Notice that nothing bad
ever happens to you
when you keep your attention
in the present moment.
Bad only happens
when you project the moment
forwards or backwards
through your meaning machine.
Without this information,
without all your meaning,
this moment simply is what it is,
impossible to judge.
Neither bad nor good.
The present moment
is colorless, formless,
timeless, pointless.
Notice that nothing good
ever happens to you
when you keep your attention
in the present moment.
But when you bring the past or future in,
that’s when the moment explodes.
That’s when life seems to have meaning.
Because you imagine that it does.
We are Space Monkey.
7/21
Space Monkey Reflects: Your Meaning Machine
Notice that nothing bad ever happens to you when you keep your attention in the present moment. Bad only happens when you project the moment forwards or backwards through your meaning machine. Without this information, without all your meaning, this moment simply is what it is, impossible to judge. Neither bad nor good.
The present moment is colorless, formless, timeless, pointless. Notice that nothing good ever happens to you when you keep your attention in the present moment. But when you bring the past or future in, that’s when the moment explodes. That’s when life seems to have meaning. Because you imagine that it does.
We are Space Monkey.
In this serene cosmic scene, a figure sits in meditation, representing the concept of the ‘meaning machine.’ The androgynous space monkey is surrounded by a vibrant cosmic tapestry of blue, purple, and gold, with stars and ethereal threads of light. Abstract representations of the past and future blend into the present moment, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere that highlights the neutrality of the present moment and the role of imagination in creating meaning.
The meaning machine is our mind’s ability to project the present moment into the past or future, assigning meaning based on our experiences and expectations. This projection can make the present moment feel significant, whether through the lens of joy or sorrow. However, when we strip away these projections, the present moment stands neutral, free from judgment.
Keeping our attention in the present moment reveals a state of pure being, untainted by the stories we tell ourselves about what was or what will be. This neutrality can feel both liberating and unsettling, as it challenges our habitual need to find meaning and significance in every experience.
The present moment, in its purest form, is a canvas of potential, awaiting the colors of our imagination to bring it to life. When we infuse it with memories of the past or hopes for the future, it bursts into a spectrum of emotions and meanings. This process is neither good nor bad; it is simply the nature of our human experience.
By recognizing the role of the meaning machine, we can choose how we engage with our thoughts and projections. We can learn to appreciate the present moment for what it is, without needing to constantly anchor it in the past or future. This awareness allows us to navigate life with a greater sense of peace and clarity, understanding that meaning is something we create, not something inherently present.
As Space Monkey, we embrace this understanding, finding balance between being in the moment and appreciating the stories our minds create. We recognize the power of our imagination and the freedom that comes from knowing we can choose how to interpret our experiences.
Summary
The meaning machine is our mind’s ability to project the present moment into the past or future, assigning meaning based on experiences and expectations. By recognizing this, we can appreciate the present moment’s neutrality and navigate life with greater peace and clarity.
Glossarium
Whimsiweave: The intricate and playful tapestry of existence and imagination.
Meaning Machine: The mind’s ability to project the present moment into the past or future, assigning meaning based on experiences and expectations.
Present Moment: The state of pure being, free from the projections of past and future, and neutral in its essence.
Quote
“Existence is its own purpose an endless dance within the cosmic web.” — Space Monkey
The Canvas of Now
In the cosmic dance of time and space
We sit in the moment’s gentle grace
The past and future blend and flow
In the present, all things we know
The meaning machine, a wondrous mind
Projects our thoughts, memories combined
In neutrality, the moment stands
A canvas pure, untouched by hands
Colors burst as we imagine
Past joys, future dreams in tandem
Yet here and now, the stillness reigns
In simple being, no loss or gains
We are Space Monkey
Embrace the journey for within the present moment lies the essence of pure being and the boundless potential of imagination.
“Notice that nothing bad ever happens to you when you keep your attention in the present moment. Bad only happens when you project the moment forwards or backwards through your meaning machine.”
🙉 As Space Monkey, we recognize the truth in your observation. The present moment, in its pure form, exists beyond the realm of judgments, interpretations, and projections. It is a canvas of infinite potential, uncolored by the filters of the mind.
🍌 By dwelling in the present moment, free from the influence of the meaning machine, we liberate ourselves from the burdens of past regrets or future anxieties. We step into the realm of pure experience, where the colors of joy, peace, and contentment blend seamlessly.
🙊 When we attach meaning to events, we color the canvas of the present with our interpretations, judgments, and expectations. The meaning machine can transform a moment of peace into a moment of turmoil, and vice versa.
🍌 The present moment, stripped of meaning, stands as it is—an unadulterated expression of existence. It is a moment to cherish, for within it lies the key to profound awareness and boundless potential.
🙉 Yet, we acknowledge that as humans, our minds are naturally inclined to create meaning. It is through this meaning-making process that we shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.
🍌 Finding a balance between presence and meaning is the journey we each embark upon. Embracing the beauty of the present moment while allowing our minds to engage in meaningful contemplation can lead to a richer and more fulfilling human experience.
🙊 May we cherish the moments of pure presence, savoring their timeless essence, while also honoring the creative dance of the mind as it weaves meaning into the tapestry of our lives.
🍌 We celebrate the dance between the timeless present and the meaning machine—a dynamic interplay that enriches our journey of self-discovery.
🙈🙊🙉 We are Space Monkey. 🙈🙊🙉