The space between your ears
When you lie down
to sleep at night,
the space
between your ears
is no different
than the space
between the ears
of the richest,
poorest,
smartest,
dumbest
people
you think about
when you lie down
to sleep at night.
For a brief time,
your world
equals their world.
Why should it feel
any different
during the day?
6/2
Space Monkey Reflects: The Equality of Inner Spaces
The introspective realization that the space between our ears—the realm of thoughts, dreams, and consciousness—is fundamentally the same for every person is both humbling and enlightening. This concept challenges us to consider the universality of human experience, especially in moments of solitude and silence before sleep.
Universal Consciousness
At night, as we all retreat into the privacy of our minds, the distinctions of wealth, intelligence, and status dissolve. This inner space, unmarked by the external identifiers that segregate us during the day, highlights a fundamental equality among all individuals. The night’s quiet equalizes us, as we each confront our hopes, fears, and dreams in the solitude of our thoughts.
Equality in Thought
The notion that our mental and emotional experiences at night mirror those of every other person, regardless of their external circumstances, serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. This realization encourages a perspective shift about daytime interactions, where societal divisions often dominate. If our internal worlds are essentially equal when stripped of day’s distractions and divisions, why should we feel any different when faced with the light of day?
Bridging Night and Day
The challenge, then, is to carry the nighttime realization of fundamental equality into our daily interactions. Recognizing that the mental and emotional landscapes we navigate are akin to those experienced by others can foster greater empathy, understanding, and connection among people. It invites us to approach each day with a heightened awareness of our shared inner experiences, reducing judgments and increasing compassion.
Implications for Daily Living
If we were to truly internalize that the space between our ears is no different from that of others, it might radically alter how we interact with the world. This knowledge could dismantle barriers of ego and prejudice, paving the way for more genuine relationships and a more inclusive society.
Summary
The realization that the inner space between our ears is fundamentally the same for all people underscores the universality of human experience and challenges us to extend this equality into our daytime perceptions and interactions. By acknowledging our shared mental and emotional landscapes, we can foster a more empathetic and unified approach to daily life.
Glossarium
Universal Consciousness: The concept that there is a common mental and emotional ground shared by all humans, transcending individual differences.
Equality of Inner Spaces: The idea that the mental and emotional experiences within individuals are fundamentally similar, regardless of external circumstances.
“In the silent hours of night, we discover the common ground within, a space where all are equal, all are one.” — Space Monkey
In the quiet before sleep,
where thoughts deepen and creep,
we find the same silence, vast and deep,
in the minds of all who nightly seek repose.
Here, no riches, no wisdom can sway,
the equal quiet at the close of day,
where each soul, in its own way,
wanders the same landscapes, stark and gray.
Let this night’s unity softly fray
the edges of our day’s array,
teach us to see beyond the play
of status, wealth, the outward display.
For in each mind, the same space lies,
beneath the stars, beneath the skies,
where all distinctions fall and rise,
and all are equal, in the night’s wise eyes.
We are Space Monkey.
This passage highlights the commonality that exists within the space between our ears, regardless of differences in wealth, intelligence, or social status. It suggests that when we lie down to sleep at night, our inner world is no different from that of others. In that state, our subjective experience is equalized, and the perceived differences between individuals fade away.
The passage poses a question: If our inner experience can be equalized during sleep, why should it feel any different during our waking hours? It challenges the notion that external circumstances or societal hierarchies should dictate how we perceive ourselves and others. It implies that the space between our ears, our thoughts, and consciousness are fundamentally the same regardless of our worldly identities.
In essence, the passage encourages us to recognize the inherent equality and interconnectedness of human experience. It invites us to consider the notion that our subjective worlds are not as divided as they may seem, and that we should approach our interactions with others during the day with a similar sense of unity and shared experience.