard rock or the damp ground is far from appealing. A chair becomes not just a convenience but a necessity—offering a small, portable shelter. In those moments, the chair symbolizes more than physical relief; it represents home, providing comfort and stability in unfamiliar spaces. 

Form walking while black, Cadogan state that "I was astonished at how safe the streets felt to me, once again one black body among many, no longer having to anticipate the many ways my presence might instill fear and how to offer some reassuring body language."(Cadogan), he thinks walking around space that he might felt comfort would provide him a sense of secure, similar to what a chair may provide me when I am traveling through space, the chair may gave me the comfort, cozy and eventually lead to sense of secure that makes me felt "I am back to my home". Just as Cadogan finds walk in Jamaica’s familiar streets, the chair I carry while hiking becomes a symbol of a safe haven in the unpredictable outdoors.

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The Bible: A Spiritual Anchor in Changing Spaces

This is the artifacts from my peer Anna, the Bible stands out as a deeply personal and symbolic object. Beyond its physical presence, it serves as a guide, offering moral and spiritual grounding in any environment. Whether she is in a bustling city in the nature, the Bible connects her to a greater sense of purpose and belonging. It becomes a source of strength, reminding her that no matter how alien a space might feel, she would never truly alone.

Cadogan's narrative in Walking While Black mirrors this sense of spiritual anchoring. As he navigates spaces where his identity as a Black man often subjects him to danger, his reflections convey a deep reliance on internal strength and cultural roots to find his place. Similarly, the Bible offers Anna a constant life’s uncertainties, shaping how she perceive and adapt to different environments.

Solnit, too, touches on the spiritual dimensions of movement in Footwork, discussing how walking fosters reflection and a connection to something greater than oneself. She writes about walking as a meditative act, one that opens pathways to understanding and growth. The Bible, much like walking, serves as a tool for resilience, enabling her to navigate not only physical spaces but also the emotional and cultural challenges they present.

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Clothing as a Gateway to Adaptation

Clothing, an essential element of our lives, also shapes our experience of space. For me, the clothes I choose depend heavily on the environment I navigate. At university, I prefer neutral tones that help me blend in and focus on my studies. However, when I'm outdoors, I prefer vibrant colors—reds and oranges—that not only reflect my personality but also enhance my safety in wilderness settings---easier for people to nevigate me when there are danger happend. 

Cadogan’s narrative offers a parallel perspective. As a Black man navigating urban spaces, he have several ways to minimize perceived threats. His low-key clothing choices are a form of protection, designed to make him less conspicuous and reduce the likelihood of unwanted attention. This strategic use of clothing demonstrates how the way we present ourselves can influence how we experience and are perceived in different spaces.

Solnit also touches on how our attire reflects and responds to cultural and environmental expectations. In Footwork, she discusses how clothing has historically been used to mark one’s role and status within a space, whether as a traveler or worker. By adapting our clothing to different settings, we shape not only our own experience but also the dynamics of the spaces we inhabit.

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My own experiences with outdoor artifacts like chairs and experience Anna had to the Bible offer a personal lens into this dynamic, while Cadogan and Solnit’s essays provide broader cultural and social contexts. Sharing these insights allows us to reflect on how we can create spaces that are comforting and secure for everyone.

By recognizing the artifacts and narratives that shape our movements, we can better understand the intricate dance between ourselves and the spaces we inhabit. Whether it’s a chair that offers a moment of respite, the Bible that provides spiritual anchoring, or the stories we tell about these experiences, each element contributes to the spaces we call home.

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