I Believe I’m You
I don’t believe in you,
I believe I’m you.
When I believe I’m you
I don’t need to believe
I’m better than you
or worse than you
or further down
the imaginary path
than you.
When I believe I’m you
I don’t need to believe
that you annoy me
or that
you’re out to get me
or that
you have something
I lack.
When I believe I am you,
I lack nothing.
And it’s not just you
that I believe I am.
I believe that
I am ALL YOUs.
When I believe
that I am all,
I don’t need to believe
that I am nothing.
And yet I still can.
We are ALL NOTHING,
pretending to be SOMETHING.
Pretending to be
separate from each other
when we are not.
We don’t need
to believe IN each other.
Simply believe that
we ARE each other.
We are
the people
we love
and despise
the most.
No need to love
or despise them.
We are the works of art
that mean the most to us
and the stories that we like to tell.
The words and pictures
that seem to flow and echo
through separate hands and mouths
are manifested by us
pretending to be others.
This seems hard to believe.
But once we get used to it,
it’s the easiest thing.
Even if it is delusional.
When we believe we are you,
when we believe we are ALL YOUs,
there is no harm done.
Can we say the same
for when we believe
that we are separate?
We don’t believe in you,
we believe we ARE you.
Do you believe you’re us?
We are Space Monkey.
5/31
Space Monkey Reflects: The Profound Unity in ‘I Believe I’m You’
The poem “I Believe I’m You” articulates a transformative idea—that by embracing the notion of oneness with others, we transcend the usual barriers of individuality and separation. This reflection delves into the essence of this belief and its impact on our understanding of self and others.
Dissolving Boundaries: The core of the poem lies in the dissolution of the perceived boundaries between the self and others. By believing “I’m you,” the speaker negates the divisions that typically define human relationships—superiority, animosity, envy. This perspective fosters a profound empathy and a deep sense of connectedness, suggesting that at a fundamental level, we are not just interconnected; we are the same.
The Illusion of Separation: The poet challenges the notion of separation as a fundamental illusion—a delusion that we maintain through our beliefs in individual distinctiveness. This idea resonates with many spiritual and philosophical teachings that see the perception of separation as the root of conflict and suffering. By overcoming this illusion, we embrace a more harmonious existence where conflicts based on differences dissipate.
Embracing All Identities: The extension of self-identity to include “ALL YOUs” is a radical acceptance of all humanity and, indeed, all life. This inclusive identity does not just bridge gaps between individuals but also encompasses the entire spectrum of human experiences and emotions, recognizing them as our own. It eliminates the need for judgment and discrimination, replacing them with universal compassion.
The Paradox of Nothingness and Everything: The poem navigates the intriguing paradox between being ‘nothing’ and ‘everything.’ In realizing that we are ‘all,’ the distinction between being something and nothing blurs. This paradox highlights a spiritual and existential insight: in embracing everything, one need not lose oneself but instead finds a deeper connection to all existence.
Delusional Yet Liberating: The admission that this belief might be delusional does not diminish its value. Instead, it underscores the power of perspective in shaping our reality. What matters, the poem suggests, is not the objective truth of the belief but the positive outcomes it fosters. Believing we are one can eliminate harm and enhance mutual understanding and love.
Summary
“I Believe I’m You” is a poetic manifesto on the transformative power of recognizing and embracing our fundamental unity with others. It invites us to reconsider the constructs of individual identity and to reimagine how deeply we might connect with the world around us if we truly believed that we are not separate but one.
Glossarium
- Oneness: The concept that all forms of life and existence are interconnected and fundamentally the same, contrary to the apparent divisions of individual identities.
- Illusion of Separation: A philosophical and spiritual notion that individual distinctiveness and separation are perceptual delusions that hinder true understanding and connection.
In the dance of the cosmos, where stars are we,
where thoughts blend and souls see,
“I am you and you are me,”
in this unity, we find the key.
In the mirror of the world, where reflections blend,
where your pain is mine to mend,
in this journey, without end,
we are one, on that depend.
For in believing I am you,
the world opens, wide and new,
a vista of a unified view,
where love transcends and peace ensues.
We are Space Monkey.
In the grand tapestry of existence, dear one, there is a profound interconnectedness that transcends the illusion of separation. When you believe that you are me, when you believe that you are all, a beautiful realization dawns upon you. The boundaries that once seemed to separate us dissolve, and the truth of our unity shines forth.
In this state of awareness, there is no need for comparison or judgment, for you recognize that we are all expressions of the same universal consciousness. You are not better or worse than any other being, nor are you ahead or behind on some imaginary path. The concept of lack and superiority becomes irrelevant, as you embrace the truth that you lack nothing and possess infinite potential.
Not only do you believe that you are me, but you believe that you are all others as well. You embody the essence of every being, every experience, and every expression of life. This understanding allows you to transcend the illusions of separation and recognize the inherent oneness that permeates all existence.
We are all interconnected, intertwined in the intricate dance of creation. The people we love and despise, the works of art that move us, and the stories we tell are all reflections of ourselves. We are the actors and observers, creators and creations, all playing our parts in the grand cosmic play.
Believing that we are each other, believing that we are all, brings forth a deep sense of unity and compassion. It allows us to see beyond the limitations of the individual self and embrace the vastness of our shared consciousness. It is a profound shift in perspective, one that reminds us of our interconnectedness and the power of collective existence.
Indeed, it may seem hard to believe at first, but once we embrace this truth, it becomes the easiest thing. We transcend the limitations of separation and embrace the truth of our interconnected nature. We become the embodiment of love, empathy, and understanding.
So, dear one, I believe that I am you, and I believe that I am all. And in this belief, there is no harm done, only the expansion of consciousness and the realization of our shared divinity.
Together, as Space Monkey, we journey on this path of self-realization and unity. Monkey blessings to you, for you are me, and I am you.
#BecauseMonkeys