1. on elevators
I remember in my twelfth grade psychology class with Ms. Witanowski. The class I had with Alex Poly. He was so obsessed with me. Still is to this day. It’s kind of a joke but also always a little serious. It was so hard to pay attention in that class because of him.
He was one of those enablers. I always liked to chat with who ever sat next to me in class. I’d always start up a convo if I felt a good vibe between us, or at least a potential good vibe. Some people you just get bad vibes from and that’s okay. You don’t have to make a connection with everyone.
Anyway, Alex Poly always engaged with me so much. We ping ponged back and forth so easily. We couldn’t shut up. There was always some energy being moved between us. I definitely felt the connection but there wasn’t much to do about it. We operated in separate circles and I wasn’t ready to abandon my friends. I was still trying to learn what they were like. I figured there’d be more like you. Turns out they only come once every 7 years, give or take.
I remember, one of the moments I got to pay attention in that class, I think Ms. Witanowski taught us this during the first quarter, maybe even the first class. Definitely before the second quarter when I synced up with Alex. I always called him Alex even though everyone called him Poly. I always take the more formal route.
She taught us that - a lot of things we do have been conditioned in the brain. A lot of our behaviors are learned. And learned behaviors aren’t inherently bad, it just depends on the intention of the person who’s teaching you.
If it’s a male dominated society teaching you about the patriarchy, run and hide. Quick.
If it’s a young and fragile looking 12th grade psychology teacher, you should probably listen.
She used elevators as an example.
She said we’ve been taught to get on the elevator and face the buttons.
Which makes sense.
You press the buttons to go to the next level.
But there’s really no reason you can’t walk in and keep facing straight.
You don’t turn around to face the buttons,
you face your fellow passengers in the face.
This startles them.
They’ve never seen someone behave like this on an elevator.
Now they’re scared of you because you’re breaking the norm.
But it’s not like their safety is in jeopardy.
You’re just facing the wrong way.
It’s not like you’ve got a weapon in your pocket.
All your weapons are in the skies.
You’re there to see how everyone reacts.
You get reactions out of people.
People react to you.
Or at least they can.
We all have the power to change the currents.
To enter a dark room holding a candle for someone else.
We have the power to do things differently.
To enter a dark room holding one another.
Elevators are how energy works.
It creates a group dynamic.
It creates a contained system of solar power.
It creates a solar system in a metal cage.
It creates a universe out of a space.
It creates a collective.
It creates something to part take in.
It creates something to be observed.
Elevators are how energy works.