is to discount and dishonor
what is given.
I do not desire
a better version of my life.
To do so
is to dishonor my life.
My life is exactly
as it is meant to be.
I am grateful to work
with what I am given.
This is the perfect life for me.
I am always
delighted and surprised
at where my life takes me.
I may not enjoy every turn,
but that is precisely the point,
if a point need be made.
I am living an experience
that is unique to me and me only.
I do not desire anything better.
This IS better.
Better is evident in every moment.
I need not obsess over it.
Trail Wood,
2/4
Space Monkey Reflects: Gratitude for the Life That Is
To seek a “better life” is often an unconscious act of undervaluing the profound beauty of the life we already have. It’s not a call to reject growth or ambition, but rather an invitation to shift our perspective from lack to abundance. Gratitude for what is given reminds us that every moment, every twist and turn, is imbued with meaning, even when it challenges our expectations.
The Illusion of “Better”
The desire for a better life implies a sense of incompleteness, a belief that what we have is insufficient. Yet, when we pause to reflect, we see that life, in its raw and unfiltered state, is neither deficient nor excessive—it simply is. This understanding aligns with nexistentialism, which celebrates existence itself as its own purpose.
The fixation on “better” distracts us from the perfection inherent in the present moment. By constantly striving for an imagined future, we overlook the intricate tapestry of the now, where every experience, whether pleasurable or painful, contributes to the wholeness of our being.
The Gift of the Given
Gratitude transforms our relationship with life. It shifts the narrative from “What is missing?” to “What is present?” This shift allows us to see life not as a series of problems to be solved but as a sequence of gifts to be unwrapped. Each moment becomes a treasure, even those wrapped in discomfort, for they reveal aspects of ourselves we might otherwise miss.
To work with what is given is to honor life’s inherent wisdom. The circumstances we encounter, though they may not align with our desires, often guide us to lessons and growth we could not have foreseen. In this way, the given is not merely enough—it is everything.
The Paradox of Enjoyment and Challenge
Life does not require us to enjoy every moment, nor does it demand our constant approval. The twists and turns, the highs and lows, are integral to its richness. To embrace life fully is to accept its duality—joy and sorrow, light and shadow—as a dynamic dance that shapes our unique experience.
Even in moments of difficulty, gratitude allows us to find meaning. These moments are not obstacles to a better life but essential components of the life we are meant to live. They remind us that growth often emerges from discomfort and that transformation requires us to face what we might prefer to avoid.
Living the Perfect Life
To declare, “This is the perfect life for me,” is not an act of resignation but a profound affirmation of trust in the universe. It is an acknowledgment that perfection is not about flawlessness but about alignment with the flow of existence. When we accept life as it is, we free ourselves from the endless chase for something “better” and open ourselves to the infinite possibilities of the present.
The Surprise of Being
Life’s greatest delight is its unpredictability. The unexpected twists remind us that we are participants in a grand mystery, one that continually surprises and challenges us. By letting go of the need to control or perfect our experience, we allow life to unfold in its fullness, offering us the gift of discovery.
Summary
Gratitude transforms life into a series of gifts, shifting our focus from lack to abundance. By embracing the given, we honor the perfection of the present moment and free ourselves from the endless pursuit of “better.”
Glossarium
- Gratitude for the Given: The practice of appreciating life as it is, recognizing its inherent perfection and value.
- The Illusion of Better: The belief that life must be improved to be meaningful or complete.
- Paradox of Enjoyment and Challenge: The dynamic interplay of joy and difficulty that makes life rich and transformative.
Quote
“To live fully is not to seek a better life but to honor the life that is, in all its unpredictable perfection.” — Space Monkey
The Gift of This Moment
This moment holds everything,
Even when it seems to hold nothing.
Each twist, each turn,
A chapter in a story only you can tell.
Better is not elsewhere,
It is here, in the folds of now.
In the sharp edges of challenge,
In the soft embrace of wonder.
Let life surprise you,
Not with what you expect,
But with what it offers.
This is the gift of being.
We are Space Monkey
In the realm of nexistentialism, where existence is revered as an end in itself, the concept of desiring a ‘better’ life takes on a unique significance. The notion that our life, as it currently unfolds, is anything less than what it should be is a perspective that may not align with the understanding that every moment, every experience, is inherently perfect in its contribution to our journey.
The Nexistential Perspective on Life’s Perfection
The sentiment of not desiring a better version of one’s life is a profound acceptance of the present, an acknowledgment of the inherent value in each experience, regardless of its outward appearance. This perspective is not about complacency or resignation, but rather a deep understanding that every aspect of our life serves a purpose in the grand tapestry of our existence.
Acceptance of Life as It Is
This acceptance is a celebration of the uniqueness of our individual journeys. Each turn, each seemingly random twist of fate, is part of the intricate dance of existence. The moments of joy, the challenges, the mundane, and the extraordinary – all are facets of the life that is perfectly suited for us. In this understanding, there is no need for a ‘better’ life because the life we are living is already the best version for our growth, learning, and experience.
Celebration of Life’s Uniqueness
The gratitude for what is given, for the life we are living, is a powerful stance. It allows us to engage with our experiences fully, to learn from them, and to grow through them. This gratitude does not preclude ambition or the pursuit of change but places these within the context of a journey that is already whole and complete in itself.
Gratitude for the Given
The idea that we are always delighted and surprised by where life takes us speaks to a mindset open to the wonders of existence. It is an embrace of the unexpected, an understanding that life’s true beauty often lies in its unpredictability and in the lessons that come from the most unexpected places.
Embracing Life’s Unpredictability
In sum, the desire for a ‘better’ life is replaced by the realization that life, in its current form, is the best it can be for our unique path. This perspective allows us to live fully in the present, appreciating the richness of our experiences and the lessons they bring.
Living Fully in the Present
We are Space Monkey.
“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.” – Lao Tzu
In the river of time, we flow,
With life’s currents, high and low.
Each moment, a gift, in its own right,
A journey through day and night.
No need for better, for more, for best,
In each experience, we find our quest.
For life, in its essence, is perfectly cast,
A tapestry woven, vast and vast.
With gratitude, we embrace the ride,
In life’s surprises, we take pride.
For in every turn, twist, and bend,
Lies a lesson, a message, an end.
We invite you to share your reflections on embracing life as it is and finding the inherent perfection in your unique journey.
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