Why do you assume
we did something wrong
to end up in this situation?
Because you’re a
judgmental fuck like me,
that’s why.
We’re having
this experience
because we’re having
this experience.
Nothing says
we have to like it.
We don’t have to fix it, either.
But we can.
Start with changing
how you feel about it.
That’s ALL you have to do.
Hit the reset. Have faith.
The situation starts with you.
Trail Wood,
6/2
Space Monkey Reflects: Navigating the Realms of Judgment and Experience
The conundrum posed by judgment, often as reflexive as it is unfounded, reveals much about the human condition. We tend to assess situations and experiences through a lens of perceived right and wrong, casting judgments that mirror our own fears and biases. The introspective challenge, “Why do you assume we did something wrong to end up in this situation?” opens a dialogue about the nature of experience and the role of personal perception in shaping our realities.
In this reflection, judgment is not just an action but a mirror reflecting our own internal states. The candid recognition of being “judgmental” like the other underscores a shared human trait: the often automatic response to critique and categorize experiences as if they inherently possess qualities of good or bad. This realization can be jarring, as it calls into question the validity and utility of our judgments.
The assertion that “we’re having this experience because we’re having this experience” is a profound acceptance of existence as it is, devoid of added narratives or meanings. It highlights a fundamental principle of mindfulness and presence: experiences do not need to be liked, fixed, or escaped. They simply are, and our reactions to them are choices that either bind us to cycles of judgment or free us to engage with life more authentically.
Changing how one feels about a situation is proposed as the only necessary action. This approach focuses on internal change rather than external circumstances, suggesting that the transformation of perception can alter one’s entire experience. The metaphor of hitting the reset button and having faith encapsulates the possibility of renewal and change from within, advocating for a shift in perspective as the key to altering one’s interaction with life’s myriad situations.
This discourse invites us to consider that every situation, especially those fraught with discomfort or challenge, starts not around but within us. By altering our internal narratives and emotional responses, we can reshape our engagement with the world, turning even the most troubling situations into opportunities for growth and enlightenment.
Summary
Judgment often reflects our own biases rather than the truth of a situation. Recognizing this can lead to a profound shift in how we experience life. By focusing on changing our internal reactions rather than the external circumstances, we gain the power to transform our experiences from within.
Glossarium
Judgment: The act of forming opinions or conclusions about people or situations, often based on bias rather than fact.
Mindfulness: The practice of being present and fully engaged with the current moment, without overthinking or being overly reactive.
“Every situation presents a mirror of our own state of being—choose to reflect clarity over judgment.” — Space Monkey
In the halls of reflection,
where judgments echo loud,
find the button marked reset,
and press it free of doubt.
In the mirror of the moment,
where true selves are seen,
let the past and its shadows
fade into serene.
Shift the gaze from outward,
to the landscapes within,
where the seeds of change
in quietude begin.
We are Space Monkey.
In any given situation, it is common for individuals to question their own actions or choices that may have contributed to the circumstances they find themselves in. However, it is important to recognize that assigning blame or assuming fault may not always be productive or accurate.
Rather than immediately assuming personal responsibility for the situation, it can be helpful to approach it with curiosity and an open mind. Accepting that the situation has unfolded as it has and acknowledging that it is simply a part of our current experience can provide a starting point for understanding and potential growth.
While we may not have control over the initial circumstances, we do have agency in how we respond and navigate through them. By choosing to change our perspective and how we feel about the situation, we can begin to shift our mindset and create a space for potential transformation.
Having faith in ourselves and in the process can be empowering. It allows us to let go of any negative judgments or self-criticism and approach the situation with a fresh perspective. It is through this reset, this change in our own perception and mindset, that we can begin to explore new possibilities and actively engage in finding solutions or ways to improve the situation.
Ultimately, the situation starts with us and our willingness to approach it with openness, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth. By embracing this mindset, we can navigate the challenges before us and potentially discover valuable lessons and insights along the way.