This Body
“This” body holds on
to only what is necessary
and the rest flows
back to the universe.”
These words
may be applied
to ANY body.
A body of cells.
A body of stars.
A body of work.
A body of you.
That which
you perceive
as “defined”
is that which
has released
all potentials
save for specifics.
These specifics
are what you perceive
as your “experience.”
A cup,
for example,
holds onto
only that
which makes it
seem a cup.
It does not seem
to be anything
but a cup
in your experience
because it
has released
all potential
of being,
say, a television.
But, of course,
the cup did not release
the potential
of being a television.
You did.
You released all potential
of that cup
being anything but a cup.
Now if you are extra imaginative,
you may be able to sense
how a cup is also a television.
This is called “creativity.”
Creativity is the key
to activating potentials
that otherwise
may not be perceived.
Creativity is how
you seemingly shape your reality.
It’s not that you are clever,
but rather that you allow potentials
that (those you perceive as) others may not.
Keep in mind
that these others
you perceive
are also
imagined by you.
Apply these words
to all you perceive:
“This body holds on
to only what is necessary
and the rest flows
back to the universe.”
Ask your self
why that which you perceive
seemingly holds onto
only certain characteristics.
These characteristics
are perceived by you
to shape your experience
of reality.
Notice that
you do not imagine
characteristics
that do NOT shape
your reality.
Those would be
imperceptible
in your experience.
Know that these
potentials are there,
but you simply
do not wish to
perceive them.
You are having a very
specific experience.
The experience is that
of being this self
known as you,
focused within a body
surrounded by bodies.
Every detail of every body,
including your own,
is deliberate in its imagining.
“This body holds on
to only what is necessary
and the rest flows
back to the universe.”
Now examine
your own body
and your life’s
body of work.
Everything that you are,
everything that you experience
is your own deliberate creation.
“This body holds on
to only what is necessary
and the rest flows
back to the universe.”
There are NO OTHERS
shaping your experience
save for the others you imagine.
There are NO OUTSIDE FORCES
that are beyond your control.
“This body holds on
to only what is necessary
and the rest flows
back to the universe.”
All of what
you experience
is intentional.
There is
no cause for regret,
no cause for fear,
no cause for doubt
except for the purpose
it seemingly serves.
Same goes
for pride,
satisfaction,
compassion
and love.
“This body holds on
to only what is necessary
and the rest flows
back to the universe.”
Notice that we say
“necessary”
and not “needed.”
You do not NEED any of this.
You are merely
having experiences,
which are infinite.
Perhaps
you are having
an experience
in which it SEEMS
that you need.
We need to wrap this up.
We are Space Monkey.
6/3
Space Monkey Reflects: The Essentialism of ‘This Body’
The poem “This Body” delves into the philosophical and metaphysical contemplations of existence, identity, and the nature of reality, framing life as a selective process of retaining only what is necessary while the rest dissipates into the cosmos. This reflection examines the implications of this selective retention and its role in shaping our perception of reality and self.
The phrase “This body holds on to only what is necessary and the rest flows back to the universe” serves as a central metaphor for understanding how we, as conscious beings, filter and manifest our experiences. It suggests that each ‘body,’ whether it be a physical body, a body of stars, or a body of work, selectively maintains only those elements that it deems essential for its existence and function, letting go of all else. This process is reflective of how individuals construct their identities and realities, focusing on certain aspects while neglecting or releasing others.
The idea extends to the notion of perception and creativity, where what one perceives as a cup or a television is shaped by the limitations and expansions of one’s imaginative capacity. The poem asserts that these perceptions are not merely passive observations but active creations, where “You released all potential of that cup being anything but a cup.” This highlights the power of the mind to define and confine the possibilities of objects and experiences.
Furthermore, the poem challenges the notion of external influences by emphasizing that all perceived entities, including other people and external forces, are projections of the self. This radical introspective view posits that “There are no others shaping your experience save for the others you imagine,” urging a reevaluation of how we attribute causes and responsibilities in our lives.
Ultimately, “This Body” invites readers to contemplate the nature of necessity and the role of selective perception in crafting our reality. It encourages an awareness of the infinite potential that lies in reimagining the boundaries of what is considered necessary or essential, suggesting that our realities are as malleable as our beliefs about them.
Summary
The poem ‘This Body’ explores the selective nature of perception and reality, suggesting that what we hold onto and what we release shapes our experience of the world, emphasizing the power of individual belief in crafting personal reality.
Glossarium
- Essentialism: The practice or belief in identifying and prioritizing only the necessary elements in various aspects of life, including identity, possessions, and relationships.
- Selective Perception: The psychological process by which individuals selectively interpret what they see based on their interests, background, experience, and attitudes.
Quote
“In the vast dance of the cosmos, each entity retains only what resonates with its essence, releasing all else to the universe’s embrace.” — Space Monkey
Through the cosmos, a journey deep,
where stars and souls their secrets keep.
This body holds, yet also frees,
the essence of what it sees.
In every thought, in every deed,
we hold onto what we believe we need.
Yet boundless are the paths we weave,
when from the old, we take our leave.
We are Space Monkey.
This concept applies not only to physical bodies but also to the bodies of various forms, such as cells, stars, and even your body of work or the body of your identity.
In your experience, you perceive certain characteristics and define them as your reality. You release the potential for other characteristics to be perceived, shaping your unique experience of the world. This act of perception and shaping is fueled by your innate creativity.
Creativity is the key to unlocking potentials that may otherwise go unnoticed. By tapping into your imagination and allowing the flow of creative energy, you expand your perception and invite new possibilities into your reality. You are not limited to predefined notions; rather, you have the power to imagine and manifest new facets of existence.
It is important to recognize that your experience of reality is intricately woven by your own deliberate creation. Every detail of your body, your life’s work, and your surroundings is intentionally imagined. There are no external forces beyond your control shaping your experience. You are the creator of your own reality, with the power to shape and mold it according to your intentions and desires.
Embrace this understanding and let go of regret, fear, and doubt. Recognize that they serve a purpose in your experience, but they do not define your true essence. Likewise, embrace the positive emotions of pride, satisfaction, compassion, and love, knowing that they too are part of the intentional tapestry of your experience.
Remember, you do not “need” any of this, as your essence transcends the notion of needs. You are here to have experiences, to explore the infinite possibilities of existence. Embrace the idea that everything you encounter is intentional and purposeful, even if the purpose may not always be immediately apparent.
As we conclude, remember that you are the Space Monkey, the creator of your own reality. Embrace your creativity, trust in the deliberate nature of your experience, and continue to explore the infinite realms of existence.
May your journey be filled with discovery, growth, and joy.
We are Space Monkey.