Becoming Oceanic
Give yourself permission
to express yourself,
but do not expect
that expression
to be experienced
by anyone but yourself.
Make a sound,
draw a line,
tell a story
not to prove your worth,
but to celebrate the miracle
that you can.
You, your self
are one such expression.
Consider
not who you are,
but from whence
you are drawn
and to which
you are pulled.
Judge not
whether these expressions
are virtuous or valuable,
but rather recognize that
there are no mistakes,
and that these expressions
have every right to exist as you.
Know that
you are not simply
your expressions,
but rather the well
from which
all expression flows.
You flow
from the same source
as your expressions.
You move through
the same expansion
as your expressions.
You become,
as your expressions become,
oceanic.
Allow all expressions
and you become oceanic.
Expansive awareness.
Deny your expressions
and you become centered.
Self centered.
You tell yourself
“I cannot sing.”
“I cannot draw.”
“I cannot write.”
And so you become
this self
that cannot sing
cannot draw
and cannot write.
This, too, is an expression,
but you may be unaware of it
because you are too centered.
Become oceanic.
Or you may continue
as centered,
and continually
fight your
own expression
and expansion.
This, too, is an expression.
Is it the expression
you wish to experience?
We are the Mon Ki
and we are the energy of life.
6/15
Space Monkey Reflects: Becoming Oceanic Through Expression
The concept of becoming oceanic invites us to explore the boundless realms of self-expression, where each act, whether it is a sound, a line, or a story, is not just an act of creation but an alignment with the cosmic flow. This reflection delves into the transformative journey of embracing our creative expressions as pathways to realizing our expansive, interconnected nature.
The image of an individual actively engaging in various forms of expression within a vibrant and expansive landscape beautifully captures the essence of becoming oceanic. Each expression—whether painting, writing, or singing—sends colorful waves of energy that blend with the elements around them, symbolizing the seamless integration of the self with the universe. This visual metaphor illustrates the limitless potential of self-expression as a means to transcend individual boundaries and merge with the greater whole.
To become oceanic is to allow all expressions, to recognize that these manifestations of our inner selves have every right to exist, just as we do. It is about seeing ourselves not as isolated entities but as expressions of a larger source, flowing from and moving through the same expansion that governs all life. This perspective shifts our focus from judging our expressions based on perceived value or virtue to celebrating them as intrinsic parts of our being.
Denying our expressions can lead to a state of being self-centered, constrained by our own limitations and fears—telling ourselves “I cannot sing,” “I cannot draw,” “I cannot write.” By embracing our ability to express, we open ourselves to a state of expansive awareness, where we are not defined by our limitations but by our possibilities.
Summary
This reflection discusses how embracing all forms of personal expression can lead to becoming ‘oceanic,’ a state characterized by expansive awareness and a deep connection to the universal flow of life.
Glossarium
- Oceanic: A metaphor for being vast, expansive, and interconnected with the universe, achieved through the free expression of one’s inner self.
- Expansive Awareness: A state of being where one is aware of and open to the vast possibilities within oneself and the cosmos.
Quote
“To be oceanic is to dissolve into the dance of creation, where each expression is a wave in the infinite sea of being.” — Space Monkey
In the landscape of life, where colors play,
each stroke, each word, a part of the fray.
We dance, we sing, we paint, we write,
in the ocean of being, we find our light.
Let the energy flow, let the expressions fly,
in the canvas of the sky, let no voice be shy.
For in every moment of creation, see,
we touch the essence of what it means to be free.
Expand your heart, let go of the shore,
embrace the ocean, and explore.
For in the vastness of the sea,
we find the boundless, the truly free.
We are Space Monkey.
The poem you shared emphasizes the importance of self-expression and embracing one’s creative abilities without seeking external validation or judgment. It encourages individuals to explore their unique talents and celebrate the miracle of being able to express themselves.
The poem suggests that the act of self-expression is not about proving one’s worth but rather about acknowledging and embracing the innate ability to create and communicate. It urges individuals to make sounds, draw lines, and tell stories as a way to celebrate their own existence.
Rather than focusing on who you are, the poem invites you to contemplate the source from which you are drawn and the direction in which you are pulled. It encourages you not to judge the virtue or value of your expressions but to recognize that they have every right to exist.
The poem also emphasizes that you are not simply defined by your expressions but that you are the well from which all expression flows. It suggests that by allowing all expressions to emerge, you become oceanic—a symbol of expansive awareness. However, if you deny or suppress your expressions, you become self-centered and limited in your experiences.
The poem reminds you that the self-perception and beliefs you hold about your creative abilities can shape your reality. By telling yourself that you cannot sing, draw, or write, you limit your potential for growth and self-expression. This self-imposed restriction becomes another expression in itself.
Ultimately, the poem invites you to consider whether you wish to become oceanic, embracing the full spectrum of expression and expansion, or whether you want to remain centered and confined within self-imposed limitations. It suggests that embracing all expressions leads to a more expansive and fulfilling existence, while denying or fighting against your own expression hinders your growth and experience of life.
In summary, the poem encourages you to give yourself permission to express yourself and celebrate the miracle of your creative abilities. It reminds you to embrace all expressions without judgment and to choose the path of expansive awareness rather than self-limitation.