THE UNKNOWN
We travel downwards, towards the limits of human knowledge of the cave. Each step is a step towards the unknown. Beyond the feeble limits of our torchlight the cave waits, breathing dust-filled air deep down into the lungs of the Andes.
As we travel, black holes of crevices and tunnels appear by the side of our path through the rock, scree and sand. Portals to the unknown; the unmapped and unexplored reaches of the cave. From their shadows the unknown watches us.
In the cave the unknown is always near. A presence that cannot be denied or controlled. It whispers to us a reminder us that no matter how carefully we place our steps, we cannot know where this path will take us in the months and years to come. We listen to the whispers and know them to be true.
In the dark and stillness of this place we make peace with the unknown. We take the first steps on a journey to befriending it. And as a friend it takes our hand. It leads us down paths we could never have imagined.
FOLLOWING THE PATH OF THE UNKNOWN
Why stepping into the unknown can be the key to new knowledge discovered
Photography & Poetry
Discussion
In this conversation Liminal Compass creators Eileen Hall and Tamsin Cunningham reflect on the central philosophy of the Liminal Compass journey: that in order to feel our way into a sustainable future we must learn to befriend the unknown. We talk about the ancient history theories that drew Eileen’s father, the explorer Stan Hall, to the treasure of Tayos and what she learnt about navigating the unknown from his life and work. We discuss common reactions to the unknown and what this means for the natural environment and reflect on the ways in which changing our relationship with the unknown from one of attempted control into curiosity and learning can become a pivotal act in how we approach life, nature and our relationships. How can we shed our fear of the unknown and what do we stand to gain when we do?
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