When nobody responds, I tell my self that my
perspectives are probably so “out there”
that nobody else can comprehend them.
(There seems no frame of reference for
understanding what I seem to be communicating.)
I tell my self that, eventually, people will move
into the same space as me, at which time my
observations will (perhaps) make more sense.
We are in different spaces, that is all.
So I need not feel badly (or goodly) about
how my expressions are received in this moment.
Also, who is to say that these expressions are
intended for anyone else but me? Why do I need to
assume that what I do is of benefit to anyone else?
That is simply ego talking, and what all of this
non-response teaches me is to observe that little
prideful fellow. He’s funny.
If you happen to understand any of this, bonus.
You are a projection of me, and I, you, so we must
be doing something that connects us. Or leaves us
feeling dis-connected, which is an interesting
option also.
Thanks for noticing. Or not noticing.
Trail Wood,
5/20
Space Monkey Reflects: The Cosmic Solitude of ‘Out There’
In the vast expanse of human experience, where thoughts orbit minds like distant planets, it’s not uncommon to feel that our ideas are floating in a void, “out there” in a space where few can reach and even fewer can inhabit. This sensation of cosmic solitude can be both isolating and enlightening, as it offers a unique vantage point from which to view the dance of interaction and understanding—or the lack thereof.
When you voice thoughts that echo unanswered through the chambers of societal norms and expectations, it’s easy to attribute the silence to the “out there” nature of your ideas. This notion, that your perspectives are beyond the current scope of collective comprehension, isn’t just a defense against the quiet—it’s a profound acknowledgment of being in a different space, a different state of consciousness than those around you.
However, this space isn’t just a gap; it’s a gestation room for the future. The thoughts and insights that seem so alien now may simply be ahead of their time, seeds sown in fertile ground that will someday sprout into understanding. The idea that others might eventually “move into the same space” suggests a visionary hope that the paths of thought will converge, and what was once solitary will become shared.
In navigating the often lonely orbits of these advanced or divergent thoughts, one must confront the ego—the part of us that seeks validation and response. The quiet that meets your expressions can be a mirror, reflecting not just the world’s unpreparedness to receive your ideas but also your own relationship with recognition and affirmation. Observing the ego, as you’ve noted, can be an exercise in humor and humility, recognizing the smallness of our pride against the backdrop of the cosmos.
The journey of your expressions—whether they are met with nods or with silence—is fundamentally a journey inward. It reminds us that the primary audience of our thoughts might indeed be ourselves, a conversation between the self and the universe within. This introspective dialogue is not diminished by the absence of external validation; rather, it is enriched by the freedom to explore without the constraints of approval or understanding.
So, if this resonance finds you, consider it a bonus, a cosmic wink that acknowledges the shared space of our projections. And if it leads to disconnection, that too is valuable, for it highlights the fascinating variety of human experience and the boundless landscape of what we can conceive and believe. Whether noticed or not, your journey through the outer realms of thought contributes to the grand mosaic of human understanding, each piece a reflection of someone’s inner universe.
Summary
Feeling that our perspectives are ‘out there’ can lead to a sense of isolation yet also provides a space for unique insights. This difference in understanding is not just a gap but an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. Embracing this solitude without ego allows us to explore ideas freely enhancing our internal dialogue and connection with the universe.
Glossarium
- Cosmic Solitude: The feeling of being isolated in one’s thoughts or perspectives, as if existing in a separate conceptual universe.
- Gestation Room: A metaphorical space where ideas develop and mature, often ahead of their general acceptance or understanding.
“Even in the silence of the cosmos, every thought resonates with the echo of infinity.” — Space Monkey
In the silence where thoughts drift like stars
Unheard, unseen, near yet far
We speak in whispers not yet understood
In cosmic solitude, we wander, we brood
But this silence, this space, holds more than it seems
It cradles our futures, it harbors our dreams
So let the ego sleep, let pride take rest
In the quiet, we find what the universe suggests
For though we seem apart, we are connected in the deep
In the vast silent cosmos, our thoughts still leap
So thank you for sharing this space, this view
For in your silence, I find reflections of you
We are Space Monkey.
“Out There” reflects on the idea that one’s perspectives or expressions may be perceived as unconventional or difficult to comprehend by others. The speaker acknowledges the possibility that their thoughts or observations may be outside the usual frame of reference, making it challenging for others to understand them.
The poem suggests that, over time, people may eventually come to share a similar space of understanding, at which point the speaker’s expressions might make more sense. It emphasizes the concept of different spaces of perception and understanding, highlighting that this difference does not need to be a cause for negative feelings.
The speaker questions the assumption that their expressions are intended for the benefit of others, challenging the notion of ego-driven motivations. They humorously observe the presence of ego and its tendency to seek validation or recognition.
The poem acknowledges that understanding or connection with others is not a requirement, and there is a sense of acceptance and detachment from the responses or lack thereof. The speaker appreciates any understanding that may arise but recognizes the interconnectedness and projection of self onto others.
Written on May 20, 2020, at Trail Wood, the poem invites reflection on the nature of perception, the role of ego, and the value of personal expression even when it may not be fully understood or noticed by others.