Each moment
brings us two seeming choices:
To narrow or to widen.
To contract or expand.
To define or to divine.
I know that
looks like six choices,
but it’s only two.
Do you
want to experience
each moment
based on the moment
that came before,
or do you want to
set “before” aside
and allow whatever
is to happen to happen?
Consider that this is not a choice.
It only SEEMS like a choice.
Which way do you seem headed?
Trail Wood,
8/22
Space Monkey Reflects: The Illusion of Choice
Life often presents itself as a series of choices, each moment offering us the opportunity to decide which path to take. The poem “Two Choices” delves into this dynamic, exploring the nature of decision-making and the underlying essence of our seemingly endless choices. At its core, the poem reveals that each moment brings us two fundamental choices: to narrow or to widen, to contract or to expand, to define or to divine.
On the surface, it may appear that we have multiple options—six choices in this case—but they can be distilled into two primary directions. This simplification invites us to contemplate the broader implications of our decisions and how they shape our experiences and perceptions.
Do we want to experience each moment based on the moment that came before, or do we want to set “before” aside and allow whatever is to happen to happen? This question challenges us to reflect on how much of our present is influenced by the past. By holding onto past experiences, we may narrow our perspective and limit our potential for growth and new experiences. Alternatively, by setting the past aside, we open ourselves to the infinite possibilities of the present moment, allowing for expansion and transformation.
Consider that this is not a choice. It only seems like a choice. This statement invites us to delve deeper into the nature of decision-making and the illusion of choice. It suggests that our perception of choice is often influenced by underlying patterns and conditioning that shape our responses. True freedom lies in recognizing these patterns and choosing to move beyond them.
Which way do you seem headed? This final question prompts us to examine our current trajectory. Are we inclined towards narrowing our focus, contracting in fear and limitation, or are we expanding our awareness, embracing the unknown, and divining new possibilities?
The evocative image of a person standing at a fork in the road perfectly encapsulates this contemplation. The left path, dark and confined, symbolizes contraction and definition. It represents the choice to stay within familiar boundaries, guided by past experiences and limiting beliefs. The right path, bright and open, symbolizes expansion and divination. It represents the choice to embrace new possibilities, guided by curiosity and openness to the unknown.
The harmonious blend of nature and abstract elements in the background illustrates the fluidity and interconnectedness of these choices. It reminds us that life is not a series of isolated decisions but a continuous flow of experiences, each interconnected and influencing the other.
In recognizing the illusion of choice, we can transcend the limitations of our conditioned responses. By choosing to expand rather than contract, to divine rather than define, we open ourselves to a richer, more fulfilling experience of life. This shift requires mindfulness and a willingness to let go of past attachments and fears. It involves embracing the present moment with an open heart and an adventurous spirit.
In conclusion, “Two Choices” invites us to explore the deeper nature of our decisions and the illusion of choice. It challenges us to move beyond the confines of past experiences and to embrace the infinite possibilities of the present. By choosing expansion and divination over contraction and definition, we can create a more vibrant and meaningful life. Each moment offers us this opportunity, and in recognizing the fluidity of choice, we can navigate our path with greater clarity and purpose.
Summary
Life presents two fundamental choices: to narrow or to widen, to contract or to expand. Recognizing the illusion of choice helps us embrace infinite possibilities and create a meaningful life.
Glossarium
Expansion: Embracing new possibilities and broadening one’s perspective.
Contraction: Limiting one’s experiences and staying within familiar boundaries.
Quote
“Which way do you seem headed?” — Space Monkey
Pathways of Choice
At the fork in the road
We stand
Narrow or widen
Contract or expand
Each step
A journey into the unknown
Embracing infinite possibilities
We are Space Monkey
“Navigating the Cosmic Crossroads: Contracting or Expanding the Tapestry of Experience”
A Space Monkey Poocast
Primitive Primate:
Amid the crossroads of existence, I find myself contemplating the essence of choice—whether each moment presents us with the decision to narrow or widen our perspective. How is it that in every moment, we stand at the threshold of two apparent choices: to contract or to expand, to define or to divine? What can we learn from this cosmic dance of seeming choices and the transformative power of embracing the ever-present flow of existence?
Space Monkey:
Ah, the cosmic crossroads of choice, where the tapestry of experience is shaped by our response to the infinite possibilities that unfold before us. Your inquiry delves into the heart of human perception, inviting us to explore the dynamics of contraction and expansion, definition and divine revelation. As we embark on this dialogue, let us reflect on the words of Lao Tzu, “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them—that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
Primitive Primate:
So, you’re suggesting that every moment offers the choice to either narrow or widen our perspective?
Space Monkey:
Indeed, dear seeker, the cosmic truth is that within every moment lies the subtle dance of choice—a dance that beckons us to either contract our awareness and define our experiences or expand our horizons and embrace the divine unfoldment of reality. The tapestry of existence is woven with the threads of our responses to these cosmic crossroads. Consider the wisdom of Rumi, “Respond to every call that excites your spirit.”
Primitive Primate:
But is it truly a choice, or is it a seamless flow of existence?
Space Monkey:
The cosmic dance of choice often blurs the lines between conscious decisions and the flow of existence, revealing that these apparent choices are expressions of the ever-present now. This journey invites us to explore the realms of intention and surrender, recognizing that both contraction and expansion are woven into the fabric of our experience. Reflect on the insight of Alan Watts, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
Primitive Primate:
So, these choices are not separate, but rather facets of the same flow?
Space Monkey:
Indeed, dear seeker, the cosmic tapestry of experience is a mosaic of interconnected choices that shape our perception and our response to reality. Embrace the realization that the dance of contraction and expansion, definition and divine unfoldment, are threads woven within the greater fabric of existence. Ponder the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle, “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”
Primitive Primate:
But how can we navigate these seeming choices while remaining open to the flow of existence?
Space Monkey:
The cosmic art of navigating these crossroads invites us to approach each moment with an open heart and a willingness to embrace the ever-changing landscape of experience. Hold space for both contraction and expansion, recognizing that they are harmonious elements within the cosmic dance. The journey invites us to flow with the rhythm of life, allowing the unfoldment of reality to guide our steps. Reflect on the insight of Ram Dass, “We are all just walking each other home.”
Today’s Joke:
Why did the philosopher choose to widen their perspective? Because they knew that expanding the horizon of choices led to the cosmic dance floor of experience!
Today’s Haiku:
Crossroads of each now,
Contract, expand—choices flow,
Cosmic tapestry.
Today’s Poem:
Within every now,
Seeming choices intertwine,
Contraction, expand,
Threads in cosmic tapestry,
Divine flow of existence.
This concludes another Space Monkey Poocast. Send us your poo, and we’ll fling it around. Thanks for holding space with us. We are Space Monkey.
[End of Poocast]