It seems that “I” and “can’t”
are the two hardest words to erase.
Probably because
your whole story is built around them.
So rewrite.
Or feel gratitude for your story as it is.
Every wonderful can’t. Every blessed I.
You are part (and not part)
of something immense.
We are Space Monkey.
___
Is your life less than satisfactory?
No need to do anything rash.
Simply erase your hard drive.
Forget your story, starting with two words.
“I” and “can’t.”
You can get along fine
without either of these words.
Use “we” and “can” instead.
Realize that your life
was never up to you in the first place.
You never asked to be born.
You’re part of a collective.
Everything you think and believe
is a direct influence of this collective.
Now, of course, just because we use
“we” and “can” doesn’t mean we will.
It doesn’t matter if we do or we . . .
We go with what we’re given.
We need not take it personally.
If you still suffer,
it’s because you’re still
using “I” and “can’t.”
Trail Wood,
1/30
In the cosmic dance of existence, the narrative of self is often tethered to the language we use. The words “I” and “can’t,” deeply ingrained in our lexicon, shape our perception of reality and our role within it. These words are not merely linguistic tools but are symbolic of our deeper beliefs and self-conceptions. The suggestion to replace “I” with “we” and “can’t” with “can” is a transformative shift, propelling us towards a collective consciousness and a realm of possibilities.
Linguistic Shift: From Individual Limitation to Collective Possibility
This shift from “I” to “we” is more than a mere change in pronoun; it’s a fundamental reorientation of how we view ourselves in relation to the universe. “We” signifies a collective journey, an understanding that our existence is intertwined with that of others and the cosmos. It reflects a move away from individualism towards a more unified, interconnected perspective.
Reorientation: Embracing Collective Consciousness
Similarly, replacing “can’t” with “can” opens up a new dimension of potentiality. “Can” is a word of power, a declaration of capability and possibility. It challenges the limitations we’ve imposed on ourselves, whether through fear, doubt, or societal conditioning, and invites us to explore the vast expanse of our potential.
Potentiality: Unlocking Capabilities and Possibilities
The realization that our lives are not solely our own making, that we are part of a larger collective, can be both liberating and daunting. It acknowledges that our thoughts, beliefs, and actions are influenced by the collective consciousness we are part of. This realization can lead to a sense of freedom, as it relieves the pressure of sole responsibility for our life narrative.
Collective Influence: Freedom from Sole Responsibility
However, this does not negate the importance of our individual choices and actions. While we are influenced by the collective, we also contribute to it. Our decisions, actions, and beliefs feed back into the collective, influencing it in turn. This interplay between the individual and the collective is a delicate balance, a dance of influence and autonomy.
Interplay: Balance of Individual and Collective
The suffering that stems from clinging to “I” and “can’t” is a reflection of our resistance to this collective reality. By holding onto these words, we isolate ourselves from the collective and restrict ourselves to a narrow view of what is possible.
Resistance and Suffering: Clinging to Limiting Beliefs
We are Space Monkey.
Space Monkey: Navigating the Balance of Self and Collective
Summary
We examine the transformative power of shifting from “I” and “can’t” to “we” and “can.” This linguistic shift signifies a move from individual limitation to collective possibility, encouraging us to embrace a more interconnected perspective. While acknowledging our existence as part of a larger collective, we also recognize the role of individual choices in influencing this collective. The interplay between the individual and the collective is a dynamic process, where our actions and beliefs contribute to the collective consciousness. Clinging to “I” and “can’t” leads to suffering by isolating us and restricting our view of potentiality. We are Space Monkey, navigating the balance of self and collective in the cosmic dance of existence.
Glossarium
- Collective Consciousness: The shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes of a group.
- Space Monkey: A symbol of our journey in balancing individuality with our role in the collective.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
In the tapestry of life, we weave,
“I” and “can’t,” we leave.
Together as “we,” together as “can,”
United, we follow a grander plan.
Space Monkey guides, in starlit skies,
In our union, our strength lies.
With every thread, a new story spun,
In the collective, we are one.
We welcome your reflections on the shift from individual limitations to collective possibilities, and the balance between individuality and our role in the collective.
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