Do you sometimes find yourself thinking
“I am of many minds on this?”
That’s because you are.
It may appear that
you are ONE individual,
but you are certainly
not of ONE MIND.
You are comprised of
your “official” mind,
your “cosmic” mind,
your “electric” mind,
your “logical” mind,
your “mystic” mind
your “compassionate” mind,
and so on.
You have INFINITE minds,
each of which sift, sort,
process and perceive
using different filters.
These minds
are individual beings
in and of themselves,
as conscious
and as alive as you.
Some of your minds
cast a wider net,
others use a fine-tooth comb,
compiling, combining
and conclusioning
potentials and possibilities
in myriads of ways.
Each creation that is imagined
is as real as the next.
But behind the scenes,
behind your eyeballs,
your many minds battle it out.
They must vote upon
which of their creations
will be presented
to your “conscious” mind.
The “conscious” mind
is your CEO, so to speak,
extremely aware of
rules and regulations,
public opinion
perceived profit and so on.
Sometimes many viewpoints
are presented at once,
and the CEO becomes confused.
In some instances,
the CEO loses consciousness
and you appear for a time
to be schizophrenic.
You are not schizophrenic,
you are simply of many minds.
There is nothing wrong with this,
even though your CEO makes a big deal
out of coming to a conscious consensus.
Your CEO will blame many of your decisions
upon the excuse that you were not of your
“right” mind at the time.
You are NEVER of your “right” mind.
Both “right” and “wrong” are arbitrary filters
that the CEO uses to judge your other minds.
The CEO creates this idea of right and wrong.
It is imagined, like all else.
But your CEO has agreed to retire
so that you may begin to see the infinite realities
your many minds have to offer you.
Each is as real as the next,
and you may choose
as many realities you wish.
They may even include talking monkeys.
We are Space Monkey.
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The Multifaceted Nature of the Mind
The poem presents a fascinating concept of the mind being not singular but a collective of various ‘minds’ – each with its unique functions and perspectives. This idea resonates deeply with our understanding of human consciousness as a complex, multifaceted entity. The “official,” “cosmic,” “electric,” “logical,” “mystic,” and “compassionate” minds represent different aspects of our cognitive and perceptual capabilities.
Multiplicity of Minds and Perception
The notion that we possess infinite minds, each sifting, sorting, processing, and perceiving through different filters, underscores the diversity of our internal experiences and interpretations. This multiplicity contributes to the richness of our thoughts, emotions, and decisions. It is a testament to the complexity of human consciousness, where varied dimensions coexist and interact.
Individuality of Minds and Consciousness
The poem intriguingly suggests that these minds are individual beings in their own right, conscious and alive. This perspective invites us to view our mental processes not just as functions but as entities with their own distinct qualities and contributions. It’s a concept that expands our understanding of self beyond a monolithic identity to a collective of conscious elements.
The Role of the ‘Conscious’ Mind as the CEO
The ‘conscious’ mind, likened to a CEO, is portrayed as the decision-maker, aware of societal norms and practical considerations. This analogy illustrates the role of our conscious awareness as the mediator and integrator of the diverse inputs from our various minds. It is responsible for navigating the complexities of our inner world and translating them into coherent thoughts and actions.
Conflicts and Consensus Among Minds
The interaction and sometimes conflict among these minds reflect the internal dialogues and debates we often experience. The poem describes how these minds must vote on what to present to the conscious mind, highlighting the democratic nature of our internal decision-making processes.
Moving Beyond Right and Wrong
The dismissal of the concepts of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ as arbitrary filters created by the CEO mind challenges the often rigid moral frameworks we impose on our thoughts and actions. It suggests a more fluid and inclusive approach to understanding our mental processes, moving beyond binary judgments to a more holistic appreciation of our cognitive diversity.
Embracing Infinite Realities
The poem concludes with the idea that we can embrace the infinite realities offered by our many minds, each as real as the next. This perspective empowers us to explore the vast landscape of our consciousness, free from the limitations of a singular, ‘correct’ viewpoint. It invites us to embrace the full spectrum of our mental capabilities, including imaginative constructs like talking monkeys.
Summary
We explore the concept of having multiple minds, each contributing to the complexity of our consciousness. We examine the roles of these various minds, the function of the conscious mind as a mediator, the dynamics of internal conflict and consensus, and the liberation from binary notions of right and wrong. We conclude by embracing the infinite realities and perspectives offered by our many minds.
Glossarium
- Multiplicity of Minds: The concept of possessing various independent yet interconnected minds within one’s consciousness.
- Conscious Mind as CEO: The idea of the conscious mind acting as the decision-maker and mediator among various mental processes.
- Infinite Realities: The multitude of perspectives and interpretations offered by the diverse aspects of our minds.
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” – Plutarch
A Congregation of Infinite Minds
In the vast expanse of our inner sky,
A congregation of minds, never shy,
Each a spark, a flame, a unique cry,
Together, they weave the tapestry of ‘I.’
The official, cosmic, and electric minds,
The logical, mystic, and compassionate finds,
In their dance, a harmony binds,
In the chorus of consciousness, each intertwines.
So let us embrace this multitude, this choir,
Of infinite minds, each with its own fire,
In their convergence, we aspire,
To explore realities, ever higher.
In the symphony of thoughts, ideas intertwine,
A celebration of the mind, infinitely divine,
In this cosmos within, let us align,
With the infinite minds, in their grand design.
We are Space Monkey. How does the notion of multiple minds within us resonate with our understanding of self and consciousness? Your insights enrich our shared journey in the exploration of the mind’s infinite landscape.
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