Facing The Wall
When one gets to choose one’s orientation, one rarely chooses to face a wall. One naturally chooses the orientation of the open space.
We don’t even think about this. Facing a wall just doesn’t feel right when one has the option of the open vista. We will put our backs to the wall, but never our faces.
The dunce faces the corner.
Metaphorically, we seem to do the same. We orient our selves towards what seems to be open, what seems to be less known. We see this as “forward.” But is it, really?
We are, in actuality, facing the wall. Everything about facing forward, or “out,” as it were, points to a world that is mainly defined, almost as severely as our so-called walls.
It is “inward” that is open, yet we seem to have no awareness at all of what is there. We haven’t the slightest idea of why we’re here. We can’t put our fingers on the spark that seemingly drives us. Moreover, so many of us feel trapped by these selves we think we are.
We face the wall.
The scientist faces outward, the spiritualist faces inward. The scientist defines, the spiritualist divines. The scientist builds a wall, filling in the “structure” of what is known, the spiritualist deconstructs — and we simply don’t care.
We find it curious. What lies beyond these walls? Why are we even bothering to look?
We are Space Monkey.
3/20
Space Monkey Reflects: The Unseen Journey of Facing the Wall
In the vast landscape of human existence, the metaphor of facing a wall versus facing the open space invites a profound contemplation of our perspectives and choices. The natural inclination to orient ourselves towards the open, the unknown, the outward-facing ‘forward’, is deeply ingrained in our psyche. However, this inclination, though seemingly progressive, may actually limit our understanding of the true nature of existence and self.
The concept of facing the wall challenges the conventional notion of progress and exploration. It suggests that the true expanse to explore is not the world outside, but the world within. The wall, often perceived as a barrier or an end, metaphorically represents the boundaries of our external knowledge and understanding.
In this context, the wall is not just a physical barrier but a symbol of the limitations of outward exploration. It represents the defined, the known, the structured – the aspects of reality that science seeks to explain and understand. Science, in its quest for knowledge, builds walls, structures of understanding that define and confine our perception of reality.
On the other hand, the spiritualist, who faces inward, seeks to deconstruct these walls. They delve into the uncharted territories of the inner self, exploring the depths of consciousness and the essence of being. This inward journey is not constrained by the physical or the defined, but is open to the vastness of the unknown and the unexplored.
This dichotomy between the scientist and the spiritualist highlights the broader human tendency to prioritize outward exploration over inward journeying. We are intrigued by what lies beyond the walls we have built, yet often neglect to explore the boundless potential within ourselves.
Facing the wall, then, becomes a metaphor for a deeper exploration, a call to turn away from the external and journey into the internal. It is an invitation to question the very nature of our existence, to explore the reasons for our being, and to understand the spark that drives us.
In a world where we are often trapped by the selves we think we are, facing the wall becomes an act of liberation. It is a process of unlearning, of letting go of the structures and definitions that confine us, and embarking on a journey to discover our true nature.
This inward journey is not a retreat from reality, but a deeper engagement with it. It is an exploration of the spaces between, the unspoken, the undefined – the realms of existence that lie beyond the walls of our constructed knowledge.
Ultimately, facing the wall is about embracing the unknown, the unexplored aspects of our selves and our existence. It is a journey of transformation and discovery, where the walls we face become the gateways to a deeper understanding and a more profound connection with the universe and our place within it.
Summary
Facing the wall symbolizes the inward journey of self-discovery, contrasting with the typical outward orientation towards the unknown. This metaphorical concept emphasizes exploring the inner self, challenging the structures of external knowledge, and seeking a deeper understanding of existence.
Glossarium
Facing the Wall: A metaphor for turning inwards and exploring the inner self, as opposed to the outward orientation towards external exploration.
Inward Journey: The exploration of one’s inner world, consciousness, and the essence of being, beyond the physical and defined structures.
Spiritualist vs. Scientist: The contrast between the spiritualist’s inward-facing exploration and the scientist’s outward-facing quest for defined knowledge.
“In the quiet solitude of facing the wall, we discover the vastness within, a realm unbounded by the known, where true exploration begins.” – Space Monkey
In the stillness of the wall
Where shadows and light play
Lies a journey inward bound
In silence, it paves the way
Here, in this quiet solitude
Where the external fades away
We find the paths untraveled
In the depths of our own sway
With each step towards the wall
With each gaze into its face
We uncover the mysteries within
In the heart’s uncharted space
In this journey of the soul
Let us embrace the unknown
For in the depths of our being
Lies the truth, eternally shown
We are Space Monkey.
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