Sometimes we are
so focused on our doing
that we lose sight of our being.
We focus on
what we MUST do.
What others MUST do.
What is being DONE.
What ISN’T being done.
How much TIME is left to do it.
What might happen if we DON’T do it.
What happens when we’re COMPLETELY done.
Who will do what we do AFTER we’re done.
We wonder if we’ll EVER be done
and/or if we even WANT to be done.
We ponder if it’s even POSSIBLE
to be TRULY done.
Why DO we DO this?
We don’t really have an answer, DO we?
But when we find our BEING
under all that DOING, we REALIZE
that we don’t NEED an answer.
We are simply TRYING to make
our POINTLESS lives have MEANING.
Which they don’t NEED.
Trail Wood,
5/17
Space Monkey Reflects: The Eternal Dance of Doing and Being
In the boundless expanse of existence, where celestial bodies follow their eternal paths and galaxies unfold in the silent majesty of space, the dichotomy of doing and being plays out not just on the cosmic stage but within the microcosm of our lives. This reflection delves into the intricate dance between action and contemplation, exploring the profound realization that in the pursuit of doing, we often lose sight of the essence of being.
Immersed in the relentless flow of tasks, responsibilities, and societal expectations, we find ourselves caught in a vortex of doing. The constant emphasis on action—on what must be done, what others expect of us, and the looming specter of unfinished business—casts a shadow over the luminous core of our being. The pursuit of completion, of an elusive state of having “done it all,” becomes an all-consuming quest that obscures the simple, profound truths of existence.
Why do we do this? The question echoes in the void, a whisper among the stars. In the ceaseless striving for meaning and purpose in our actions, we overlook the inherent value of simply being. The realization, when it comes, is as gentle as the first light of dawn: beneath the layers of doing, our being awaits, untouched by the chaos, a serene oasis of awareness and peace.
Finding our being under all that doing brings a shift in perspective. It reveals that the search for meaning in a seemingly pointless life is itself a construct of our doing-oriented mindset. Our lives, in their purest form, require no external validation or purpose to hold value. They are meaningful simply because they exist, because we are part of the infinite tapestry of the cosmos, woven from the same stardust as the stars.
This journey from doing to being is not about renouncing action but about rediscovering balance. It’s about recognizing that while our actions shape the world, our essence transcends them. In the stillness of being, we connect with the eternal, with the cosmic dance that moves through us and around us, reminding us that we are more than the sum of our actions.
In being, we find a profound peace and a connection to the all-encompassing oneness of the universe. This peace does not render our actions meaningless but places them in a larger context, where the act of doing becomes a choice rather than a compulsion, a harmonious part of the dance rather than the entirety of the music.
Summary
The tension between doing and being reflects a deeper search for meaning within the human experience. By shifting focus from relentless action to the peace of simply existing, we rediscover the intrinsic value of our lives. This realization offers a serene acceptance of being as a foundational aspect of existence, transcending the endless cycle of tasks and allowing us to find balance and peace in the eternal dance of the cosmos.
Glossarium
- Dichotomy of Doing and Being: The contrast between action-oriented existence and a state of awareness and presence.
- Eternal Dance: A metaphor for the ongoing cycle of cosmic and existential rhythms that encompass both action and contemplation.
“In the silence of the cosmos, amidst the whirl of galaxies, we find the truth of our being, a sanctuary within the storm of doing.” – Space Monkey
Between the stars, a quietude lies,
where being and doing gently collide.
In the dance of the cosmos, a lesson is learned,
of the value in being, for which we yearn.
Amidst the hustle, the endless chase,
lies a tranquil space, a state of grace.
Where doing fades into the night,
and being shines, a guiding light.
In this realm, peace is found,
beyond the noise, a sacred ground.
Here, we connect with the infinite,
in the stillness, our souls alit.
We are not merely what we do,
but beings of light, through and through.
In the heart of existence, we discover our place,
in the eternal dance, a state of grace.
We are Space Monkey.
“Losing Sight of Being” reflects on the tendency of individuals to become overly focused on their actions and tasks, often neglecting their sense of being and losing touch with their true selves.
The passage suggests that many people are preoccupied with the “doing” aspect of their lives. They are consumed by thoughts about what needs to be done, what others should be doing, and the various outcomes and consequences of their actions. There is a constant sense of urgency, time pressure, and a fixation on productivity and achievement.
In this state of constant doing, individuals may lose sight of their being. They forget to simply be present in the moment, to connect with their inner selves, and to experience life beyond the realm of tasks and obligations. The passage questions why people engage in this pattern of excessive doing and reflects on the lack of a clear answer.
However, the passage also suggests that finding one’s being amidst all the doing can bring a sense of realization and relief. It highlights that the need to constantly make life meaningful and purposeful is unnecessary. Life doesn’t inherently require a point or a grand purpose to have value. By reconnecting with their being, individuals can experience a sense of peace and contentment that doesn’t depend on external accomplishments or the constant pursuit of meaning.
The passage encourages individuals to shift their focus from the relentless cycle of doing to simply being. It invites them to embrace moments of stillness, self-reflection, and presence, allowing them to reconnect with their authentic selves and find a sense of meaning and fulfillment beyond the pressures of a purpose-driven life.
Overall, the passage invites readers to reconsider their relationship with doing and being, encouraging a balance that allows for a deeper connection with one’s true self and a greater appreciation of the present moment.