In this generation, society is shaped by how images are shown through media. Ideas on the Internet, TV, and other sources shape our culture and give items meanings that are then regularly affiliated with messages. I personally find this concerning as it limits personal thoughts.
I think that we are constrained under stereotypical ideas rather than being able to reach out and creatively come up with our own. With that being said, compasses are regularly associated with traveling, but they don't have to be.
Images can be found on social networks like Tumblr, twitter and Facebook, that are made up of a picture of a compass and displays a message relating to exploring or adventuring. Although, what I have mentioned so far is the stereotypical thought of a compass, I am writing this article to share how it can go beyond this meaning.
North will always be North, East will always be East, etc. Compasses obviously portray this information within the physical device. However, I view this message deeper than location and navigating with these directions.
Compasses give confidence about your whereabouts. I’m not only referring to where we are physically in that moment, but instead almost theoretically.
North can be thought of as what is ahead of us. These are things that we can look forward to each day as our futures approach.
On the other end, South represents what lies behind us. When looking behind us, we will find what has brought us to where we are now. Our pasts can not be changed, but instead we can look back on them and learn from our behaviors and experiences.
Right can serve as our way of knowing what are the right choices for ourselves. Making the best, correct decisions can be influenced by staying true to ourselves and not giving into any pressures.
And lastly, left portrays what we have left to discover. This speaks to not let yourself settle for anything less than what we deserve as there will always be more options left for us to explore.
Together the four directions balance each other out to what I consider to be the ideal mindset to life. They depict a stable equilibrium within each of us that helps us think of each day separately.
We can’t let ourselves get too caught up in the past or future, and with the help of our inner compass, we are reminded to think of the present and to live in the moment of each day.
These four directions are clearly displayed on a given compass, and I am captivated by the abstract meanings that can be applied to our individual lives. What direction is your compass pointing to?
