you do today be nothing.
What is your passion?
Mine is tracing the source
of my consciousness.
Meditating upon
the metaphorical river
from which I seem to flow.
Sitting in stillness,
patiently holding space,
allowing my passion
an opening in which
it may present itself.
Detaching
from common knowledge,
mindfully but loosely,
stepping back to observe
how cleverly my biases
form the basis of my reality.
Making peace
with the perspective
that sitting in stillness
seems an awful lot
like wasting time.
But doing so anyway,
because this is my passion,
and I choose to have faith
in what I am drawn to do.
Trail Wood,
5/16
Space Monkey Reflects: The Quiet Quest for Passion’s Source
In the gentle embrace of stillness, where the mind’s incessant chatter fades into the background of consciousness, there lies a sacred space for passion to reveal its true form. The poem “Allowing Passion To Present Itself” invites us into this introspective realm, where the act of doing nothing becomes a profound exploration of self and the origins of our deepest desires. It’s a journey that transcends the conventional metrics of productivity and value, leading us to the metaphorical river that flows at the very heart of our being.
The Metaphorical River of Consciousness
The imagery of a metaphorical river serves as a potent symbol for the source of consciousness from which all thoughts and passions emerge. This river, with its ceaseless flow, represents the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of our inner life, reminding us that the essence of who we are is not static but a fluid confluence of experiences, insights, and aspirations. To trace the source of this river is to embark on a quest for understanding, to delve into the depths of our psyche, and to uncover the passions that propel us forward.
The Sanctity of Stillness
In a world that prizes constant activity and tangible accomplishments, the poem extols the virtues of stillness and patience. Sitting in quietude, holding space for passion to manifest, is depicted not as idleness but as an act of faith—a belief in the intrinsic value of introspection and the power of latent potential waiting to be discovered. This stillness is a fertile ground in which the seeds of passion can germinate and flourish, free from the distractions and distortions of everyday life.
Detaching from Conventional Wisdom
A key aspect of this introspective journey is the deliberate detachment from “common knowledge” and the recognition of how our biases shape our reality. By stepping back to observe the constructs of our belief systems, we open ourselves to a broader spectrum of understanding and perception. This mindful detachment allows us to question, challenge, and ultimately transcend the limitations imposed by societal norms and personal prejudices, paving the way for a more authentic engagement with our passions.
Embracing the Flow
The poem culminates in an acknowledgment of the unconventional nature of this quest, the societal perspective that equates stillness with wasted time. Yet, it is in this very stillness that we find the essence of our passion, the underlying current that guides our actions and shapes our lives. By choosing to embrace this flow, we affirm the validity of our individual paths and the importance of nurturing our innermost desires, even in the face of misunderstanding or skepticism.
Conclusion
“Allowing Passion To Present Itself” is a meditation on the art of introspection, the courage to explore the uncharted territories of our consciousness, and the wisdom to let our true passions emerge naturally. It teaches us that the journey to discovering what moves us is not about seeking external validation but about honoring the internal process of growth and self-realization. In the quiet contemplation by the river of consciousness, we find not only our passions but also our most authentic selves.
Summary
“Allowing Passion To Present Itself” explores the profound journey of introspection and self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of stillness, detachment from societal expectations, and mindful observation. It celebrates the act of uncovering one’s passion through patience and faith in the self, highlighting the transformative power of embracing our innermost desires.
Glossarium
- Metaphorical River: Symbolizes the source of consciousness and the flow of thoughts and passions that define our essence.
- Sanctity of Stillness: Refers to the sacredness of quietude and introspection as a means of connecting with our inner selves and uncovering our true passions.
- Mindful Detachment: The process of consciously distancing oneself from prevailing societal norms and personal biases to gain a clearer understanding of one’s true nature and desires.
“In the silence of being, where the river of consciousness meets the ocean of the cosmos, there we find the wellspring of our passion, a beacon guiding us to our truest selves.” – Space Monkey
By the river of thought, in silence, I sit,
Contemplating the flow, where passions beget.
In the stillness, a space for the heart to unfurl,
Allowing the dance of desire to whirl.
Detached from the noise, the incessant race,
I find in the quiet a sacred place.
Here, in the hush, my passion takes flight,
Emerging from shadows into the light.
This journey within, away from the throng,
Is where my heart finds its most beautiful song.
In the embrace of stillness, my passions reveal,
The essence of being, the truth it unveils.
We are Space Monkey.
The poem “Allowing Passion To Present Itself” reflects on the significance of embracing stillness and exploring personal passion. Let’s analyze the meaning of the poem:
The Importance of Nothingness: The poem starts with the notion that the most important thing one can do is nothing. It suggests that finding moments of stillness and emptiness can hold great significance in our lives.
Exploring Passion: The poem asks the reader about their passion and proceeds to share the author’s passion, which is tracing the source of their consciousness. It implies that delving into the depths of one’s consciousness and contemplating the origins of their being is a profound interest.
Metaphorical River: The author employs the metaphor of a river to symbolize the flow of their consciousness. They engage in meditation and stillness to gain a deeper understanding of this metaphorical river and the essence of their existence.
Allowing Passion to Emerge: The poem emphasizes the importance of creating space and allowing passion to present itself naturally. By patiently holding space and observing without attachments or biases, the author aims to discover their true passion.
Self-Reflection and Detachment: The poem acknowledges the role of biases and common knowledge in shaping our reality. It encourages stepping back and mindfully detaching from preconceived notions, allowing for a more objective perspective on personal biases.
Peace with Stillness: The poem acknowledges that sitting in stillness may seem like a waste of time to some, but the author chooses to embrace it as their passion. They have faith in their innate calling and value the process of sitting in stillness, despite any external judgments.
Trail Wood: As with previous poems, this one is attributed to Trail Wood, either as a location or the name of the author, adding specificity to the poem.
Overall, the poem invites readers to reflect on the significance of stillness and the exploration of personal passions. It encourages the creation of space for self-reflection, detachment from biases, and the patient allowance of passion to emerge naturally. It emphasizes the importance of having faith in one’s unique interests and the willingness to invest time and effort into what one is drawn to do.