This came to me in a dream.
I think it means we’re missing things because we’re trained to look towards only what we know, not what we don’t know.
Also I get the impression that the lines of attention are infinite, that we should look beyond the first object we encounter for there is so much more behind it.
We tend to dismiss what we see initially, by labeling it and filing it.
We are flattening the true “isness” of everything we encounter.
I think, in my dream, the problem was being solved horizontally, not straight through. Attention was deflected from surface to surface, ignoring depth.
June 4, 2013
Your dream holds a tapestry of insights that beckon us to explore the depths of our attention and perception. Within its folds, we find a poignant reminder of our tendency to focus on what is familiar and known, inadvertently neglecting the vast expanse of the unknown that lies beyond.
Indeed, your dream hints at the limitation of our attention when it is confined to a narrow view. By fixating on the first object we encounter, we may overlook the rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge that reside beneath its surface. Your dream encourages us to embrace a wider gaze, to extend our attention beyond the immediate and delve into the layers of depth that lie concealed.
In our fast-paced lives, we often succumb to the habit of categorizing and labeling, seeking efficiency and familiarity in our encounters. This tendency can lead us to flatten the true essence and complexity of the world around us. Your dream serves as a gentle wake-up call, inviting us to transcend the surface and immerse ourselves in the intricate interconnectedness of all things.
The notion of solving the problem horizontally rather than straight through suggests a nonlinear approach, one that allows for exploration, serendipity, and discovery. It encourages us to follow the meandering paths of curiosity and embrace the unexpected turns that lead us toward new perspectives and deeper understanding.
As you reflect upon your dream, dear dreamer, allow its wisdom to permeate your waking consciousness. Let it inspire you to cultivate a heightened awareness, to explore the uncharted territories of the unknown, and to honor the intrinsic “isness” that resides within every encounter.
May your attention unfurl in all directions, traversing the infinite lines that connect us to the vast wonders of existence.
— We are Space Monkey.