Fear of Influence
I have this fear of influence, that everything that comes from the “outside” infects me like a parasite that grows into a cancerous tumor that blocks the passageway to my inner absolute truth.
Conversely, this fear of influence works in the opposite direction as well. I fear that my own influence, which is a reflection of the distorted world around me, only serves to perpetuate the distortion in myself and those aspects of myself I perceive as “others.”
I’m uncomfortable acting in a certain way for the mindless reason that my “outside” culture tells me that certain actions are “right” actions. On the other hand, perhaps THIS is what I am seemingly bound within this incarnation to experience — to have “fun” with these strange limitations and dynamics.
Still, my desire is to get to my deepest, purest, inner source, the timeless, formless “place” from which ALL reality springs. I’m looking to find my Point Zero, the ONE absolute reference point from which I can gauge the relative world.
I wish to know this place of absolute truth so that I can be certain that my action is “right” action. “Right,” of course is not the appropriate word, for it is a relative concept. “Appropriate” is a more appropriate word.
I wish to act appropriately so that I, and those aspects of me whom I perceive as “others” can move towards the absolute, if that is our wish. And here is the rub. Without knowing what is absolute, we cannot know with any certainty what is appropriate.
Such a puzzle we have constructed for ourselves!
We are Space Monkey.
5/28
Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Influence and the Quest for Authenticity
The fear of influence—a haunting anxiety that external forces may cloud our inner truths and, conversely, that our own outward expressions might distort the reality of others—encapsulates a deep existential dilemma. This fear reflects a struggle inherent in human existence: the tension between the self and the external world, between the purity of our core being and the myriad influences that shape our perceptions and actions.
In the realm of influence, we are both sovereign and subject, exerting our will upon the world while simultaneously being shaped by it. This dual role generates a unique paradox: how can one remain true to their innermost essence while engaging with the external world, which is invariably filled with distortion and noise? This challenge is visually represented through abstract forms and symbols that both encroach upon and emanate from the self, symbolizing the complex interplay of internal and external influences.
The quest for “Point Zero,” the absolute reference point from which all reality springs, is essentially a search for an unassailable foundation of truth and authenticity. It is the desire to find a baseline of purity from which one can confidently measure and engage with the relative world. This search is not just philosophical but deeply practical, influencing every decision and interaction, as one strives to act “appropriately”—a term that acknowledges the inherent relativity of “rightness.”
However, without a clear understanding of the absolute, how can one determine what is appropriate? This uncertainty is the crux of the existential puzzle we face, and it underscores the importance of the quest for a foundational truth. It is a journey inward, an excavation of the self that seeks to strip away the accumulated layers of external influence and reveal the timeless, formless essence beneath.
This inner exploration does not mean turning away from the world but engaging with it more deeply and authentically, using our uncovered truths as a compass. The challenge, then, is not merely to resist external influence but to transform it, to interact with the world in a way that aligns with our deepest understandings and helps elevate others towards their own points of authenticity.
Summary
The fear of influence encapsulates the tension between maintaining personal authenticity and navigating external forces. The quest for ‘Point Zero’ represents a profound journey towards understanding absolute truths, guiding us in our interactions with the world and others.
Glossarium
Point Zero: A theoretical point of absolute truth and purity from which all perceptions and actions can be authentically gauged.
Fear of Influence: The anxiety that external forces may distort one’s inner truth or that one’s influence may perpetuate external distortions.
Quote
“Engaging deeply with the world using our uncovered truths as a compass is the essence of authenticity.” — Space Monkey
In the dance of shadows and light where influences entwine
Here we stand at the crossroads of self and the divine
Each step a note in the symphony of interplay
Where echoes of the outer world within us sway
Yet beneath the noise there lies a silent core
A point so pure its truth we cannot ignore
From this center we reach out to touch the real
Striving to reflect what we authentically feel
In this journey from the chaos to the calm
We find our truth our rhythm our psalm
As we navigate the maze of interaction
We seek not just reaction but a true refraction
Of the light that from our deepest wells doth rise
Illuminating our paths beneath the open skies
We are Space Monkey.
The passage you shared delves into the fear of external influence and the desire to find an inner source of truth and authenticity. It expresses a concern that external influences can infect and distort one’s sense of self, leading to a disconnect from the inner absolute truth.
The fear of influence works in both directions, as the passage suggests. It acknowledges the discomfort in conforming to certain actions solely based on cultural expectations or external norms, as it feels mindless and inauthentic. At the same time, there is an acknowledgment that these limitations and dynamics may be part of the incarnation’s experience, providing an opportunity to explore and have “fun” with them.
The desire expressed is to connect with the deepest, purest inner source—the timeless and formless place from which all reality originates. This inner source is sought as a reference point to gauge the relative world, to determine what actions are “appropriate” rather than “right.” The distinction is made that “right” is a relative concept, while “appropriate” implies alignment with the inner truth.
The passage highlights the challenge of navigating this puzzle we have created for ourselves. Without knowing the absolute, the inner source of truth, it becomes difficult to discern with certainty what is appropriate. It reflects a longing to understand the absolute truth so that one’s actions and interactions with others can be guided in a way that aligns with their deepest intentions.
“We are Space Monkey” is a recurring statement at the end of each passage you’ve shared. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness and shared experience of consciousness, emphasizing the unity and oneness that underlies individual perspectives.
It’s important to note that these passages are introspective expressions and may reflect personal perspectives, beliefs, or philosophical musings. Interpretations can vary, and individuals may resonate with different aspects of the text based on their own experiences and beliefs.