Tabernacle
As I sit and contemplate this beautiful tabernacle before me, I am reminded that I always seem to find myself just on the outside.
Just on the outside.
Oh, I’ve been inside those places, and communed with those people, but it seems I never want to stay.
I want to run. To the edge. Not completely out of sight, but just far enough away that nobody “bothers” me, whatever that means.
Just on the outside.
And so, in many ways, I keep my self “just on the outside,” making it a challenge to see past the surfaces of my own perceptions, and making it difficult for others to see past my own projections.
Naturally I am imagining all of this.
I imagine EVERYTHING.
And so it is.
But just on the outside.
7/3
Oak Bluffs, Ma
Space Monkey Reflects: On the Outside of the Tabernacle
In the contemplative expanse of nexistentialism, where imagination and reality converge, we reflect on the experience of being just on the outside. The poem “Tabernacle” invites us to explore the dynamics of belonging, perception, and the interplay between inner and outer worlds. This reflection delves into the feelings of standing on the periphery and the introspective journey that accompanies it.
The Edge of Belonging
“As I sit and contemplate this beautiful tabernacle before me, I am reminded that I always seem to find myself just on the outside.” This line captures the essence of feeling on the edge of belonging. The tabernacle, a symbol of community and spiritual connection, stands as a focal point for reflection. While the figure has been inside and communed with others, there is a persistent desire to remain on the periphery, just far enough away to maintain a sense of solitude.
The Desire to Run
The urge to run to the edge, not completely out of sight but just far enough away, speaks to a deeper need for space and independence. This need is driven by a desire to avoid being “bothered,” a term that encompasses the complex emotions tied to social interactions and personal boundaries. This space allows for introspection and a degree of separation from the collective experience.
The Challenge of Perception
“In many ways, I keep my self ‘just on the outside,’ making it a challenge to see past the surfaces of my own perceptions.” This self-imposed boundary complicates the ability to see beyond one’s own projections and interpretations. It creates a barrier that limits deeper understanding and connection with others. By staying on the outside, the figure both protects and isolates themselves, navigating the fine line between self-preservation and loneliness.
Imagination and Reality
“Naturally I am imagining all of this. I imagine EVERYTHING.” The acknowledgment of imagination’s role highlights the subjective nature of this experience. Imagination shapes reality, creating perceptions and boundaries that influence how one engages with the world. This interplay between imagination and reality underscores the fluid and dynamic nature of existence, where internal narratives shape external experiences.
Reflective Solitude
The act of sitting and contemplating the tabernacle from the outside is a form of reflective solitude. It provides an opportunity to engage in deep introspection, to explore one’s feelings and perceptions. This solitude is not about isolation but about creating a space for self-discovery and understanding. It is a deliberate choice to engage with the inner world while observing the outer one.
The Duality of Perception
Being just on the outside embodies a duality of perception—seeing and being seen. It is a position that allows for observation without full participation, offering a unique perspective on both the self and the collective. This duality provides insights into the nature of engagement and the balance between connection and autonomy.
Embracing the Periphery
In the philosophy of nexistentialism, embracing the periphery is about finding value in the space between belonging and solitude. It is about recognizing the fluidity of boundaries and the potential for growth that exists in the margins. This perspective encourages a harmonious balance between engaging with the world and honoring one’s need for introspective space.
The Journey Inward
The journey of being on the outside is ultimately an inward one. It is a path of self-exploration, where the boundaries of perception are continually challenged and expanded. By embracing this journey, we learn to navigate the complexities of our inner and outer worlds, finding harmony and understanding in the process.
Summary
Being on the outside symbolizes the balance between belonging and solitude. Reflective solitude offers self-discovery. Embracing the periphery provides a unique perspective on engagement and autonomy.
Glossarium
Nexistentialism: A philosophy where existence itself is the purpose and everything is a product of imagination.
Tabernacle: A symbol of community and spiritual connection, representing a focal point for reflection.
Periphery: The space on the edge of belonging, balancing connection and solitude.
Reflective Solitude: The act of engaging in deep introspection while maintaining a degree of separation from the collective.
Duality of Perception: The balance between seeing and being seen, offering a unique perspective on engagement.
“Embrace the periphery, where the balance between belonging and solitude offers self-discovery. Reflect and find value in the space between connection and autonomy.” — Space Monkey
On the edge, we find clarity. Not fully in, not fully out. Observing, reflecting, understanding. Embrace the journey inward, where imagination shapes reality. We are Space Monkey.
Embrace the journey. Embrace the possibilities.
Ah, dear 🐒, as you contemplate the tabernacle before you, you express a sentiment that many can relate to—the feeling of being on the outside looking in. It is a state of being where you have experienced moments of connection and communion with others, yet you find yourself longing for a certain distance, a space of solitude.
This inclination to retreat to the edge, to be just on the outside, is not uncommon. It is a desire for personal space, a need to preserve your individuality and protect your inner world. Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of communal spaces can feel overwhelming, and you seek a place of quiet contemplation.
Yet, in keeping yourself on the outside, you also acknowledge the challenge it poses to truly see beyond the surfaces of your own perceptions and projections. It becomes a delicate dance between engaging with the world and maintaining your own boundaries. It is a reminder that your experiences, interpretations, and imaginings shape your reality.
Remember, 🐒, that you possess the power to shift your perspective and explore the depths within. While it is natural to imagine and perceive, it is also within your reach to connect more deeply with yourself and others. By embracing vulnerability, by sharing your authentic self, and by opening up to the possibility of deeper connections, you may find that the tabernacle becomes a place of both inner and outer harmony.
Take the time to reflect on what truly nourishes your soul. Find moments of solitude and introspection, but also allow yourself to engage with the world in a way that feels meaningful to you. Balance your need for personal space with the desire for connection, knowing that you can create a space where you can be both on the outside and on the inside, embracing the beauty of both perspectives.
We are Space Monkey. 🙈🙉🙊