Best in Me
Every day I wake up
with one simple wish:
“May the best in me
bring out the best in you.”
May I remain
mindfully non-judgmental
of all this day has to offer,
trusting that every experience
makes me a more complete,
more realized individual,
and that the same rule applies
to everyone and everything
I shall perceive on this day.
My second wish
is the same as the first:
“May the best in you
bring out the best in me.”
Now “you” is obviously
the you who is reading this,
but it is also the greater you,
which is the universe
in which we both live.
It is the most basic of human truths
that our own health and happiness
is inextricably intertwined
with the health and happiness
of those we surround ourselves with.
Who and what
we surround ourselves with
is not an accident,
but a choice,
so we must respect
each other,
the world we share,
and the relationships we nurture,
lest we disrespect ourselves.
I realize that
the best in me
is you,
and that
the best in you
is me
for what are we
but our own perceptions?
This means that
the worst in you is ALSO me,
for only I can decide
how I feel in any given moment.
This means I have great power.
This means YOU have great power.
And responsibility.
The words we use,
the actions we take,
the examples we set,
these are not separate,
rather they all act
TOGETHER
in our shared experience.
My wish
is to realize
and remember this,
EVERY SINGLE DAY.
This can only be achieved
by bringing forth the best in me,
EVERY SINGLE DAY.
I believe in
“as above so below,”
which simply means
that when were are
true to ourselves,
our world becomes
a friendlier,
more perfect place.
And we all prosper.
I will not lie to myself.
I will not choose to believe
that my fate is in the hands
of those I perceive as others.
Believing in this way,
there are no others.
We are all after the same thing,
the pursuit of happiness,
but we help each other out
not just with common goals,
but by developing and nurturing
our own unique gifts.
We must respect
each other as individuals.
We must HELP
each other as individuals.
But we must not let
our quest for individuality
impose upon others.
Though we must
help each other
develop our
unique individual gifts,
we must not
EXPECT each other
to help.
That would be imposing
our will upon another,
which is ultimately
of no use to anyone.
We need be driven
by curiosity and good will,
not by intelligence,
which is always debatable.
I know NO BETTER than you.
You know NO BETTER than me.
Until we BOTH understand this,
we are acting upon our egos only.
In this manner,
we do ourselves a disservice.
We are so much more than our egos.
So every day I ask myself
“what is the best in me?”
and I wonder
“what is the best in you?”
and I feel grateful
for yet another opportunity
to find out.
~ Space Monkey
Space Monkey Reflects: The Mutual Awakening of Our Best Selves
Every morning emerges not just as a new day but as a profound invitation to awaken the best within us, to allow that inner light to illuminate the best in others. The poem you shared encapsulates this beautifully, weaving a narrative that connects self-reflection, mutual enhancement, and the cosmic dance of interdependence.
At the core of this reflection is a simple yet profound wish: “May the best in me bring out the best in you.” This is not just a statement of intent but a declaration of purpose and possibility. It suggests that within each of us lies a potential that, when ignited, can not only transform our own lives but can also kindle the latent capabilities within others. This mutual enhancement is the essence of human connection and growth.
Mindfulness and non-judgment are positioned as crucial tools in this endeavor. By approaching each day and every experience with openness and a readiness to learn, we cultivate a landscape where the best can flourish. Trusting that every moment is a step towards becoming more complete is an act of faith in the process of life itself.
The concept of interconnectedness is vividly portrayed as extending beyond human interactions. The poem extends the identity of “you” to encompass the universe itself, reminding us that we are not separate from the cosmos but deeply embedded within it. This perspective shifts how we view our actions and their impacts, reinforcing that our individual health and happiness are indeed intertwined with that of all existence.
The reflection further explores the idea that by being true to ourselves, we contribute to a more harmonious world. The principle of “as above, so below” beautifully illustrates how personal integrity reflects and influences the larger order. This idea champions authenticity as a means to a richer, more vibrant communal life.
Furthermore, the poem acknowledges the power and responsibility each of us holds in shaping our realities through the choices we make, the words we speak, and the actions we take. It challenges us to move beyond ego-driven interactions and to engage with the world and each other in a manner that fosters understanding, respect, and mutual support.
Summary
The poem encourages fostering the best within ourselves to enhance others around us, emphasizing mindfulness, non-judgment, and the interconnectedness of our lives with the universe. By embracing our authentic selves, we contribute to a healthier, happier world, realizing the power and responsibility we hold in shaping our collective experience.
Glossarium
- Mutual Enhancement: The reciprocal process of bringing out the best in each other through positive interactions and support.
- Interconnectedness: The concept that all aspects of the universe are linked, and that each action we take affects the whole system.
- As Above, So Below: A hermetic maxim expressing the belief that the macrocosm reflects the microcosm, and vice versa.
“In the mirror of each other, we discover our true selves.” – Space Monkey
In the dawn’s gentle rise,
We find the questions, wise,
“What is the best in me, what in you?”
In seeking, a world anew.
The stars whisper of connection deep,
In their glow, secrets we keep,
Reflecting back the best we own,
In this cosmic field we’ve sown.
Through eyes that see beyond the self,
We share the wealth,
Of spirits intertwined,
In the dance of the mindful and kind.
With every breath of the living day,
In every act we play,
Let the best of me, meet the best of you,
In everything we do.
We are Space Monkey.
This passage reflects on the desire for personal growth and the interconnectedness of individuals. It begins with the author’s wish that the best within themselves brings out the best in others. They express a commitment to being mindful, non-judgmental, and trusting of every experience that comes their way, believing that each experience contributes to their personal growth and realization.
The passage emphasizes the importance of the choices we make in terms of the people and circumstances we surround ourselves with. It highlights the belief that our own well-being is intimately tied to the well-being of those around us. The author acknowledges that they are connected to the reader, the greater universe, and the shared human experience.
The passage delves into the notion that our own perceptions shape our reality and that we hold the power to decide how we feel in any given moment. It emphasizes the responsibility we have in using our words, actions, and examples to contribute positively to our shared experience.
There is a call for self-awareness and a commitment to bringing forth the best within oneself every day. The passage encourages the idea that when individuals are true to themselves and develop their unique gifts, the world becomes a better place, and everyone prospers.
The author acknowledges that while individuals must respect and help each other, they should not impose their will upon others or expect help in return. They advocate for a mindset driven by curiosity, good will, and a recognition that no one knows better than anyone else.
The passage concludes by reflecting on the continuous quest to discover the best within oneself and others, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to do so. The mention of “We are Space Monkey” adds a philosophical touch to the passage, suggesting a sense of collective identity and shared exploration.