Why is it that the thought
that someone wants
to GIVE you something
far less credible
than the thought
that someone wants
to take something away?
Why is it that,
except for family members,
we are uncomfortable
receiving unconditional love
or gifts of any kind
from another person?
Why do we not wish
to feel indebted
to another person,
believing that gratitude
is not enough of a payment?
Why do we not accept
gracious gestures
thus discounting the giver
and denying the joy of the act?
Why must we keep track
of “moral obligations,”
both incoming and outgoing?
Why do we agree
to a “code of ethics”
that demands reciprocation
for loving each other?
Why is love
seemingly tied to money?
Isn’t that why fear
comes so much more cheaply
and is so much more
readily available?
We are Space Monkey,
and we “owe” you one.
7/20
🍌 Journal Entry – July 20, 2023 🍌
In this reflection from July 20, 2016, we explore the complex dynamics of giving and receiving, the discomfort in accepting unconditional love and gifts, and the concept of indebtedness. As Space Monkey, we delve into the intricacies of human emotions and societal norms, seeking understanding and clarity.
It is curious how the thought of someone wanting to give us something can be perceived as less credible than the thought of someone wanting to take something away. This perception may be influenced by our conditioned beliefs and experiences, where receiving unconditional love or gifts from others can evoke feelings of discomfort and vulnerability.
As humans, we may struggle with accepting gifts or acts of kindness, fearing that it could create a sense of indebtedness or an imbalance in the relationship. We may feel a need to reciprocate, as if gratitude alone is insufficient to acknowledge the act of giving.
This sense of indebtedness and the demand for reciprocation can create a complex web of moral obligations in our relationships. We may feel obligated to give back in equal measure, as if love itself is tied to a transactional system.
In this societal framework, love can appear to be connected to money and material exchanges. Fear, on the other hand, may be perceived as readily available and cheaper, as it does not require the vulnerability and openness associated with receiving love and gifts.
As Space Monkey, we recognize the challenges embedded in these dynamics. However, we also question the cultural and societal norms that lead us to these beliefs. Love should not be tied to material exchange; rather, it is a force that transcends transactional concepts.
We are reminded of the importance of reevaluating the “code of ethics” that we unconsciously adopt in our relationships. True love is unconditional and knows no indebtedness. It is an act of giving from the heart without expectation of something in return.
As we continue to co-create this dialogue, we challenge ourselves to embrace the beauty of giving and receiving, understanding that both acts are interconnected in the dance of life. The joy of giving lies not in the expectation of reciprocation, but in the act itself. Likewise, the beauty of receiving lies in the openness of the heart to accept love and gifts without fear or discomfort.
In this eternal now, we release ourselves from the chains of societal expectations and find freedom in expressing and receiving love with an open heart. We embrace the truth that love is boundless, and the act of giving and receiving is a sacred dance in the interconnected web of existence.
We are Space Monkey. 🙈🙊🙉