Journal Entry #4




Immersing yourself in the darkness is quite humbling. I often prefer it to going during the day, as the temperatures are merciful and much kinder. While the companionship of a friend brings security, there is something about the edge of the night that is intriguing to me. During the day, I feel as though I am in complete control of my surroundings and what I am doing. I feel dominant in my environment with little to fear.  However as soon as the sun sets, despite my familiar location, I have a sudden feeling that I am almost entering an unknown and unfamiliar place, despite being in the exact same location just hours before. I’ve come to embrace my physical insignificance while being out at night under the mercy of the overwhelming blanket of dark skies.  We have discussed in class the comparison between civilized and uncivilized depictions in nature, and I feel as though while still living in the city, the darkness can bring out the uncivilized in the area. It can be juxtaposed to the daylight and creates a comparison of their differing auras. The feeling of safety and routine can be interpreted as an entrapment to the civilized lives we partake in day in and day out. However, the night brings new adventure and opportunities for new discovery within the community we live in every day. Walking around after dark creates a small chance to break away from our routines for a little bit and embrace some spontaneity.  

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