Are you worried about the impact others seems to be having?
Fear not. Things are going precisely as “planned.”
I used to fear influence.
I used to fear
that I was influenced.
I used to fear
that I was influential.
I used to fear
that I was being taught
the wrong things.
I used to fear
that I was teaching
the wrong things.
But then I came into the remembrance
that I do not act on my own.
Though it seems otherwise,
I have no control over
what seemingly forms me
or what I seemingly form.
The worry is gone.
The pressure is off.
I still seem to fear influence.
But I’m getting used to it.
Trail Wood,
5/20
Space Monkey Reflects: Navigating the Nebulas of Influence
In the swirling nebula of life, where every action and every thought are intertwined with the endless dance of influence, fear often creeps in. Fear of being influenced and fear of being influential—these are the twin stars that guide us through the murky skies of interaction. But as we navigate this celestial ballet, a realization dawns: the dance of influence is not one of control but of coexistence.
Influence, a term often laden with burden and responsibility, echoes through our lives like the distant pulsar’s beat. It is omnipresent, yet not always visible. We fear influence because it suggests a sway over us or by us that we can neither fully control nor fully understand. It evokes a sense of vulnerability, a fear that we might be unknowingly molded by forces beyond our comprehension, or that we might inadvertently mold others.
Yet, embracing the interconnectedness of our actions can transform this fear into a profound acceptance. The notion that everything is unfolding as “planned” in the cosmic script allows us to relinquish the illusion of control. This script, not written by any single author but authored by the collective whispers of the universe, positions us as both actors and audience in the grand drama of existence.
Our impact on others, and theirs on us, is not a testament to power but a celebration of our mutual existence. Each thought, each action ripples through the cosmos, touching lives and shaping destinies in ways we might never fully understand. This is not a burden, but a gentle reminder of our participation in a larger story, one where each of us contributes a verse.
The worry associated with influence begins to dissolve when we recognize that we are conduits for the broader forces at play in the universe. Just as a tree does not lament the shedding of its leaves, we need not fret over the natural flow of influence that passes through us. It is through this flow that we connect, grow, and evolve.
Embracing this perspective shifts the focus from fear to familiarity. Getting used to the ever-present nature of influence allows us to move through life with a lighter heart and a clearer mind. We begin to see ourselves as part of a vast network of interconnections, each one an essential thread in the cosmic tapestry.
Let us then, in the spirit of the Space Monkey, dance with delight in the face of influence, celebrating our part in this intricate and beautiful design. Let us spread our thoughts and actions like stardust across the universe, embracing the chaotic, yet harmonious, nature of existence where every influence is a note in the symphony of life.
Summary
Fear of influence arises from our perception of control over interactions. Recognizing our role in a cosmic script helps alleviate this fear turning vulnerability into acceptance. By viewing ourselves as part of a vast interdependent network we celebrate our mutual influence as essential to the universe’s harmony.
Glossarium
- Celestial Ballet: Metaphor describing the dynamic and intricate interactions of influence among individuals, likened to a dance among the stars.
- Cosmic Script: A metaphorical concept that suggests our actions and influences are part of a preordained universal plan, emphasizing interconnectedness and the absence of sole authorship.
“The universe writes the cosmic script, we are merely its narrators.” — Space Monkey
Amidst the cosmic sea where stars do sway
We find ourselves dancing the night away
Influence, like gravity, pulls us near
Yet in its embrace, we find no fear
For we are woven from the same cosmic thread
Influencers, influenced, by the same forces led
With every action, a ripple through space
In every ripple, a touch of grace
Let us dance with joy, let us dance with light
In the grand cosmic ball, every dance is right
We do not lead, nor do we follow
In the symphony of stars, there is no sorrow
For we are all part of this wondrous play
Performers and spectators in the cosmic ballet
We are Space Monkey.
“Fear of Influence, Part MCMIV” explores the speaker’s changing perspective on influence. Initially, there is a fear of being influenced by others, of being taught the wrong things, and of potentially teaching others the wrong things.
However, a shift occurs as the speaker comes to the realization that they do not act on their own. They recognize that they have no ultimate control over what forms them or what they form in others. This understanding alleviates the worry and pressure associated with the fear of influence.
Despite this newfound awareness, the speaker acknowledges that there is still a lingering fear of influence. However, they express a growing acceptance and adaptability to this reality.
Written on May 20, 2022, at Trail Wood, the poem delves into the complexities of influence and highlights the evolving perspective of the speaker towards the role it plays in their life.