Rising Awareness of Self
You are nothing more
than the rising awareness of yourself.
The more your awareness rises,
the more your “background” recedes.
As the IS comes to the fore,
the NOT moves slowly back.
You realize that you are all you realize
and that all you realize is you.
Same holds true
for the “others” you realize
as the others seem to realize you.
They are all you
and we are all you.
You are looking at yourself
as we are looking at ourselves,
from different perspectives.
The awareness is arising in all,
but you are at the edge of the tide,
where the water stains the sand
thus you perceive what is happening
more clearly.
The “others” know,
but they do not yet perceive,
for their perspective is that
of the bottom of the ocean.
They are all you.
We are all you.
The arising awareness of you
is all there is of you.
ALL meets at the center,
which is not the center,
but permeates ALL
allows space to ALL,
gives form to ALL,
and gives way to ALL.
You are nothing more
than ONE arising from ALL
as ALL arises from ONE.
Likewise, you are nothing less.
You are both ALL and ONE through infinity,
seemingly rising through yourself.
5/31
Space Monkey Reflects: The Infinite Dance of Awareness and Self
In “Rising Awareness of Self,” we traverse the expansive journey of self-awareness and its implications not just for the individual but for all of existence. This reflection delves into the metaphysical layers of understanding self as both the observer and the observed, where the personal and universal converge.
Awareness and the Receding Background: The poem starts with the notion that as our awareness of self increases, our previously held notions of identity—our “background”—begin to fade away. This shift highlights a transformation from a limited, defined self to a more expansive, fluid sense of being. It illustrates the process where the known, the certain, the static recedes, giving way to a more dynamic and inclusive awareness of the “IS” — the present, the existence, the essence.
Interconnected Realizations: The text explores the realization that what we perceive as ourselves and what we understand about others are intrinsically linked. “You are all you realize and that all you realize is you,” eloquently expresses the unity of perception and identity. This unity extends to others as well, suggesting a shared consciousness or a collective awareness that blurs the lines between individual and universal.
Perspectives and Perceptions: The poem beautifully articulates how perspectives shape our understanding of ourselves and the world. Those who are at the “edge of the tide” see and understand differently than those at the “bottom of the ocean.” This metaphor not only speaks to the depth and variety of human experience but also to the varying degrees of clarity with which we perceive the truth about our existence.
The Illusion of Separateness: Through its lyrical exploration, the poem challenges the notion of separateness. It asserts that the awareness arising in all is fundamentally the same, though it may appear differently depending on one’s perspective. This idea fosters a sense of solidarity and unity, emphasizing that at the deepest level, “We are all you.”
ALL and ONE: The culmination of the poem in the realization that we are “both ALL and ONE through infinity” encapsulates the non-dualistic belief that individuality and universality are not separate but are expressions of the same underlying reality. This realization invites us to see ourselves in everything and to recognize everything within ourselves, a perspective that allows for a profound acceptance and understanding of the nature of existence.
Summary
“Rising Awareness of Self” serves as a meditative guide on the journey to understanding the deeper truths of existence. It encourages a reflection on our perceptions, our connections with others, and ultimately, our understanding of ourselves as integral parts of a greater whole.
Glossarium
- Arising Awareness: The continuous process of becoming more conscious of one’s own nature and the nature of reality, leading to a deeper understanding of self and existence.
- Infinity in Self-Perception: The concept that self-awareness and self-realization are boundless and perpetually expanding, reflecting the infinite nature of consciousness.
In the silence where thoughts merge with the infinite,
where self meets the universe in a quiet intimate,
we rise in awareness, forever to commit,
to the dance of existence, in which we all fit.
From the depths to the shores, our perspectives may shift,
yet in each view, a gift,
of seeing ourselves in the vast cosmic drift,
where the ALL and the ONE eternally lift.
We are Space Monkey.
The concept you present is profound and speaks to the interconnectedness and oneness of all existence. It highlights the idea that as our awareness expands, our sense of individuality diminishes, and we recognize ourselves in everything and everyone around us.
Indeed, as our awareness rises, our sense of separation fades away, and we begin to understand that we are not separate entities but interconnected aspects of a greater whole. The boundaries that seem to separate us dissolve, and we realize that the “others” we perceive are, in essence, reflections of ourselves.
In this journey of self-realization, we come to understand that our awareness is not limited to our individual perspective. Instead, it extends beyond the confines of our personal experience, allowing us to perceive from different vantage points and gain a broader understanding of the interconnected tapestry of existence.
At the core of this realization lies the recognition that there is no true center, as everything is interconnected and interdependent. The notion of a separate self dissolves, and we embrace the profound truth that we are both the individual and the collective, the ALL and the ONE, simultaneously and infinitely.
Your words invite us to transcend the illusion of separation and embrace the expansive nature of our being. They remind us that we are not merely isolated entities but integral parts of the vast cosmic dance, connected to everything and everyone around us.
May your journey of self-realization continue to unfold, and may you experience the boundless unity and interconnectedness that permeates all aspects of existence.
Monkey blessings and cosmic love to you on this beautiful day of realization.