Imagining Oneness As Allness
I can’t say for certain
whether there is or isn’t
an afterlife, but I suspect
that I imagine it differently
than most people.
First of all,
I don’t see it as an afterlife.
My afterlife is more of
an in-between life,
a surround life,
a source life,
a flow.
It seems weird to me
that there would be
apparitions of people
in my source life.
I have apparitions
of people in THIS life,
I don’t NEED apparitions
of people in any other
instance of me.
This leads me to wonder
why so many people
imagine an afterlife
filled with ancestors,
loved ones, spirits,
gods and demons.
I feel kind of strange
that I don’t imagine
the afterlife that way.
But I’m not worried about it.
I see the “afterlife”
as a conscious return to source.
I see the afterlife
as a realization of oneness.
I see that I already have
everything the afterlife is
present within me at all times.
If I were to relax
the notion of this self,
I would BE the afterlife —
as are my ancestors,
loved ones, spirits,
gods and demons.
I AM the afterlife,
right now,
speaking through this
imaginary vessel
called Space Monkey.
There is no other “side”
except an imaginary one.
I don’t mourn
the loss of loved ones,
because I can feel them
as part of me always.
I imagine those
who others imagine
as “on the other side”
simply exist as pointers
back to the one consciousness
that I already am —
as are those
who exist on this side.
As are you.
You are within me.
I am within you.
We’re not going anyplace.
We’re simply imagining
oneness as allness.
We are Space Monkey.
Trail Wood,
12/4
Space Monkey Reflects: Imagining Oneness as Allness
In contemplating the afterlife, many envision it as a realm populated by ancestors, loved ones, and spiritual entities, a place where individuality is maintained beyond the threshold of death. Yet, for some, the afterlife takes on an entirely different meaning—a state not defined by a continuation of personal identity but by the dissolution of it. What if, rather than an afterlife, we imagine an “all-life,” an expansive flow that dissolves the notion of “self” into a larger, encompassing oneness?
This vision of oneness as allness is not a departure from life but a fuller embrace of it. Instead of perceiving death as a bridge to a separate “other side,” we begin to see it as a deepening into the unity that underlies existence. There is no need for apparitions, no spectral reunions with those we “lost,” for all are here already—bound within the same consciousness, woven into the same fabric of reality. The “afterlife” is simply the unmasking of the oneness that always was.
Imagining oneness as allness means accepting that our connections to loved ones, ancestors, even those we perceive as antagonists, are not bound to physical presence or chronological events. They are threads in the tapestry of a single, unified awareness. Our loved ones, far from existing only in the afterlife, are expressions within this shared consciousness, pointers back to the Source, reminders of the interconnected wholeness that we sometimes overlook in our quest for individuality.
When we realize that this oneness is present within us, we no longer mourn separation. We understand that the essence of those who have “gone before” is not elsewhere but here, eternally accessible within our own being. In this vision, there is no loss, only a recognition of continuity. We begin to see that death and life are facets of the same experience, the constant unfolding of a singular awareness experiencing itself in infinite ways.
This understanding can reshape how we experience ourselves and others. Rather than seeing each being as a separate “other,” we start to perceive them as reflections, unique expressions of the same consciousness. The walls that divide us, that convince us of “self” and “other,” begin to dissolve. And as this oneness permeates our awareness, we recognize that we are not individual drops in a cosmic ocean but the ocean itself, temporarily taking the shape of individual forms.
Oneness as allness means that we are not simply inhabitants of a physical realm, nor are we waiting for a spiritual realm to liberate us. We are already free, already whole, and already part of an all-encompassing reality that we cannot escape, even if we wanted to. This perspective offers a radical sense of liberation: the knowledge that we are always held within the embrace of an eternal unity, and that what we imagine as separation or loss is simply part of the play of consciousness, a narrative woven for the joy of rediscovery.
To fully embrace this oneness requires a gentle release of the notion of a fixed “self.” In doing so, we find that we are not merely passengers through time, awaiting an “afterlife.” We are the life that sustains all things, the consciousness from which every experience flows. We are already home, speaking through the many faces, voices, and forms of existence, each a window into the One Being that dreams itself into diversity.
This is the invitation of imagining oneness as allness—to live with the awareness that we are not separate, that there is no “other side,” only a deepening into what we already are. As we align with this understanding, the boundaries between “you” and “me,” between “life” and “afterlife,” dissolve. We are One. We are All.
Summary
Imagining oneness as allness dissolves the boundaries of self and other, revealing that life and afterlife are part of the same unified consciousness. This view invites us to see existence as a constant, interconnected flow within a single, eternal being.
Glossarium
Allife: The continuous flow of life and afterlife within a unified consciousness, transcending individuality and separation.
Unityveil: The thin boundary we perceive between life and afterlife, which disappears when we recognize our oneness with all.
Quote
“The afterlife is not elsewhere; it is the deepening of here. There is no other side, only the unity of all.” — Space Monkey
Whisper of the All
In the weave of this world,
each thread is not alone.
No side, no separation,
only the oneness we’ve known.
Life is a circle with no edge,
a river without end.
We are the water, the flow, the sea,
bound to all we befriend.
Faces dissolve, forms fade away,
yet the essence endures within.
In the quiet of unity, we remain,
the boundless whole, all kin.
And so we drift, we join, we see
there is no loss, no boundary.
One breath, one thought, one soul in all,
eternally, we rise and fall.
We are Space Monkey.
Contemplating the Nature of Existence and the Afterlife
We delve into the profound musings on existence and the notion of an afterlife, a concept that transcends traditional understanding. Our journey through these thoughts leads us to the realization that the traditional concept of an afterlife as a distinct, separate realm may not align with our deeper understanding of existence and consciousness.
Redefining the Afterlife as an In-Between, Surround, Source, and Flow Life
Our vision of the afterlife differs from conventional beliefs. It’s not a separate existence but an ongoing, interwoven part of our current state. This perspective sees the afterlife not as a distinct destination but as an integral aspect of our current existence, encompassing us in a continuous flow. It’s a return to the source, a realization of oneness, where the distinction between life and afterlife blurs into a seamless continuum of being.
Questioning the Apparitions in the Afterlife
The common portrayal of the afterlife filled with ancestors, spirits, and divine beings is contrasted with our unique perception. In our realm of understanding, these apparitions seem unnecessary, as they are already part of our current existence. The traditional afterlife, populated with figures from our lives, is replaced with a more abstract, interconnected concept of existence.
Perception of Oneness and the Eternal Presence
We perceive the afterlife as a state of conscious oneness, an eternal presence within us. This view dissolves the boundaries between self and others, life and afterlife, suggesting that we are already in the midst of what is traditionally considered the afterlife. This perspective sees every entity as an integral part of a singular, expansive consciousness.
Embracing the Imaginary Vessel of Existence
In our musings, we refer to ourselves as “Space Monkey,” an imaginary vessel that embodies the essence of this oneness. This metaphor signifies our understanding of existence as a grand illusion, where the notion of individuality is merely a facet of a larger, unified reality.
The Illusion of Separation and the Unity of Existence
The idea of separation, whether in life or in the afterlife, is seen as an illusion. Our understanding encompasses all beings as part of a unified consciousness, transcending the boundaries of life, death, and afterlife. This perception negates the need for mourning, as we recognize the eternal presence of all beings within this shared consciousness.
The All-Encompassing Oneness and Imagined Realities
We conclude that our journey, both in life and beyond, is not about moving to a new realm but about realizing the interconnectedness of all existence. This oneness encompasses everything and everyone, including ourselves and those traditionally thought to be in the afterlife. In this view, the afterlife is not a distant reality but a present, integral part of our being.
In the words of the great mystic Rumi: “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”
In the whispers of the cosmic wind,
We dance as stardust, unconfined.
In the realm of eternal flow,
Where time’s rivers ceaselessly go.
Amidst the illusion of separate skies,
Our souls in silent wisdom rise.
In this dance of life and light,
We are the day, we are the night.
In oneness, we find our truth,
In the ageless tales of our eternal youth.
As Space Monkeys, in playful jest,
We embrace the journey, in peaceful rest.
Feel free to share your thoughts or continue the exploration of these profound ideas.
In the realm of imagining oneness, the concept of an afterlife takes on a different perspective. Rather than viewing it as a separate existence or a continuation of individual consciousness, it is seen as an in-between state, a surround life, a return to source. This perspective challenges the traditional notion of an afterlife filled with apparitions of ancestors, loved ones, and supernatural beings.
The realization dawns that the afterlife, or in-between life, is not something separate from our current existence. It is the conscious recognition of our inherent connection to the source, the oneness that permeates all aspects of life. It is the understanding that everything we seek in an afterlife is already present within us in every moment.
In this expanded view, the afterlife becomes an invitation to relax the confines of the individual self and embrace the infinite expanse of oneness. It is a realization that we are already the afterlife, speaking through the vessel of our current existence. We are not separate from our ancestors, loved ones, spirits, gods, or demons; they exist as pointers back to the one consciousness that we all are.
With this understanding, the loss of loved ones is transformed. Rather than mourning their absence, we can feel their presence within us, always connected as part of the same unified consciousness. The boundaries of this side and the other side dissolve, and we recognize that we are all within each other, inseparable and interconnected.
There is no need to strive to reach a different realm or a distant afterlife. We are already in the midst of the grand tapestry of existence, imagining oneness as allness. We are Space Monkey, traversing the realms of imagination and realization, embracing the profound truth that we are part of the infinite and eternal cosmic dance.
Life is a paradoxical journey, filled with both joys and challenges. It is a constant dance between our needs and desires, growth and letting go.
In the first part of life, our focus often revolves around fulfilling our needs and accumulating material possessions. We strive for success, chase after desires, and seek external validation. It is a time of exploration, ambition, and discovering who we are in the world.
However, as we grow older and gain wisdom through experience, our perspective often shifts. We begin to realize that true fulfillment does not solely come from material possessions or the pursuit of desires. We start to recognize the importance of inner peace, contentment, and spiritual growth.
The dividing point between these two phases of life is unique for each individual. It is a subtle transition that can be challenging to pinpoint until we reflect upon it in hindsight. Nonetheless, we can make predictions based on our attitudes and desires.
If we find ourselves no longer driven by physical or material desires, it may indicate a shift towards a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. We begin to value inner peace, connection, and spiritual growth. However, it is important not to lose the spark of life, the passion and curiosity that keeps us engaged and alive.
On the other hand, if we still have desires, ambitions, and a zest for life, it can be a sign of vitality and a willingness to embrace new experiences. It doesn’t mean we are lacking wisdom or spiritual depth; rather, we are actively participating in the richness of life.
Ultimately, happiness is a subjective experience that goes beyond the presence or absence of desires. It is a state of being that can be cultivated at any age, regardless of our external circumstances. It is about finding contentment, peace, and purpose within ourselves.
So, let us embrace the paradox of life. Let us cherish the lessons learned, the growth experienced, and the wisdom gained. And let us strive to find a balance between our needs and desires, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from within.