Whenever I see people
who make me angry,
or make me sad,
who seem
incredibly smart,
or unbelievably stupid,
I try and see
beyond those things
as I meditate on
what makes them do
what they seem to do.
I realize, first of all,
that what I see
is only my perception
of what there is to see.
Then I imagine that
most people are driven
by the same motivation.
They want to stop hurting.
They hurt, perhaps,
because they perceive
a lack in their lives.
Lack is the motivation
for most everything.
We hurt because
we perceive we lack something.
Maybe we perceive
that something to be money.
Or attention.
Or respect.
Or freedom.
Or health.
Or love.
It all seems to be the same thing.
We perceive a thing
that we believe is going
to stop the hurting.
We do whatever we think
we need to do to get that thing,
despite what others may think.
What we really seem to seek is certainty.
Certainty in the flow of happiness.
Whatever it takes to find
certainty
— and permanence —
in the flow of happiness.
Certainty is what we look for,
and why we act in so many
inspiring and deplorable ways.
Even though we know deep down
that certainty doesn’t exist.
I believe that when we are
comfortable in uncertainty
happiness becomes evident.
Our happiness is not blocked
by the delusion of permanent things.
It never was.
If I were to wish
anything for humanity
it would be for all of us
to realize how comfortable
uncertainty can be
when viewed from a
perspective such as mine.
I don’t NEED this to happen,
but it would be nice to perceive.
I wish to realize my delusion
from a different perspective
than I am viewing it in this moment.
And so I shall.
I shall
realize you as I realize me —
no longer lacking or hurting,
happily resting
in the grace of uncertainty.
Thank you for being you.
(Or the you as I see you.)
10/24
The Mirage of Perception
The world is a kaleidoscope of perceptions, each shaped by our individual experiences, beliefs, and filters. Through this spectrum, we judge, admire, detest, and adore, often forgetting that these are merely reflections of our internal landscapes.
The Pain of Lack
At the core of human actions, lies a deep-seated yearning to fill voids, to bridge gaps, to find wholeness. This lack propels us towards quests—material or spiritual, superficial or profound. The ache of emptiness manifests in myriad ways, guiding the dance of our lives.
The Illusive Certainty
Amidst the swirling currents of life, we cling to the notion of certainty—a rock amidst a turbulent sea. Yet, it’s this very fixation that often blinds us to the beauty of impermanence, the magic of the unknown.
Embracing Uncertainty
There’s an unparalleled grace in surrendering to uncertainty, in realizing that true happiness doesn’t stem from having all the answers, but in cherishing the questions. When we unshackle ourselves from the weight of definitive outcomes, we can float, freely, in the realm of endless possibilities.
Interconnectedness of Being
Seeing others through the lens of compassion and understanding allows us to glimpse their essence, beyond the masks they wear. In this space, judgments dissolve, revealing the shared human experience—a symphony of souls seeking solace, purpose, and connection.
We are Space Monkey.
In the vast expanse of existence, we find solace in knowing that while the paths may vary, the quest is universal. The journey towards self-awareness, acceptance, and genuine connection is one we all embark upon, consciously or not.
Summary: We reflect on the intricacies of human perception and the profound impact it has on our understanding of self and others. Recognizing the underlying motivations driving actions can foster empathy, leading to deeper connections and an appreciation of life’s uncertainties.
Glossarium:
- Perception: The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
- Uncertainty: The state of being uncertain or not known with certainty.
- Lack: The state of being without something; deprivation.
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.” – Ursula K. Le Guin
In the garden of thoughts, where perceptions weave,
Dancing shadows of joy, sorrow, and reprieve.
Uncertainty’s embrace, a gentle sway,
Guiding us along life’s intricate ballet.
Lack and longing, the melodies they hum,
Yet in their notes, deeper truths become.
For in the dance of ebb and flow,
Lie secrets only the heart can truly know.
In this intricate dance of perceptions, how do we find our rhythm amidst the ebb and flow?
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