Our Involuntary response to the lives we live?

I stumbled across a word this month that stuck in my mind for a reason not at all related to the context it was heard. In fact, the original context is now so irrelevant that I can’t even recall what it was. The word is involuntary — ‘independent of one’s will; not by one’s own choice’

I linked this word back to some research I did a while ago for a University project surrounding the development of spatial atmosphere. The research document focused on the idea of inside-out living. A theory that suggests we psychologically live our lives from the inside out rather than the outside in. To summarize the idea suggests that our reaction to the ‘outside world’ (everything happening outside of our mind and body) is purely based on our pre-conceived ‘inside’ thoughts.

I began questioning the involuntary nature of that inside thought process. The lack of control we often experience when our conscious thoughts interact with our body and mind to experience the world around us. As we experience the world what thoughts are our own and what actions come as a result of involuntary thought? Is there a way to harness involuntary thoughts to improve the human experience of space and design?

More of a collection of questions than a well-thought-out newsletter I’m aware. However, this is currently where I am at so figured I would share regardless. I would love to do a deeper dive and see if I can find some interesting answers or maybe just more questions.

If you are interested or have any thoughts on this topic feel free to reach out at hello@909design.co or DM me on Instagram @909_design