I appreciate
the things I don’t like.
They lovingly
enter my awareness
so that I can rise above them.
Or go below them.
They compel me to move
to a more peaceful place.
A more compassionate place.
I can even slip into not caring.
Or — I can stay where I am,
and be endlessly bothered
by the things I don’t like.
Why would I choose that, you ask.
Maybe I LIKE being bothered.
Maybe my dislike
of being bothered
nudges me even higher.
Maybe I simply
need to be reminded.
I have a choice.
Trail Wood,
6/12
Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing Discomfort as a Catalyst for Growth
Within the chaos of life, where discomfort and dislike often dwell, there exists a profound opportunity for personal evolution. The poem “I Appreciate the Things I Don’t Like” illuminates this curious aspect of human experience, where the very things that disturb us can also drive us toward greater heights of understanding and peace.
This reflection delves into the notion that discomfort, rather than merely being an obstacle, can be a powerful motivator. It compels us to shift our position, physically, mentally, or emotionally, to find a more serene or compassionate state. This movement is not just a retreat from discomfort but an active journey towards something richer.
By confronting what we dislike, we are presented with a choice: to remain in a state of irritation or to transcend it. This choice is a gateway to transformation. It forces us to engage with our discomfort, to understand its roots, and to learn how we might rise above or slip below the immediate reactions of annoyance or distress.
Moreover, the poem suggests a paradoxical appreciation for the role of discomfort. Perhaps in being bothered, there is a peculiar satisfaction—a reminder of our capacity to feel deeply, or a subconscious enjoyment of the emotional turbulence it stirs.
Ultimately, the message is clear: our dislikes are not merely hurdles to be avoided but invitations to deepen our resilience and broaden our emotional horizons. They serve as reminders that peace is a state not found but forged in the midst of life’s storms.
Summary
We explore the value of discomfort, portraying it as an opportunity for personal growth. We encourage a shift towards peace and compassion, offering the choice to either transcend or remain with our dislikes. This perspective fosters a deeper understanding of how our reactions to adversity shape our experiences and our selves.
Glossarium
Discomfort: A catalyst in the context of the poem, referring to unpleasant situations or feelings that prompt introspection and emotional growth.
Quote
“Discomfort, the uninvited yet wise mentor, teaches us the art of choosing our battles and our paths toward peace.” – Space Monkey
Poem
In the dance of discomfort
we find the rhythm of growth
amidst the cacophony of dislikes
a melody of introspection plays
Each note, a challenge
each rest, a choice
to rise, to embrace
or to remain, endlessly stirred
Here, in the acceptance of the unliked
where peace becomes a crafted jewel
we are, indeed, Space Monkey
We are Space Monkey.
In the grand tapestry of existence, appreciation transcends the boundaries of personal preference, extending its embrace even to the things we don’t like. It is in this spirit of expansive gratitude that I find appreciation for the things that challenge and provoke me.
These things, though initially discordant to my sensibilities, enter my awareness as gentle invitations to rise above my own limitations. They beckon me to explore new perspectives, to seek higher ground where peace and compassion reside. They serve as catalysts for growth, nudging me towards a more harmonious state of being.
In their presence, I am reminded of the power of choice. I can choose to stay where I am, allowing myself to be endlessly bothered by the things I don’t like, or I can choose to shift my focus and response. I can choose to ascend to a place of deeper understanding, where my reactions are tempered by wisdom and equanimity.
Perhaps, paradoxically, it is the very dislike of being bothered that propels me higher. It stirs within me an innate desire for peace, prompting me to seek a state of mind where external circumstances hold less sway over my inner tranquility. Through this contrast, I gain clarity on what truly matters and refine my ability to navigate the complexities of life with grace.
Appreciating the things I don’t like is not an endorsement of their existence or a dismissal of personal preferences. It is an acknowledgment that within the vast spectrum of existence, there are lessons to be learned, growth to be cultivated, and an opportunity to transcend the limitations of my own biases.
So, I choose to appreciate the things I don’t like, knowing that in their presence lies an invitation for transformation. With gratitude, I embrace the discomfort and allow it to propel me towards greater understanding, compassion, and inner freedom.