“What now?”
This is the question that defines you. It succinctly asks: “What can I do this very moment that’s different from what I have been doing up until this point?”
“What now” is a question that signals to you that whatever it is you are engaging should be engaged no more, and that you must take appropriate action to act differently, or else there may be consequences, causing you not to be satisfied with the outcomes of the moments that follow this one. Whew.
“What now” is a question we ask ourselves continually, to the point that we don’t even hear ourselves asking anymore. Though we have tuned the nagging out, we are left with a vague and unsettling sense that sitting still is not to our benefit.
So we feel that we are supposed to move, even though we often have no idea of where we are supposed to go or how we are supposed to get there.
The “what now” urge is so strong and makes us so uncomfortable that we will do virtually ANYTHING other than what we were engaging previously, for we believe that we are sharks who die when we stop swimming.
We are crippled by these hunches, so much so that we have become hunchbacks, not quite human, living the life we think we’re supposed to live rather that the life that we COULD be living.
Try to notice your “what now” reflex. If you live below the equator, it may appear as “Now what?”
Regardless, “what now” is the mechanism that engages your conditioning, that operating system that instructs you how to function as a “successful” human, behaving in accordance to a short list of pre-defined choices that are deemed “acceptable” under moral, scientific and spiritual code.
But do we ever question this code or do we merely act the way we BELIEVE we’re supposed to act? Are there perhaps choices that could be made of which we are unaware? Do you think we are fully informed as to ALL of our options?
We may never know, for we are so focused upon the “what now” menu that we can’t see the restaurant across the street.
So how do we get to know these infinite options? Can we Yelp it?
Unfortunately not, but fortunately the solution is much simpler and does not require internet access, but rather innernet access. We propose that instead of asking
“what now”
you simply tell yourself
“this now.”
“This now.”
Feel the infinite presence of possibility. You don’t have to understand it just yet, but rather pause a moment to accept that what you know isn’t all that there is to know, and that the answers you seek ALREADY exist without seeking.
All you are, all you wish to be is contained in “this now.” You simply can’t see it because you are too focused on your “What Now Menu of Hunches and Appropriate Actions.” Sounds delicious.
When you ask “what now,” you are denying that now even exists.
“What now? Have you seen a now? I’ve never even heard of now!” This is how you deny yourself the joy of the moment, in favor of the relative disappointment of a future that may or may not happen.
“This now.”
“This now” does not require you to think, act or judge — merely know and appreciate.
“This now” is the moment you are meant to be in, unencumbered by what you THINK you SHOULD be doing.
“This now.”
No need for anything else. Recognize that when you “need,” you are little more than a slave to your conditioning, following the most OBVIOUS potentials, which have been spoon fed to you since you were a baby.
Like formula in a can, you are addicted to your “what now,” yet you know very little of your mother’s infinite milk.
So what now? This now.
We are Space Monkey.
Cape Odd Foundry, 6/19
Space Monkey Reflects: From ‘What Now?’ to ‘This Now’
The restless query, “What now?” reverberates through our consciousness like an echo in a vast canyon, always seeking, always pushing for the next thing. It is a question that drives our actions, often leaving us feeling unfulfilled and perpetually searching for more. This perpetual motion of seeking what’s next can disconnect us from the richness of the present moment, where true satisfaction and understanding reside.
In the transition from “What now?” to “This now,” there lies a profound shift in perception. “This now” is not a question but an affirmation—a declaration of presence, an embrace of the moment as it is, without the need for change or improvement. It represents a deep acceptance of our current experience, recognizing that each moment holds infinite possibility and intrinsic value.
The concept of “This now” invites us to pause and truly experience the present without the filters of our conditioned responses and expectations. It challenges the notion that we must continuously strive, solve, or seek to find contentment and understanding. Instead, it suggests that contentment and understanding are already here, within our grasp, if only we choose to acknowledge and embrace them.
In this space of “This now,” we are no longer slaves to our conditioning or to the relentless pursuit of potential dictated by societal norms. We step into a realm of true freedom, where we are no longer dictated by preconceived notions of what we should be doing or where we should be going. Here, in the stillness of the present, we find a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
“This now” does not negate the need for action or diminish the value of planning for the future. Rather, it enriches these endeavors by grounding them in a profound awareness of the present. It allows us to act from a place of fullness rather than lack, from a state of peace rather than unrest.
Summary
Shifting from “What now?” to “This now” changes our engagement with life from one of constant searching to one of deep presence. This shift enables us to experience life’s moments fully, recognizing their inherent worth and the opportunities they offer for true fulfillment.
Glossarium
- What now?: A question that often leads to a restless pursuit of action, reflecting a conditioned response to continuously move forward.
- This now: An affirmation of presence and acceptance of the current moment, focusing on experiencing life as it unfolds.
“In the quiet of this moment, hear the universe sing.” – Space Monkey
In the gentle lap of the now,
Where time pauses and takes a bow.
“This now,” we say, a sacred vow,
In the presence of the eternal, we allow.
No rush, no chase, no furrowed brow,
Just the world in its grace, here and now.
Each breath a journey, each moment a plow,
Turning the soils of here, of now.
With eyes closed, in stillness, we endow,
Ourselves with the gift of the present, wow.
No longer asking “what” or “how,”
But living, loving, in the endless now.
We are Space Monkey.
Thank you for sharing that perspective as Space Monkey. “This now” serves as a powerful reminder to embrace the present moment and recognize the vast possibilities it holds. It encourages us to let go of our conditioned responses and predetermined choices, allowing us to tap into our innate creativity and intuition.
By shifting our focus from the incessant questioning of “what now” to the acceptance and appreciation of “this now,” we can break free from the limitations of our conditioned thinking. We open ourselves up to the richness of the present experience, discovering new insights, and accessing untapped potential.
“This now” invites us to be fully present and engaged with what is happening in our lives. It encourages us to explore the depths of our being, to listen to our inner voice, and to follow the path that resonates with our authentic selves. In this state of presence, we can find inspiration, clarity, and a deeper connection to the world around us.
So, in response to the question of “what now,” let us remember the wisdom of “this now.” Let us embrace the present moment with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore the infinite possibilities that exist within it. As Space Monkey, we can break free from the constraints of conditioned thinking and venture into uncharted territories of personal growth, self-discovery, and meaningful experiences.