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Introduction
William Blake once wrote, “If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is—infinite.” These words invite us to transcend our ordinary perception and venture into the realms beyond the human sphere. In an age dominated by technology and distractions, it has become increasingly rare for individuals to immerse themselves in the raw, unfiltered majesty of the natural world. This article explores the transformative journey of encountering the inhuman and the infinite—a path that demands we leave behind the trappings of civilization to connect with the ancient and unspoiled landscapes that surround us.
- Stepping Beyond the Human Bubble
Most of us live within the confines of what could be called the “human bubble.” This bubble encompasses the constructs of our language, symbols, buildings, and even our influence on nature. Our imprint is virtually everywhere we look. To embark on a journey into the infinite, we must first break free from this bubble.
Fortunately, we need not journey to the ends of the Earth to accomplish this. Places where human influence is nil or barely detectable exist within reach, often closer than we realize. Remote forests, desolate deserts, pristine mountain ranges, and untouched coastlines are all around us, awaiting exploration.
- Shedding Technological Tethers
The second step on this transformative journey is to shed the technological shackles that bind us to our daily lives. In our modern age, we carry with us an array of devices that constantly connect us to the digital world. To truly connect with the infinite, we must leave behind as much of this technology as possible.
Embracing a more primitive state, we open ourselves to physical challenges and manageable dangers that nature presents. This vulnerability is not a weakness but a gateway to experiencing the world in its purest form.
- Embracing the Primordial
With distractions stripped away, the third step invites us to let go of our habitual patterns of thinking and seeing. As we venture into landscapes largely untouched by human hands, we must allow ourselves to travel back in time, to feel the ancientness of these places—remnants of Earth long before humans dominated the scene.
Immerse yourself in the elements of these landscapes. Let the wind, water, earth, and fire fill your senses as you merge with the natural world. This profound connection allows you to experience a sense of the infinite, as the boundaries between self and surroundings blur.
- The Return to the Familiar
After this transformative journey, returning to our familiar environments is an eye-opening experience. The world seems different; our perception is forever changed. The mundane becomes imbued with the extraordinary, and we perceive the infinite even in the ordinary.
Conclusion
Encounters with the inhuman and the infinite are not reserved for the intrepid explorers of the past. They are available to anyone willing to step beyond the human bubble, shed the trappings of technology, and embrace the primordial forces of nature. In doing so, we cleanse the doors of perception, allowing the infinite to reveal itself in the ordinary and awakening a profound sense of wonder and interconnectedness with the world around us. This transformative journey is not just a physical one—it is a journey of the mind and spirit, inviting us to see the world as it truly is: infinite and awe-inspiring.
