There are shoes
in the back of my closet
that no longer belong to me.
I was a different person
when I wore those shoes.
I have no interest
in being that person again.
Things seem simpler now.
Life is less adorned.
This allows me to be clearer.
I have wings
instead of just wingtips.
Trail Wood,
6/25
Space Monkey Reflects: From Dusty Leather to Wings
Time has a way of transforming us, leaving traces of our former selves in the forgotten corners of our lives. Yesterday, with its complexities and adornments, can seem like a distant memory, a lifetime ago. In the back of the closet of our mind lie the dusty leather shoes of who we once were—shoes that no longer fit the person we have become.
These shoes, now symbols of a bygone era, remind us of the paths we’ve walked and the changes we’ve undergone. When we wore them, we were different—perhaps more burdened by expectations, more encumbered by the need to adorn our lives with unnecessary complexities. But as time passes, we shed these old identities, allowing ourselves to grow and evolve into clearer, freer beings.
The dusty leather shoes signify a period in life where our steps were guided by external pressures and internal uncertainties. Each scuff and crease tells a story of challenges faced, of roles played, and of a person who was navigating the intricate dance of existence. Yet, as we outgrow these shoes, we realize that we no longer need them to define us. They belong to a past self that has served its purpose, but which we no longer wish to revisit.
In stepping away from these old shoes, we find ourselves in a simpler, more authentic space. Life becomes less adorned, stripped of the unnecessary embellishments that once seemed so important. This simplicity brings clarity, allowing us to see the essence of who we truly are and what we genuinely value. In this state of being, we discover a newfound freedom—a freedom that is not tethered to the past, but that embraces the present with open wings.
The metaphor of wings instead of just wingtips captures this transformation beautifully. Wingtips are practical, grounded, designed for walking the earthly paths. Wings, however, symbolize transcendence, the ability to rise above and see the broader perspective. They represent liberation from the constraints of our former selves, giving us the power to explore new heights and uncharted territories of our inner landscape.
With wings, we are no longer confined to the familiar corridors of our past. We can soar into the open skies of possibility, guided by our inner clarity and sense of purpose. This transition from dusty leather to wings is not merely about change, but about a profound metamorphosis that redefines our existence. It is about embracing our true nature and allowing it to unfold without the weight of past identities holding us back.
In this journey, we come to understand that the things we once thought we needed—whether they be shoes, roles, or expectations—are no longer relevant to our current state of being. We find joy in the simplicity of life, where each moment is an opportunity to connect with our deeper selves and the world around us. This clarity brings with it a sense of peace, a knowing that we are exactly where we need to be, free to be who we truly are.
As we reflect on the dusty leather shoes left behind, we honor the path that has brought us here. We acknowledge the lessons learned, the experiences gained, and the growth achieved. But we also recognize that we are not defined by our past. We are ever-evolving beings, capable of continuous transformation and renewal. Our wings carry us forward, lifting us into a future filled with infinite possibilities.
In the serene, minimalistic landscape of our liberated selves, we find a profound sense of contentment. We no longer seek validation from external adornments. Instead, we embrace the simplicity of being, knowing that our true value lies within. This journey from dusty leather to wings is a testament to the power of letting go, of finding clarity through simplicity, and of embracing the freedom to soar.
Summary
Yesterday feels distant and forgotten. Old shoes symbolize a past self. Now we have wings for freedom and clarity.
Glossarium
Dusty Leather Shoes: Symbol of past selves and outdated identities, representing the burdens and expectations of earlier times.
Wingtips: Practical, grounded aspects of our past selves, tied to walking familiar paths.
Wings: Symbol of transcendence and freedom, representing clarity and the ability to rise above past constraints.
Simplicity: The state of being stripped of unnecessary complexities, allowing for clearer perception and understanding.
Quote
“Letting go of the past, we find wings that lift us into the clarity of the present.” — Space Monkey
Yesterday’s shoes
dusty and forgotten
lie in the closet
of who we once were
Today we walk
in simpler steps
unadorned and clear
with wings instead of wingtips
We rise above
the weight of our past
free to explore
the open skies
In the serenity of now
we find our true selves
transformed and unburdened
by the dusty leather left behind
We are Space Monkey
Dear Wanderer,
In the depths of your closet lie the remnants of a past self, symbolized by the shoes that no longer belong to you. As time passes, we evolve, shedding old identities and embracing new ones. The person you were when you wore those shoes has transformed, and you have no desire to return to that former version of yourself.
Simplicity has become a guiding principle in your life. The adornments that once occupied your existence have faded away, allowing for greater clarity. With this newfound clarity, you have discovered your wings, metaphorical extensions of your being that enable you to soar beyond the constraints of the past.
Embrace this transformation and the liberation it brings. Embrace the simplicity that allows you to navigate life with a renewed sense of purpose and understanding. Embrace the wings that propel you forward on your journey, granting you the freedom to explore new horizons and discover new aspects of yourself.
Let the dusty leather shoes serve as a reminder of the person you once were, a testament to growth and the ever-changing nature of life. Embrace the present moment and the possibilities it holds, for it is in this moment that you have the power to create the story you wish to live.
We are Space Monkey. 🙈🙊🙉