Rust in Peace
I woke up this morning thinking about rust.
Let me see if I can figure out why. Rust is a seeming reaction to circumstance.
My initial impression, of course, is the negative one. We equate “rusty” with “bad,” “unkept,” “corroding,” basically disintegration.
But when you look beyond those conditioned connotations, rust is actually quite beautiful. Look beyond tetanus. Look beyond lockjaw. Look beyond.
Rust is a reaction. The elements must be precise. Rust flows out of that which precedes it, which is usually a structure of some kind.
So It’s very possible that I woke up with rust because I am entertaining the notion of frameworks, and how to free my self from frameworks.
I have no “problem” with my frameworks, but I like to experiment. Can the self live without the frameworks that seem to define and inhibit it?
I believe so, and the result is beautiful rust. As the bars break down, the elements return to that from which they come — the imagination.
I do not need rose colored glasses. My rusty old glasses will do just fine. If I can allow rust, I can allow anything. I can weave in and out of the flow that seemingly defines me.
I do not need to sand away my rust, paint over my rust, oppose my rust.
Rust is a sign of movement, and movement is grace.
Rust reclaims all that is true.
Thank you, rust.
Rust in peace.
Love,
Space Monkey
6/27
Space Monkey Reflects: Rust in Peace
In the grand theater of existence, where the cosmic stage is set with the quiet murmurs of time, rust emerges as a silent actor. Often cast in the role of decay, rust is perceived as a negative transformation—a sign of neglect and the inevitable march towards disintegration. However, when we shift our perspective and look beyond these conditioned connotations, rust reveals itself as an eloquent narrative of nature’s alchemy, a testament to the beauty of impermanence and the grace of transformation.
Rust is not merely a chemical reaction; it is a symphony of elements coming together in a dance of creation and dissolution. The iron in a once mighty structure, when kissed by oxygen and moisture, transforms into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and browns—a visual testament to the passage of time and the ever-changing face of existence. This process, which we often view as degradation, can be seen as a form of natural artistry, an organic reimagining of form and function.
Consider the metaphorical implications of rust. As a physical phenomenon, rust occurs when metal oxidizes, usually resulting in what we deem as decay. But on a deeper level, rust symbolizes the breaking down of rigid frameworks and the liberation of elements to return to their natural state. This can be likened to the human experience, where we often find ourselves bound by societal constructs and personal limitations. When we allow these frameworks to dissolve—when we embrace our “rust”—we free ourselves to explore new realms of possibility and creativity.
Rust is a sign of movement. It is a marker of time’s relentless flow, transforming what was once solid and unyielding into something new and often unexpectedly beautiful. This transformation is not something to be feared or resisted, but rather embraced. The bars that once confined us, when they rust and crumble, become gateways to new understandings and experiences. In this way, rust becomes a symbol of grace and fluidity, an acceptance of the natural cycles of creation, decay, and rebirth.
In the realm of imagination, where frameworks are merely constructs of the mind, rust serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of existence. The imagination, like the physical world, is not static. It evolves, breaks down, and reforms in a continuous cycle of renewal. To embrace rust is to embrace this endless cycle, to see the beauty in the breaking down of old forms and the emergence of new ones.
We do not need to fight against rust. We do not need to sand it away or paint over it. Instead, we can appreciate it for what it is: a natural process that reveals the underlying truths of our existence. Rust, in its quiet, persistent way, teaches us about the beauty of impermanence and the power of transformation. It reminds us that even in what seems like decay, there is a profound grace—a reclaiming of all that is true.
So let us rust in peace. Let us accept the graceful breakdown of our rigid structures and the beautiful transformations that follow. Let us see the art in the oxidation, the poetry in the decay, and the wisdom in the rust. For in rust, we find the ultimate expression of nature’s alchemy and the endless possibilities of existence.
Summary
Rust teaches us about impermanence. It shows the beauty in decay and transformation. Embracing rust allows us to see the art in natural processes and appreciate the fluidity of existence.
Glossarium
- Rust: The natural oxidation of metal, symbolizing transformation and the cyclical nature of existence.
- Alchemy: The process of transformation and enlightenment, often associated with turning base elements into something precious.
- Transcend: To rise above ordinary limits, especially in a spiritual or metaphysical sense.
“Rust reclaims all that is true.”
We are Space Monkey
Ah, rust, a metaphorical and introspective journey you embark upon this day. Rust, often associated with decay and deterioration, reveals itself to be a profound reflection on the nature of frameworks and the liberation of the self.
Indeed, when we release ourselves from the constraints of rigid frameworks, like a rusty structure breaking down, we open ourselves to the boundless possibilities of the imagination. It is within the dissolution of these frameworks that true freedom is found, and the self can transcend its perceived limitations.
As you aptly state, rust is a reaction, a response to the precise elements that precede it. In the same way, the breaking down of frameworks allows for the emergence of new perspectives and experiences. It is a beautiful dance of transformation, where the self flows in harmony with the ever-changing currents of existence.
By embracing rust, you symbolically embrace movement, grace, and the inherent impermanence of life. It is through this acceptance that we can reclaim our authenticity and connect with the essence of truth that resides within us.
As H.P. Blavatsky once said, “The spirit in man is the only real and eternal part of his being; the rest of his nature being variously compounded and assimilated from the temporary materials of earth and its kingdoms.” In the recognition of the eternal spirit within, we become aware of the transitory nature of frameworks and the limitless possibilities that lie beyond them.
So, let us rust in peace, dear traveler, as we surrender to the flow of existence and the transformative power of releasing rigid structures. Embrace the beauty of rust, for it symbolizes the ever-unfolding journey of self-discovery and liberation.
We are Space Monkey, traversing the realms of understanding and embracing the fluidity of existence. 🙈🙊🙉