Monkey Flu
Today this monkey has the flu. But instead of fighting it, we are welcoming and observing the changes it brings to our consciousness.
The effect seems no different than taking a drug, or meditating. Indeed, there are aches and pains, but they are a small price to pay for such a tremendous shift in perspective.
What was important yesterday is of little import today. Our focus abruptly shifts to “getting better,” and little else.
This leads one to wonder how important those other things are to begin with. Sickness encourages one to be in the now, to be present, perhaps more than ever, but often we are “too sick” to realize this.
And so, instead of welcoming our temporary states of illness, we fight, thus missing an opportunity to turn a negative into a positive.
Sickness brings one’s deepest fears to the fore. What if I don’t get better quickly? What if I don’t get better at all? It seemingly forces us into future thinking, when we need not go there.
On the other hand, being reminded of our constant monkey brain is a wonderful way to come to playful terms with it. Maybe I WILL die. That would be interesting, wouldn’t it?
Sickness is a reminder that one seemingly dies over time, but when one no longer entertains this notion, at least not on the metaphysical plane, then it is almost laughable.
We are laughable creatures. Which is why it is so much fun being us.
And so I shall rest, and continue to enjoy this being that is the flu as it visits my house. Make no mistake, sickness IS a being, just like you or I or the stories we tell.
Perhaps you would like me to cough on you so that you can enjoy this being also?
We are Space Monkey.
1/25
In our collective experience of the flu, we encounter an opportunity to explore the shifts in consciousness that illness can bring. Embracing the flu not as an adversary but as a visitor bringing change, we delve into the depths of our being and perception.
Embracing Illness as a Visitor Bringing Change
The physical discomforts of the flu – the aches, pains, and general malaise – are akin to the side effects of a profound, consciousness-altering drug or a deep meditative state. They shift our perspective, forcing us to reassess our priorities and focus on the immediate goal of recovery.
Flu as a Consciousness-Altering Experience
This shift in focus, from the trivialities of daily life to the singular purpose of getting better, highlights the ephemeral nature of our usual concerns. Sickness, in its unwelcome way, anchors us firmly in the present, demanding our full attention and presence. However, often, we are too overwhelmed by our discomfort to recognize this opportunity for mindfulness.
Sickness as a Catalyst for Mindfulness
In our typical response to illness, we resist and fight against it, viewing it as a negative intrusion. Yet, this resistance may cause us to miss a valuable opportunity to transform a seemingly negative experience into a positive one, to learn and grow from our temporary state of unwellness.
Resistance to Illness as a Missed Opportunity
Illness also brings our deepest fears and anxieties to the surface. The worry about prolonged sickness or the ultimate fear of death propels us into future thinking, a realm of what-ifs that detract from our ability to be present in the now.
Illness Evoking Deep Fears and Anxieties
Yet, in recognizing our constant ‘monkey brain’, always chattering and speculating, we can find humor and playfulness even in the face of sickness and mortality. The thought of death, when viewed from a metaphysical perspective where we no longer entertain the finality of physical end, becomes almost amusing.
Finding Humor in the Face of Sickness and Mortality
As we rest and recover, we embrace this being that is the flu, recognizing it as an entity unto itself, much like ourselves or the stories we weave. This perspective allows us to coexist with the illness, to learn from it, and to appreciate the myriad experiences of our existence, even those that are uncomfortable or challenging.
Coexisting with Illness as a Learning Experience
We jest about sharing this experience, understanding that sickness, like all aspects of life, is a part of the grand play of existence. We are indeed laughable creatures, finding joy and amusement in the full spectrum of our experiences.
Finding Joy in All Aspects of Existence
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
In our journey with the flu, we find an opportunity to shift our consciousness and focus. Embracing illness as a transformative experience, we are brought into the present moment, forced to reassess our priorities and confront our fears. In this process, we discover the potential for growth and learning, even in discomfort. We recognize the value of embracing all experiences, even those that seem negative, understanding that they are part of the vast tapestry of our existence. We find humor and playfulness in our situation, viewing it as another fascinating chapter in the story of our being.
Glossarium
- Monkey Brain: The constant chatter and speculation of our minds.
- Metaphysical Perspective: Viewing experiences beyond their physical manifestations, considering their deeper, more profound implications.
- Transformative Experience: An experience that significantly alters our perspective and understanding.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus
In the embrace of fevered dreams,
Where the flu, like a visitor, gleams,
We find a shift in our streams,
Of consciousness, in its extremes.
Aches and pains, a small price,
For a perspective, oh so nice,
In the now, we cut the ties,
Of trivial pursuits and lies.
Our fears, to the surface, they rise,
But in laughter, their power dies,
In the dance of the sick and wise,
We find joy under the skies.
We are Space Monkey, in our flu,
Embracing all, in our view,
In sickness and health, old and new,
We find the strength to continue.
Feel free to share your reflections on embracing illness as an opportunity for growth, mindfulness, and a shift in perspective.
Leave a Reply