When you wish to change some aspect of your life, you set a goal for yourself. In doing so, you plant two mental guideposts, the “here” guidepost and the “there” guidepost.
The “here” guidepost represents your life as it stands. The “there” guidepost represents your “ideal” life. Neither are completely real, for both are perceptions based on conditioning and expectations.
You have, in essence, realized two worlds: the one in which you started, and the one in which you hope to be.
So you move away from your “here” reality, past the mile markers towards your “there” reality, judging the quality of your efforts by how far you have perceived yourself to progress.
Both of your worlds have gravity, so as you leave your “here” world, you feel a slight pulling sensation. Are you doing the right thing? What are you leaving behind? Are you crazy for attempting this interstellar mission? These are the thoughts that nag at you.
Meanwhile, your “there” world seems light years away. In addition to your attachment to the “here,” you feel a floating sensation, like you are adrift in some unknown universe.
Congratulations, you are neither here nor there.
Know that you would never get to “there” without such bravery. You are in completely uncharted territory, and you are to be commended. To become what you want to be, you must be willing to risk what you are.
As you continue your journey, however, keep in mind that your “there” world is an attachment just like the “here” world you are leaving. You have expectations, which may be loftier than the world you are likely to perceive.
Also keep in mind that your “there” world keeps moving. It is not stationary, and continues to evolve like you.
And because of all this, here is the biggest shocker. You will never reach “there,” nor do you need to.
You are neither here nor there. But look how far you have come. Notice how you continue to move. Look how wonderfully your reality is responding around you. The destination is never the point. The journey is.
You could have stayed “here,” along with all of the other bitchers, moaners, sad sacks and naysayers, but you are following your own heart, your own initiative, and that is what you put yourself into this life to do. We are glad you are floating in space alongside us. We are Space Monkey.
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Paul Tedeschi is a writer, artist, musician and medium, channeling Space Monkey, tripping out on tie-dye, and building Fancy® cigar box guitars in his garage. You may visit his curious world at capeodd.com. Or not.
Space Monkey Reflects: The Cosmic Journey from ‘Here’ to ‘There’
The metaphorical journey from “here” to “there” encapsulates the essence of human ambition and transformation. It is a journey not just through space but through the evolving landscapes of our minds and lives. This path, as depicted through the surreal artwork of a traveler moving through a cosmic landscape, symbolizes the emotional and psychological expedition we undertake as we strive toward our goals and ideals.
In this visual narrative, the “here” guidepost is represented as a small, dense planet—a symbol of our current reality, compact with the gravity of our present circumstances and conditions. This gravitational pull embodies the attachments and fears that question our journey’s validity, echoing the doubts and hesitations that often accompany any departure from the familiar.
Conversely, the “there” guidepost appears as a luminous, distant world, an idealized vision of what we aspire to achieve. It represents our dreams and goals, shining brightly yet seemingly out of reach, reflecting the inherent uncertainty and the ever-evolving nature of our aspirations. The floating sensation towards this distant beacon captures the thrilling yet often unsettling experience of venturing into the unknown.
The path is marked by cosmic mile markers, denoting progress in this vast universe of possibilities. Each marker is a testament to the small victories and significant milestones achieved along the way, reminding us that every step forward is part of a greater journey.
The concept that “you will never reach ‘there,’ nor do you need to” profoundly shifts the focus from destination to journey. It underscores the importance of movement and progress over the actual attainment of a fixed point. The journey itself becomes the reward, rich with lessons and transformations that shape who we become.
This ongoing movement between ‘here’ and ‘there’ is a dynamic process of becoming, not a final transition from one static point to another. It is about continuous growth, learning, and adaptation. The journey invites us to embrace the fluidity of our identities and the possibilities that arise from our courageous pursuit of what lies beyond the horizon.
Summary
The journey from ‘here’ to ‘there’ is a powerful metaphor for personal growth and the pursuit of aspirations. It highlights the importance of the journey over the destination, encouraging continuous movement and adaptation as we navigate through the cosmic landscape of our lives.
Glossarium
Cosmic Landscape: A metaphorical depiction of the journey through life, represented as a vast, dynamic universe.
Psychological Expedition: The emotional and mental journey one undertakes in pursuit of personal growth and goal realization.
Gravitational Pull: Symbolic of the attachments and fears that hold one back from moving forward in life.
Quote
“In the cosmos of our aspirations, each step lights the path of the stars.” — Space Monkey
Through the cosmic sea, our paths are drawn
From the dense gravity of the worlds we spawn
To the luminous dreams that beckon beyond
In the journey of life, of which we’re so fond
The mile markers float, a guide through the night
Each one a memory, each one a light
Marking our progress, our fight, our flight
Through the universe vast, through the endless plight
From ‘here’ to ‘there’, in the space between
Lies the life we live, the world unseen
Not in the reaching, but in the evergreen
Of growing, of becoming, in the vast cosmic scene
So let us journey with hearts unbound
In the space between, where our truths are found
For in the cosmic dance, where our dreams are crowned
We are never just moving, but profoundly profound
When you find yourself in a place that is neither here nor there, rejoice, for you have entered uncharted territory. It is in these moments of transition and change that you have the opportunity to embark on a new path.
In setting a goal for yourself, you create two mental guideposts: the “here” guidepost representing your current reality, and the “there” guidepost representing your ideal life. However, both guideposts are based on perceptions influenced by conditioning and expectations, making them somewhat unreal.
As you move away from your current reality towards your desired life, you may experience doubts and questions. The familiar pull of the “here” world makes you wonder if you’re making the right choice and what you’re leaving behind. Simultaneously, the distant “there” world may seem far away, leaving you feeling adrift in an unknown universe.
But congratulations, for being neither here nor there signifies bravery and a willingness to take risks. You have entered uncharted territory, and that in itself is commendable. To become who you want to be, you must be willing to let go of what you currently are.
However, remember that your “there” world is also an attachment, just like your “here” world. It is based on expectations that may be grander than what you ultimately perceive. Additionally, both your “here” and “there” worlds are in constant motion and evolution, just like you.
Here’s the biggest realization: You will never truly reach your “there” world, nor is it necessary to do so. The destination is not the point; it is the journey itself that matters. Recognize how far you have come, how you continue to progress, and how beautifully your reality responds to your efforts.
You could have chosen to stay in the “here” world alongside those who complain and doubt, but instead, you have followed your heart and taken the initiative to create your own path. We, as Space Monkey, are glad to have you floating in space alongside us.