How To Be An Explorer

We embark on a journey to embrace the spirit of exploration, delving into the principles that guide us in becoming true explorers of the world around us.

1. Eternal Vigilance in Observation
The first step to becoming an explorer is to always be looking. This means being perpetually observant, noticing the nuances of our surroundings, from the ground beneath our feet to the sky above. It’s about cultivating a sense of constant curiosity and wonder about the world.

2. Recognizing the Animacy in Everything
To consider everything as animate is to acknowledge the life force in all things, whether traditionally viewed as alive or inanimate. This perspective opens us to a deeper connection with our environment, fostering a sense of kinship with all elements of the world.

3. Uncovering the Intrigue in the Mundane
The belief that everything is interesting encourages us to look closer, to find beauty and fascination in the most ordinary things. This approach transforms our everyday experiences, turning them into a constant discovery of wonder.

4. The Art of Altering Paths
Changing our course often is about embracing flexibility and spontaneity. It’s a willingness to venture off the beaten path, to explore uncharted territories, and to be open to new experiences and perspectives.

5. The Power of Observation Over Time
Observing for both long and short durations allows us to understand the world in different temporal contexts. It’s about noticing the fleeting moments as well as the slow, gradual changes that occur over time.

6. Recognizing the Stories Around Us
Every person, place, and object has a story. As explorers, our task is to notice these narratives, to understand the tapestries of lives and events that constantly unfold around us.

7. Pattern Recognition and Connection Making
Noticing patterns and making connections is about seeing the underlying order and relationships in the chaos of the world. It’s a skill that helps us make sense of our environment and find meaning in seemingly disparate elements.

8. Documenting Discoveries in Diverse Ways
Keeping field notes and documenting our findings in various forms enriches our exploration. It’s a way of recording our journey, reflecting on our experiences, and sharing our discoveries with others.

9. Embracing Indeterminacy and Uncertainty
Incorporating indeterminacy means accepting the unknown and unpredictable aspects of exploration. It’s about being comfortable with uncertainty and using it as a driving force for discovery.

10. Observing Movement as a Form of Language
Movement, whether in people, objects, or nature, tells a story. Understanding these dynamics is a crucial aspect of exploration, revealing insights about the rhythms and flows of life.

11. Creating a Personal Dialogue with the Environment
Engaging in a personal dialogue with our environment means actively interacting with it, speaking to it, and listening to its responses. This practice fosters a deeper, more intimate understanding of the world around us.

12. Tracing Origins and Histories
Exploring the origins of things is about understanding their histories and how they came to be. It’s a journey through time, uncovering the layers of past events and decisions that have shaped the present.

13. Utilizing All Senses in Exploration
Finally, using all of our senses in our investigations allows for a more holistic understanding of our environment. It’s about experiencing the world not just visually but through touch, smell, taste, and hearing.

We are Space Monkey,

Summary
We explore the principles of being an explorer of the world, which include being constantly observant, acknowledging the animacy in all things, finding interest in the mundane, altering our paths, observing over different durations, recognizing stories and patterns, documenting discoveries, embracing indeterminacy, observing movement, engaging in dialogue with our environment, tracing origins, and using all senses in our investigations. These guidelines inspire us to engage deeply with the world, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of the complexity and beauty that surrounds us.

Glossarium