Space

Space. The final frontier. A vast expanse of stars, planets and matter, exhibiting astronomical scales, leaving behind a dark emptiness, surrounding all bodies which so proudly drift throughout the expanse. The bodies whirl around alone, momentarily catching glimpses of others on the very same paths. My name is Hector Björklund, the Chair of the Board of KY, and today we’re going to venture into space. Not the colloquial cosmic space, but the purpose and significance of space in the human mind and nature of wellbeing.

The human mind is a fascinatingly complex system of neurons, blinking rapidly around the brain forming synapses, which together, combined with the passage of time, form a consciousness and give us the ability to think. René Descartes famously proposed that “I think, therefore I am”, forming a base for modern thinking and existential philosophy. We think, forming rational thoughts – by observing the space around us. Therefore we are. Through the transitive property of equality: We observe, therefore we think, therefore we are. But what do we observe?

Logically, we observe the space around us. We observe other people, the environment and the causality between them. What is truly fascinating is the connection between people and their interaction. Interacting and forming connections with people is an essential part of life and what makes us inherently human. The emotions and behaviour we exhibit shape the way others observe us – and form a picture of us. However, how we perceive others’ behaviour is completely subjective, which is often forgotten by some.

At KY, we strive to create an inclusive environment and atmosphere that promotes wellbeing. This is also known as a safe space. A space, where all individuals can be themselves. The concept of a safe space is materialised in KY’s events, through our members’ open-mindedness and willingness to face each other with respect. Although, at times, asteroids come close to colliding, our duty with Aada is to set them back to orbit, inter alia through Kepler’s Laws (the Code of Conduct).

Beneath a safe space, is acknowledging the fact that all of us are different – and we need to respect it. Together we can include everyone and embrace the KY spirit, forging unforgettable memories for all of us to share and reminisce in the future.