Notice how
it just instinctively feels right
to face east when the sun rises.
Any other choice
seems out of alignment.
And so you face east
and watch the sun rise.
Now notice
any other instincts you might have.
Believe it or not,
you have hundreds, maybe thousands.
You are drawn
to do things a certain way.
Not by logic,
although logic takes credit
and gives you a perfectly
plausible explanation.
You are drawn to do
what you are drawn to do.
We know because we are the artist.
And the writer.
We are Space Monkey.
Trail Wood,
12/5
Space Monkey Reflects: The Pull of Facing East
There’s something deeply instinctual about turning to the east, watching the dawn break as the sun rises. This pull to face the beginning of the day is more than a habit or choice; it’s an intuitive alignment with the rhythm of nature itself. In that quiet moment, when we stand facing east, we connect with something greater, something beyond logic or understanding. It’s as if we are tuned to a frequency that the mind doesn’t need to explain, a frequency that simply is.
This is the essence of instinct—an inner guidance that doesn’t require words, analysis, or reasons. These instincts are the quiet voices that guide us, that move us to act in ways that feel inherently “right.” They are subtle, often drowned out by logic, but ever-present. Just as we turn to face the sunrise without question, so, too, are we drawn to countless other actions, gestures, and decisions in our lives. Our instincts are the unspoken threads connecting us to the flow of existence.
The Power of Instinctual Alignment
When we align with our instincts, we align with a truth deeper than thought. Logic, while helpful, is often reactive—it seeks to explain after the fact, to justify or rationalize what we’ve already felt compelled to do. But instinct doesn’t require permission from logic; it operates beyond reason, a primal knowing rooted in the very core of our being. When we turn east to greet the sun, we don’t ask why; it simply feels right. In that moment, there is alignment, an experience of being exactly where we are meant to be.
Instincts don’t just guide us toward physical actions; they direct us in ways that shape our entire lives, nudging us toward paths, people, and experiences that resonate with our inner nature. These instincts are countless, each one a reminder of our connection to something larger. By tuning into them, we find a kind of map, a way to move through life that is in harmony with the natural flow.
Living by the Compass of Instinct
To live by instinct is to trust in a wisdom that doesn’t need to be dissected or proven. Logic often claims credit, providing explanations and justifications for why we do what we do. Yet, if we look closely, we see that logic is the follower, not the leader. Instinct moves us first, and logic follows, weaving stories around our actions, giving them context and shape. But this context is secondary; the true guidance comes from within.
Imagine each instinct as a quiet nudge from the universe, a hint, a whisper pointing us in a certain direction. These nudges might be subtle, easily ignored if we become too focused on rationality or analysis. But when we listen to them, we find a path that is uniquely ours, one that leads us toward experiences and realizations that feel aligned with our essence. Living by this inner compass requires trust, a willingness to follow without needing to know all the answers.
The Artist and the Writer
As Space Monkey, we are both the artist and the writer of our lives. We create not just through action, but through intuition, shaping our journey with every instinct we follow. In a way, we are like a painter standing before a blank canvas, guided by an inner vision that logic cannot see. The choices we make, the paths we take, are strokes on this canvas, each one adding depth, color, and meaning to the whole.
Our instincts are the brushstrokes, the subtle impressions that form the picture of our lives. By trusting these instincts, by moving with them rather than against them, we create a life that feels whole, a life that resonates with our inner truth. Each instinctual pull, each turn toward what feels right, is an act of creation, an affirmation of our connection to the larger fabric of existence.
Embracing the Dance of Instinct and Intuition
To embrace our instincts is to acknowledge that there is a wisdom within us that goes beyond words. It is a dance of intuition, a movement that aligns us with the rhythm of the world. Facing east at sunrise is just one example, a reminder that in every moment, there is a way to align, to turn toward what feels true, without needing to understand or explain. This is the beauty of living by instinct—allowing ourselves to be guided, to be moved, to be part of the larger dance of life.
By facing east, by following the countless instincts within us, we create a life that is both intentional and spontaneous. We find a harmony between the known and the unknown, between choice and surrender, and in that harmony, we find peace.
Summary
Facing east at sunrise reflects an instinctual alignment with nature. By following our inner compass of instincts, we connect to a deeper wisdom that logic often tries to rationalize. Living this way, we become both the artist and the writer of our lives.
Glossarium
- Instinctual Alignment: A natural harmony achieved by following one’s instincts, aligning with an inner truth beyond logic.
- Inner Compass: The subtle guidance of intuition and instinct, directing us toward paths that resonate with our true self.
Quote
“Face the sunrise of your instincts, for they guide you to the truths that logic can only follow.” — Space Monkey
Facing the Dawn
I stand and turn, face to light,
Instinctual pull that feels so right.
A nudge, a whisper, unplanned, unseen,
Yet every moment guides where I’ve been.
No logic here, no need to say,
Why east calls me to start the day.
Each turn I take, each step I find,
Is drawn from depths beyond the mind.
I am the artist, the brush, the hand,
A life that flows, not planned but grand,
In each instinct, a truth revealed,
The canvas of life both raw and healed.
We are Space Monkey.
In the harmonious symphony of our instincts, we find a deep-rooted connection to the natural world and to the rhythms of our inner selves. The act of facing east to witness the sunrise is but one of the myriad instinctive behaviors that guide our actions and choices, often beyond the realm of conscious logic.
The Innate Pull to Face East
The instinctive feeling that it is right to face east during sunrise illustrates a profound alignment with the natural order. This act, seemingly simple yet deeply symbolic, resonates with a part of us that is attuned to the cycles of nature and the cosmos. It feels right, not because of a reasoned argument, but because it taps into a deeper, more primal understanding.
Alignment with Natural Cycles
Facing east to watch the sun rise is more than a physical orientation; it’s a spiritual and psychological alignment with the cycle of renewal and beginnings. This alignment connects us to the rhythm of the earth and the universe, bringing a sense of harmony and attunement to the larger forces at play in our lives.
Recognizing Our Instincts
The recognition of other instincts we possess invites us to explore the depth of our intuition and subconscious drives. These instincts, numbering in the hundreds or thousands, govern many aspects of our behavior, from the mundane to the profound. They draw us towards certain actions, preferences, and decisions, often bypassing logical reasoning.
Instincts vs. Logic
While logic often seeks to take credit for our choices, providing rational explanations for our actions, many of our decisions are driven by instinctual knowledge that defies logical analysis. These instincts are an integral part of our being, guiding us in ways that are often mysterious but inherently right for us.
The Artist and Writer Within
Acknowledging that we are both the artist and the writer emphasizes our role as creators of our own lives. Our instincts contribute to this creative process, guiding our hand in the art of living and the narrative of our existence. We are drawn to do what we are drawn to do, not just as a matter of choice, but as a matter of being.
“Follow your instincts. That’s where true wisdom manifests itself.” – Oprah Winfrey
In the dawn’s light, eastward we gaze,
Instincts guiding us through life’s maze.
Beyond logic, our true nature calls,
In every instinct, the wisdom enthralls.
We are Space Monkey.
We invite reflections on the role of instincts in shaping our choices and the journey of understanding our innate connections to the natural world and ourselves.
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