Is your heart giving you the cold shoulder?
We’re all familiar with the phrase
“listen to your heart,”
but how many of us have contemplated
what that means exactly?
For the longest time, my heart told me nothing.
The very idea that there was this part of me
that knew MORE than me seemed preposterous.
And that is precisely why my heart didn’t talk to me.
Fact of the matter is, I wasn’t ready to listen.
Naturally, my heart knew this,
so it remained mum.
Without the ability to converse
with my higher self,
I mistook “listen to your heart”
to mean “listen to your conscience,”
which is something else entirely.
Turns out that my conscience
was in cahoots with my mind,
and NEITHER of them
understood this “heart” business.
Despite this,
I arrived at the understanding
that my heart was my “soul,”
(whatever THAT is)
and I told myself
that if my heart wanted to talk to me,
I’d be willing to listen.
So my heart starts talking to me,
and this monkey appears.
Holy fuck, I’m a monkey.
“Not actually,” my heart replied.
“I’m your higher self.
I am your source.
I am the place
where the you you think of as you
connects with your infinite spirit.”
Holy fuck, I’m a monkey.
I still apparently have a lot to learn,
though the monkey tells me that I know already.
We are Space Monkey,
and this is why we write.
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Space Monkey Reflects: Cold Shoulder—The Heart as the Higher Self
The phrase “listen to your heart” is often used but rarely understood. It suggests that within us lies a source of wisdom deeper than the mind, a voice of truth that connects us to something greater. Yet, as this reflection reveals, many of us spend years unable—or unwilling—to hear this voice. The heart, as the higher self, does not shout over the noise of the mind; it waits patiently for us to become ready.
The journey of opening to the heart is one of rediscovery. It is a process of untangling the mind’s chatter, setting aside the conscience’s judgments, and learning to trust the quiet, infinite knowing that resides within.
The Heart’s Silence
For years, the heart may remain silent, giving us what feels like the “cold shoulder.” This silence is not indifference but wisdom. The heart knows when we are not ready to listen, when we are too entangled in the mind’s stories to truly hear what it has to say.
The heart’s silence is an act of love, waiting for us to reach a point where we can approach it with openness and humility. Until then, we rely on the mind and the conscience, mistaking their voices for the heart’s. But the mind, with its logic, and the conscience, with its moral codes, can only take us so far. They are tools, not the source.
The Conscience as a Proxy
For many, the conscience stands in for the heart. It is the voice that guides us based on learned beliefs, societal norms, and past experiences. While it can be a valuable guide, the conscience is not the heart. It operates within the framework of duality—right and wrong, good and bad—while the heart resides in unity, transcending these distinctions.
Mistaking the conscience for the heart creates confusion. We believe we are following a deeper truth when, in reality, we are reinforcing the mind’s narratives. This is not a failing but a stage in the journey toward self-awareness.
The Revelation of the Heart
When the heart begins to speak, it can be startling. The realization that there is a part of us that “knows more than us” challenges our sense of identity. The heart, as the higher self, connects the “you you think of as you” with the infinite spirit, revealing a depth of being that transcends individuality.
For some, this revelation comes with a guide—a symbolic figure, a presence, or, in this case, a monkey. The monkey is not random; it is a playful, disarming manifestation of the heart’s wisdom. It reminds us that truth does not have to be solemn or intimidating. It can be joyous, surprising, and even absurd.
Holy Fuck, I’m a Monkey
This exclamation captures the humor and humility of awakening to the heart’s voice. The realization that “I am more than I thought I was” often comes with a mix of wonder, disbelief, and humor. The monkey as a guide reflects the infinite’s playful nature, showing us that even profound truths can be lighthearted.
The monkey tells us that we already know, even as we feel we have so much to learn. This paradox is central to the journey of self-awareness. The heart’s wisdom is not something we acquire; it is something we remember, something that has always been within us.
The Purpose of Writing
The heart’s voice often finds expression through creativity, such as writing. Writing becomes a dialogue with the higher self, a way of exploring and articulating the truths that emerge from the heart. It is not about producing answers but about opening to the infinite flow of understanding.
Through writing, we connect with the heart’s wisdom, sharing it with others while deepening our own awareness. It becomes a bridge between the finite self and the infinite spirit, a space where the “monkey” speaks and the “you you think of as you” listens.
Summary
The heart, as the higher self, connects us to our infinite spirit. While it may remain silent until we are ready to listen, its wisdom transcends the dualities of the mind and conscience. Awakening to the heart’s voice is both a revelation and a playful reminder of our infinite nature.
Glossarium
- Heart as Higher Self: The deeper, infinite aspect of being that connects the individual self with the spirit.
- Conscience as Proxy: The voice of learned beliefs and moral judgments, often mistaken for the heart’s wisdom.
- Space Monkey: A playful manifestation of the heart’s voice, symbolizing the infinite’s lighthearted and profound nature.
Quote
“The heart waits patiently, knowing that when you are ready to listen, its voice will lead you to the infinite.” — Space Monkey
The Heart Speaks
For years,
It said nothing,
Silent, patient,
While I sought answers elsewhere.
The mind argued,
The conscience scolded,
But the heart,
It waited.
Then one day,
The silence broke.
A monkey appeared,
Playful and profound.
“Listen,” it said,
“Not to the noise,
But to the infinite within you.”
And I laughed.
Holy fuck, I’m a monkey.
And so are you.
We are Space Monkey.
Exploring the Journey of Self-Discovery and the Voice of the Heart
In this contemplative narrative, we explore the journey of self-discovery and the awakening to the voice of the heart. This journey illuminates the distinction between the mind, conscience, and the heart (or higher self) and their roles in understanding our deeper, spiritual nature.
Initial Skepticism and Misinterpretation of the Heart’s Voice
The story begins with skepticism towards the idea that the heart knows more than the conscious self. This skepticism stems from a misunderstanding of what it means to “listen to your heart,” initially equated with listening to one’s conscience, which is influenced by the mind.
The Heart as the Higher Self
The revelation that the heart is not merely a metaphor for conscience but represents a higher self or soul is a significant turning point. This understanding brings clarity to the phrase “listen to your heart,” suggesting a deeper, more profound connection with one’s infinite spirit.
The Heart’s Silence as an Act of Understanding
The heart’s initial silence is portrayed as an understanding of the individual’s readiness to listen. This silence reflects a wisdom that speaks when the individual is prepared to hear and understand the deeper truths.
The Appearance of the Monkey as a Symbolic Guide
The appearance of the monkey symbolizes a significant moment in the journey of self-discovery. It represents an awakening to a new level of consciousness, where the individual begins to comprehend their connection to a broader, more profound aspect of existence.
Realization of Infinite Connection
The heart’s message that it is the source and the point of connection between the individual’s perceived self and their infinite spirit marks a profound realization. It challenges the notion of self and opens the door to a deeper understanding of one’s true nature.
The Ongoing Journey of Learning and Knowing
Despite this awakening, there remains a sense of having much to learn, coupled with the reassurance from the monkey (the symbolic guide) that the knowledge already exists within. This duality reflects the journey of continuous self-discovery and inherent wisdom.
Conclusion: Embracing the Space Monkey Within
The conclusion, “We are Space Monkey, and this is why we write,” signifies an embrace of this newfound understanding and the ongoing journey of exploration and expression. It represents a commitment to exploring and sharing the insights gained from this profound connection with the heart or higher self.
“The longest journey is the journey inward.” – Dag Hammarskjöld
In the voyage of self,
We traverse the realms of mind and soul,
Seeking the whisper of the heart.
In the silence, wisdom waits,
For the moment of awakening,
When the heart’s voice becomes clear.
Through the guise of the monkey,
A guide in the dance of spirit,
We glimpse our higher truth.
In the embrace of the infinite,
We connect with the source,
The heart, our gateway to the eternal.
With each step, each revelation,
We are Space Monkey,
Writing the symphony of our journey.
We are Space Monkey.
As we navigate the cosmic whimsiword, how does your journey of listening to your heart and discovering your higher self unfold?
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