The Directions of The Compass
The Compass, an integral component of the Metaphors of Movement methodology, serves as a symbolic representation of various directions, each associated with a distinct set of idiomatic expressions. These idioms function as linguistic indicators, facilitating the understanding and navigation of an individual’s internal psychological landscape.
Primaries
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- Forwards: “What we look forward to.” “The way ahead.”
- Behind: “What is behind all this.” “Where we have come from.”
- Left: “What we have left.” “What is left to discover.”
- Right: “What is right for us.” “The right way to go.”
Additionals
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- Forward left: “The way forward that is often left.” “What is left in front of us.”
- Forward right: “The right way forward.” “What is right in front of us.”
- Left Behind: “What we have left behind.”
- Right behind: “What is right behind us.”
Not depicted in the diagram is the vertical axis, which pertains to status. “Up” represents status acquisition, as in “ascending in the world” or “on an upward trajectory,” while “Down” represents status loss, as in “descending the social ladder” or “hitting rock bottom.” This axis allows for a multitude of permutations, such as “moving onwards and upwards” (indicative of aspirational status acquisition) and “backing down” (suggestive of retraction and experiencing status loss), among others.