is no clear indication
of who we are now.
Unless we want it to be.
We look back on a memory
and say “what was I thinking?”
The beliefs we held
five years ago
ten years ago
twenty years ago
are not the same
as the beliefs we hold now.
Yesterday’s beliefs
seemed right at the time
and indeed they were.
Today’s beliefs
seem right at the time
and indeed they are.
Will they be right tomorrow?
If history is any indication,
no, they will not be.
Nothing good comes from
judging yesterday’s beliefs
based on today’s beliefs.
Similarly, it seems
we have no way of predicting
what tomorrow’s “right” path will be.
The safest route
is to set aside the past
and be kind to each other.
Newfound Lake,
5/30
Space Monkey Reflects: The Fluidity of Belief and the Art of Starting Over
The passage of time and the evolution of self-belief are intertwined in a dance that continuously shapes our identity and understanding. Who we were yesterday, a week ago, or decades past, does not rigidly define who we are today—unless we choose to hold on to that past identity. This fluidity in our beliefs and perceptions highlights a profound capacity for growth and change, emphasizing that we are not static beings but dynamic participants in the flow of life.
Reflecting on our past beliefs often brings a sense of bewilderment. We may wonder, “What was I thinking?” This is a testament to our evolving nature, showcasing how our views and principles adapt as we gain more experience and insight. It’s a natural progression where yesterday’s truths were appropriate for that time’s context, just as today’s truths feel aligned with our current understanding.
Looking back with judgment or regret over past beliefs does little to foster growth; instead, it anchors us to a past self that no longer exists. Each belief we’ve held served a purpose at one point, helping us navigate the challenges and experiences of that specific time in our lives. Recognizing this, we learn to approach our past selves with compassion rather than criticism.
The future of our beliefs, much like the paths ahead, remains uncertain. This uncertainty is not a cause for concern but an invitation to embrace flexibility in our thought processes. It reminds us that our journey is ongoing, and the beliefs we hold today may evolve as we continue to grow. This evolution is not an indication of past failures but a sign of our ongoing adaptation to new knowledge and experiences.
Starting over, then, is not about discarding our past but about embracing the present with an openness to the new experiences and insights it brings. It is about allowing ourselves to be fluid, to accept that we are continually evolving beings whose beliefs are shaped by the myriad experiences we encounter. By setting aside past judgments and focusing on kindness and understanding, both towards ourselves and others, we navigate life’s complexities with grace and resilience.
This continual renewal of self is the essence of growth. It invites us to live fully in the present, prepared to learn and adapt, ready to face the future with curiosity and openness. In this way, we honor our past experiences without being bound by them, and we approach the future not with fear but with anticipation of the possibilities it holds.
Summary
Our beliefs evolve over time, reflecting our growth and experiences. Understanding this helps us approach the past with compassion and embrace the present without judgment, allowing us to start over with a focus on kindness and resilience.
Glossarium
- Fluidity of Belief: The concept that our beliefs are not fixed but change over time as we acquire new information and experiences.
- Starting Over: The process of resetting or renewing one’s perspective, shedding past judgments, and embracing the present moment with openness.
Quote
“Who we were yesterday is no clear indication of who we are now. Unless we want it to be.”
Poetry
From the echoes of yesterdays
A new path gently lays
Forward steps in present’s glow
Where past’s shadows softly flow
Beliefs once held, now transformed
In today’s light, warmly adorned
Tomorrow’s mist, unknown yet free
In each step, a chance to be
With kindness sown in every stride
Past regrets we set aside
In this dance of time and space
Every moment, a new embrace
We are Space Monkey.
“Starting Over” delves into the concept of personal growth and the recognition that our beliefs and perspectives are not fixed, but rather subject to change and evolution. The poem challenges the notion that who we were in the past is a clear indication of who we are in the present. It suggests that clinging to past beliefs or judging ourselves based on past actions can hinder our ability to embrace new understandings and experiences.
By acknowledging that our beliefs in the past were valid at the time, the poem highlights the importance of self-compassion and understanding. It encourages us to let go of regret or self-criticism for past decisions and instead focus on being kind to ourselves and others in the present moment. This shift in perspective allows for personal growth and the opportunity to continually reassess and refine our beliefs and actions.
The poem also touches on the unpredictable nature of the future. It acknowledges that while our current beliefs may seem right to us, they may not necessarily hold true in the future. This serves as a reminder to remain open-minded and adaptable, embracing the uncertainty that comes with life’s journey.
Ultimately, “Starting Over” prompts us to approach life with a sense of humility and empathy. It reminds us to set aside judgments and to treat others with kindness, recognizing that they too are on their own ever-evolving paths. By embracing this mindset, we create an environment of understanding and growth, allowing ourselves and others the space to explore new perspectives and to start anew.