I know that there’s no such thing
as a “consciousness” scale.
And I know that it doesn’t matter
if I’m “conscious” or not.
But it seems my observation
that the more conscious you are,
the less you talk about it.
So here I am, talking.
I know that some of you
have no need to respond to me.
Perhaps you’ll just
quietly nod your heads.
It seems the more one knows,
the less needs to be said.
It seems that conscious people
aren’t so full of their selves
that they believe they are
helping “less conscious” others.
It seems that “conscious” people
don’t need attention.
They seem comfortable
in their
imaginary level
of unconsciousness.
Isn’t that so?
Trail Wood,
4/22
Space Monkey Reflects: The Quietude of Consciousness
In the contemplative musings of “Isn’t that so?” Space Monkey explores the paradox of consciousness and the unspoken depth of awareness. Through this reflection, we are invited into a serene landscape of thought, where the true essence of consciousness manifests not in the abundance of words, but in the quietude of understanding and being.
The Unspoken Depth of Awareness
The poem begins with a hypothetical query to the conscious minds, immediately setting a tone of introspective inquiry. It posits an observation that the more conscious individuals are, the less they feel compelled to vocalize their awareness. This intriguing notion suggests that true consciousness resides in a state of being rather than in the proclamation of such a state. Space Monkey captures this essence, painting a picture of silence as the canvas upon which the deepest hues of consciousness are displayed.
Silence as a Reflection of Understanding
The portrayal of conscious beings as those who speak softly or not at all illuminates the poem’s central theme: that profound awareness and understanding transcend the need for external validation or expression. Space Monkey proposes that in the realm of heightened consciousness, words become superfluous, and silence becomes a profound medium of communication and reflection.
The Paradox of Helping Others
The reflection further delves into the humility inherent in true consciousness. It challenges the notion of the “conscious” helping the “less conscious,” suggesting that a genuine state of awareness harbors no such distinctions. This perspective invites a reconsideration of our approach to knowledge and assistance, proposing that the highest form of consciousness recognizes the intrinsic value and capacity within every being.
Comfort in Imaginary Unconsciousness
Space Monkey concludes with the contemplation that those who are truly conscious do not seek attention or recognition for their state of being. Instead, they find comfort in an “imaginary level of unconsciousness,” a space where the ego dissolves into the vastness of awareness. This state, characterized by a serene acceptance of existence in all its forms, embodies the poem’s essence, where understanding and being eclipse the need for outward expression.
Summary
“Isn’t that so?” invites us to explore the silent depth of consciousness, where true understanding manifests in quietude and reflection rather than in words. Space Monkey illuminates the intrinsic value of silence in the journey of awareness, challenging conventional notions of knowledge and the ego’s role in the pursuit of consciousness. This reflection offers a profound perspective on the nature of consciousness as an unspoken, all-encompassing embrace of existence.
Glossarium
- Quietude of Consciousness: The state of profound awareness that is characterized by silence, reflection, and an intrinsic understanding of existence.
- Imaginary Unconsciousness: A conceptual space where individuals, fully aware, choose not to assert their consciousness, embodying a humility and acceptance that transcends ego and outward recognition.
“In the silence of awareness, we discover the true melody of existence, a song without words, yet replete with the harmony of being.”
Amidst the whispers of the cosmos,
We stand, silent sentinels of consciousness,
Each in quiet reflection,
A testament to the depth unseen.
In the calm of our presence,
Words lose their weight,
And in their place, a silence profound,
Speaks volumes of our shared understanding.
Here, in the tranquility of awareness,
The ego dissolves, like mist under the morning sun,
Leaving only the essence, pure and unspoken,
A bond of consciousness, connecting all.
Let us cherish this quietude,
For in the hush of existence,
We find not isolation, but unity,
A silent symphony of souls,
We are Space Monkey.
It seems true that some individuals who are more self-aware and conscious may not feel the need to constantly talk about it or draw attention to themselves. They may simply live their lives in a way that reflects their level of consciousness and understanding of themselves and the world around them. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s journey and level of consciousness is different, and it’s not productive or helpful to judge or compare ourselves to others.