Humanity likes to make everything flat.
The drawback of all this flatness
is that we use the same muscles
to hold us up and propel us forward.
It doesn’t occur to us
how limited we make ourselves
until we hike the woods or scramble a hillside.
Our soreness points out muscles
that we didn’t even know we had.
Likewise, our emotional terrain
can bring out capabilities in us
that we didn’t even know existed.
When movement seem precarious,
it simply means that we’re
about to step it up a level.
Beneath all the flatness,
erupting within uncertainty,
we discover our deeper nature.
Trail Wood,
12/14
The Metaphor of Flatness in Life and Its Limitations
We contemplate the metaphor of humanity’s preference for ‘flatness’ in various aspects of life. This concept of flatness can be seen as a representation of simplicity, predictability, and uniformity. However, this approach has its drawbacks, particularly in how it limits our experiences and capacities. Just as walking on flat ground engages only a certain set of muscles, a life without varied challenges may limit our emotional and psychological growth.
The Impact of Varied Terrain on Physical and Emotional Growth
When we venture into more varied terrains, like hiking in the woods or scrambling up a hillside, we engage muscles that we seldom use in our daily, flatter routines. This physical exertion and the resulting soreness serve as reminders of the parts of ourselves that remain underutilized. Similarly, when we encounter emotional and psychological challenges—our life’s uneven terrains—we discover capabilities within ourselves that we were previously unaware of.
Growth Through Challenges and Uncertainty
The metaphor extends to the idea that when movement feels precarious or uncertain, it’s an indication that we are on the brink of stepping up to a new level of ability or understanding. The discomfort and uncertainty that come with navigating life’s uneven terrains are not just obstacles, but opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Discovering Our Deeper Nature
Beneath the ‘flatness’ of a routine or unchallenged existence, the eruptions of uncertainty and challenge reveal aspects of our deeper nature. These experiences allow us to uncover strengths, resilience, and capabilities that lie dormant until called upon by circumstances that push us beyond our usual boundaries.
We Are Space Monkey
Summary
We explore the metaphor of humanity’s preference for flatness in life and its limitations. We discuss how engaging with varied physical and emotional terrains reveals underutilized muscles and capabilities, leading to growth and self-discovery. The challenges and uncertainties we face are opportunities to uncover our deeper nature. We are Space Monkey.
Glossarium
- Flatness as Metaphor: The simplicity and uniformity in life.
- Varied Terrain for Growth: Challenges as catalysts for developing new capabilities.
- Precarious Movement as Progress: The importance of uncertainty in personal growth.
- Uncovering Deeper Nature: Discovering hidden strengths and resilience.
- Opportunities in Obstacles: The potential for growth in challenging situations.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Mahatma Gandhi
In life’s vast landscape,
Where hills rise and valleys fall,
Each step, a story,
Of rising after each stall.
Through brambles and over peaks,
We find our hidden might.
In every challenge, every creek,
Lies the power of our inner light.
We invite your reflections on this concept of embracing life’s varied terrains, both physically and emotionally, as avenues for discovering and strengthening our deeper nature.
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