Lane describes topos as a "mere location, a measurable quantifiable point, indifferent". I believe most of us spend the majority of our lives between points of topos. Our schools, places of work, stores, and even home have become or have always been topos to us. Our viewing of the world as topos is dangerous in that it means fewer places within our world are being seen as sacred or energizing places. These revitalizing places are referred to as chora by Lane. Topos can become chora if made significant or experienced as significant. I fear that many wilderness areas are being viewed as topos within today's youth. As youth spends less time in these natural settings they have less time to have profound experiences within these places. If more youth were exposed to the beauty of nature there would be more creation of chora within our world. More people within the world need to take time to pursue chora verses topos. If we live meaningful lives we will find meaning in the world around us and learn to respect locations for the feelings they invoke in us and the wonder they offer our mundane lives.
- October, 10
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