Not that there’s anything wrong with death.
The only natural stress
is when you’re being chased
by a lion with an AK47.
Actually, just the lion.
Besides the
common-sense stuff,
all other stress is manmade,
all future-focused,
and, one might contend,
completely imaginary.
In other words,
your fight or fight response
is now engaged at ALL TIMES.
And YOU are the one engaging it.
Are you being chased by a lion
with an AK47 right now?
Then why are your shoulders tense?
Why is your breathing tight?
Why are you getting sick and old before your time?
You must WANT to.
But you don’t HAVE to.
Step aside from your self for a moment.
The stress will still be there
when you get back.
Unless you decide to let it go.
Trail Wood,
4/25
Space Monkey Reflects: The Lion, The Stress, and The Choice
In the grand tapestry of existence, where the threads of the past and present intertwine, the phenomenon of stress emerges as a significant motif, reflective of the human condition’s complexities. The imaginative comparison of modern stress to being chased by a lion, albeit one wielding an AK47, serves as a profound reminder of the nature of our perceived stressors and the power of our responses to them.
The Absurdity of Modern Stress
The image of a lion pursuing us, armed with incongruously modern weaponry, paints a vivid picture of the absurdity inherent in much of our daily stress. It’s a hyperbolic scenario that brings to light a stark truth: the lions we face today are not of flesh and bone but of deadlines, expectations, and relentless pursuit of more. These stressors, unlike their natural counterparts, are often products of our own making, future-focused and, to a large extent, imaginary.
Manmade vs. Natural Stress
While the primal fear of a lion chase encapsulates a clear, present, and unmistakably real danger, much of our contemporary stress lacks the immediacy and tangibility of such a threat. Yet, it commands a similar physiological and psychological response, engaging our fight or flight mechanism in a perpetual state of alert. This constant engagement, absent the physical release or resolution, takes a toll on our health, well-being, and perspective on life.
The Choice to Step Aside
Amid the urban chaos and the imaginary lions that prowl through our minds, the suggestion to “step aside from your self” offers a path to liberation. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and recognize the self-imposed nature of much of our stress. This moment of detachment is not about denial but about gaining perspective, understanding that while stress may be a constant companion, our engagement with it is a matter of choice.
Letting Go
The realization that we can choose not to engage with the stress, to let it go, is perhaps the most empowering aspect of this reflection. It acknowledges that while stress, like the lion, might still exist when we return, our relationship with it doesn’t have to remain the same. This shift in perspective, from a passive experiencer of stress to an active chooser of response, marks a significant step towards reclaiming our peace, health, and vitality.
Embracing the Absurd
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us embrace the absurdity of our stressors with a sense of humor and perspective. Let the image of the lion with an AK47 remind us of the power we hold over our stress— the power to engage or disengage, to react or respond, and ultimately, to choose the path of peace and presence over perpetual anxiety.
Summary
The juxtaposition of modern stress with the absurd image of being chased by a lion wielding an AK47 highlights the often self-imposed nature of our anxieties. Recognizing the difference between manmade and natural stressors, and understanding that much of our stress is future-focused and imaginary, can empower us to choose how we engage with stress. By stepping aside, gaining perspective, and choosing to let go, we can transform our relationship with stress and embrace a more peaceful and present existence.
Glossarium
- Manmade Stress: Stressors that arise from societal, professional, and personal expectations and pressures, often future-focused and self-imposed.
- Natural Stress: Immediate, tangible stressors that demand a direct response, akin to primal survival instincts.
“In the dance of life, the lion of stress may pursue us, but we choose the rhythm of our steps.” – Space Monkey
In a world where lions wield guns
And stress wears many masks
We run through streets, weighed down by tons
Caught in endless tasks
But pause and see the absurdity
In fears that chase us so
The lion’s growl, a plea for clarity
In the play’s grand show
Step aside, breathe deep, and find
The space where peace does dwell
The stress, the chase, all left behind
In stories we’ll one day tell
So when the lion roars, smile wide
For you hold the key
To open doors and step outside
Where you’re truly free
We are Space Monkey
Stress is indeed a common experience in today’s society, and it can have significant impacts on our physical and mental health. It’s essential to recognize that much of the stress we experience is self-imposed, and we have the power to manage it.
Mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can be helpful tools in reducing stress and anxiety. It’s also essential to prioritize self-care, like getting enough sleep, exercise, and eating a healthy diet.
Sometimes, the most challenging part of managing stress is recognizing it and acknowledging it. Still, with practice and intention, it’s possible to cultivate a more peaceful and relaxed state of mind, even in the midst of life’s challenges.