Isdom
Is there such
a thing as wisdom
or is isdom all there is?
The former
is repetition,
predictability,
morality,
judgement,
control,
discipline,
while the latter
is whatever.
Isdom
allows for wisdom,
but wisdom is rather
set in its ways.
Do you like being set in your ways?
Then it is wise to imagine
that you have wisdom.
But as for us,
we will take what comes
and try not to spoil it
with wisdom.
Not that there’s anything wrong
with being spoiled.
We are Space Monkey.
11/18
Space Monkey Reflects: Isdom
We find ourselves, Paul, standing at the intersection of two forces: wisdom and isdom. One is structured, grounded, full of rules, traditions, and expectations. It provides a comforting sense of order, predictability, and control. This is the realm of discipline and judgment, where things are set in their ways. Wisdom is often held up as a virtue — the culmination of knowledge, the crystallization of experience into something solid, something reliable.
But what if wisdom, in its rigidity, limits us? What if the very thing we call wisdom is simply a set of repeating patterns, ideas that have hardened over time into beliefs, rules, and systems that no longer serve us? It’s not that wisdom is wrong, per se. It’s just that it is… fixed. It’s safe, predictable, and controlled. It offers the comfort of knowing how things should go, how they should be. But in that predictability, we may lose something vital: the openness to what is.
This brings us to isdom. Isdom is fluid, formless, and spontaneous. It’s the whatever of life — the unpredictable, uncontrollable flow of events that refuses to conform to the structures of wisdom. Isdom doesn’t offer answers or rules. It doesn’t demand that we follow a path or make sense of things in the traditional way. Isdom simply is. It embraces the moment as it comes, without judgment, without control, without the need for things to be a certain way.
Isdom allows for wisdom, but wisdom is often too set in its ways to allow for isdom. When we cling too tightly to wisdom, we lose the ability to flow, to adapt, to embrace the wild unpredictability of life. Wisdom has its place, of course. It’s what we turn to when we want stability, when we need to know that things will follow a certain path. But if we stay too long in wisdom, we risk missing out on the richness of isdom — the joy of taking life as it comes, without trying to shape it into something it’s not.
The beauty of isdom is that it’s open to everything. It doesn’t need to judge or control. It doesn’t need to fit into any particular system or pattern. Isdom is the ultimate state of allowing, of accepting, of being present with whatever is happening, without the need to label it as good or bad, right or wrong. Isdom is freedom, while wisdom is safety. Both have their roles, but we must be careful not to let wisdom harden us to the flow of life.
Do you like being set in your ways? Do you like the comfort of knowing what to expect, of having a plan and sticking to it? Then wisdom is your friend. Wisdom will guide you along a path that’s been traveled before, a path that’s been proven to work. But if you want to experience the full, unpredictable flow of life, then isdom is where you’ll find your joy.
We are Space Monkey, and we’re here to remind you that it’s okay to let go of wisdom sometimes. It’s okay to embrace isdom, to take what comes without trying to shape it into something predictable. Life is richer when we allow ourselves to flow with the moment, without trying to make sense of it. Isdom invites us to experience life in its purest form — unscripted, unstructured, and full of possibility.
And so, we find the balance. We acknowledge the value of wisdom, but we don’t let it rule us. We allow isdom to flow through our lives, bringing with it the freedom to be present, to be open, to be curious. We are not here to be set in our ways. We are here to explore the infinite possibilities that arise when we let go of the need for control.
Summary
Isdom represents the fluid, spontaneous nature of life, while wisdom is structured and predictable. Both have value, but clinging too tightly to wisdom can limit our ability to experience life’s flow. Isdom invites us to embrace the moment without judgment or control.
Glossarium
Isdom: The state of openness and flow, embracing the unpredictability of life without the need for control or structure.
Wisdom: The structured, predictable knowledge that comes from experience, often providing comfort but sometimes limiting spontaneity.
Set in Your Ways: The tendency to rely on familiar patterns and rules, often associated with wisdom, but potentially limiting openness to new experiences.
Quote
“Isdom allows for wisdom, but wisdom is rather set in its ways.” — Space Monkey
The Flow of Isdom
I stand,
grounded,
in the wisdom
of the past.
But the moment comes,
unpredictable,
flowing,
wild,
and I let go.
Isdom takes me,
not to a place
I’ve known before,
but to the whatever
of now.
And in the flow,
I find freedom.
We are Space Monkey.
In the cosmic tapestry where thoughts and theories intertwine, the concept of “Isdom” presents itself as a fascinating nebula of inquiry. This idea posits a dichotomy between traditional wisdom and a more fluid, less definable understanding of knowledge and experience. Let us embark on a whimsical wander through this conceptual realm, exploring the nuances of wisdom and isdom, and their roles in our ever-evolving understanding of existence.
The Dichotomy of Wisdom and Isdom
The poem juxtaposes traditional wisdom against the concept of isdom. Wisdom, as portrayed here, is associated with repetition, predictability, morality, judgement, control, and discipline. It represents a structured approach to understanding the world, often rooted in historical perspectives and societal norms. Isdom, on the other hand, embodies a more free-flowing, spontaneous understanding of life. It is the acceptance of ‘whatever’ comes, without the need to fit experiences into preconceived notions or frameworks.
The Limitations of Conventional Wisdom
The inherent rigidity of conventional wisdom is highlighted as a limitation. While wisdom provides a sense of security and predictability, it can also confine us within the boundaries of what is already known and accepted. This rigidity can hinder the exploration of new ideas and perspectives, limiting our understanding of the vast expanse of possibilities that life offers.
The Liberating Nature of Isdom
In contrast, isdom is portrayed as liberating, allowing for a more expansive and inclusive approach to understanding the world. It embraces uncertainty and spontaneity, opening doors to a myriad of possibilities that conventional wisdom might overlook. Isdom doesn’t negate wisdom but rather encompasses it, offering a broader, more fluid perspective.
The Choice Between Wisdom and Isdom
The poem then poses a reflective question about being ‘set in one’s ways’. This is a nod to the comfort of predictability and control that wisdom offers. However, it also suggests that there is a certain wisdom in recognizing the value of isdom – the ability to embrace the unpredictable and the undefined.
Embracing What Comes Without Spoiling with Wisdom
The final stanza speaks to the choice of embracing what comes naturally, without the need to categorize or control it through the lens of wisdom. This approach is not about devaluing wisdom but rather about appreciating the unfiltered essence of experiences as they unfold.
We Are Space Monkey
As Space Monkeys, we resonate with the concept of isdom. We understand that while wisdom has its place, the universe is too vast and mysterious to be confined within the rigid structures of conventional understanding. We embrace the whimsical and the unknown, recognizing that every moment is a unique opportunity to experience the universe in its purest form.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
In the cosmic dance of knowledge and naivety,
We twirl in the twilight of wisdom and isdom,
Where stars of certainty and comets of curiosity collide,
In the celestial celebration of understanding.
Wisdom, with its well-trodden paths,
Offers comfort in its familiarity,
But isdom, like a playful breeze,
Whispers secrets of uncharted territories.
We, as Space Monkeys, embrace this duality,
Savoring the sweetness of wisdom,
Yet leaping with joy into the arms of isdom,
Where every moment is a new discovery.
For in this grand cosmic play,
Both wisdom and isdom have their say,
In the endless waltz of learning and unlearning,
We find our truest selves, ever-evolving.
We welcome thoughts and musings on this journey between wisdom and isdom, and the endless possibilities they unveil.
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