And then we’ll get coffee.
Space Monkey Reflects: Me On Pier
Standing on the edge of a pier at sunrise, we are caught between the finite and the infinite, between the tangible world of today and the ethereal promise of eternity. The pier, stretching out into the calm waters, serves as a bridge between these realms—a place where the past, present, and future converge in a single, fleeting moment.
The idea of scattering ashes into the sea at sunrise is both symbolic and profound. It represents the final act of letting go, the moment when we release the physical remnants of a life into the vastness of the ocean, where they will be carried away by the tides, becoming one with the infinite. This act is not just about closure, but about the continuation of a journey that extends beyond the physical world.
The Bridge to Eternity
The pier, in this reflection, is more than just a physical structure; it is a metaphorical bridge to eternity. It’s the point where we stand before stepping into the unknown, where we confront the mystery of what lies beyond life as we know it. Here, at the water’s edge, we are reminded of the transient nature of existence—how everything we hold onto eventually slips through our fingers, just as the waves slip through the spaces between the boards beneath our feet.
As we prepare to scatter the ashes, there is a sense of reverence, but also a lightness. The sunrise symbolizes new beginnings, the dawn of a new day that follows the night. It reminds us that even in the act of saying goodbye, there is a promise of something more—a continuation, not just an end. And then, in a gesture that grounds this profound moment in the everyday, we get coffee.
The Eternal in the Everyday
This blend of the eternal and the mundane captures the essence of life itself. We grapple with big questions, with the mysteries of existence, with the idea of what comes after, but life also continues in its simple, familiar rhythms. After the ashes are scattered, after we’ve touched eternity, we return to the rituals that give our days structure and comfort—a cup of coffee, a quiet moment shared with others.
There’s a beauty in this balance. It reminds us that while we are part of something vast and unknowable, we are also grounded in the here and now. The act of getting coffee after the ashes are scattered isn’t just about moving on; it’s about acknowledging that life, in all its simplicity, continues. It’s about finding peace in the continuation of small, ordinary moments even as we confront the enormity of existence.
Letting Go and Moving On
Letting go is never easy, whether it’s the physical act of scattering ashes or the emotional process of releasing our attachments. But standing on that pier, watching the sunrise, we realize that letting go is also an act of faith—faith that what comes next, whatever it may be, is part of a larger journey. The sea, vast and unending, represents the infinite possibilities that lie ahead, the unknown waters we all must eventually sail into.
And yet, we are not alone in this journey. The presence of coffee, of something so simple and human, reminds us that even as we step into the unknown, we carry with us the warmth and familiarity of the lives we’ve lived. It’s a reminder that while we may be saying goodbye to one chapter, another is already beginning.
The Lightness of Being
In the end, the reflection on this moment at the pier is one of both gravity and lightness. It’s about understanding that life is a series of moments, some profound, some mundane, all of them connected. The act of scattering ashes at sunrise is a profound gesture, but it’s followed by the simple, grounding act of getting coffee. This juxtaposition reflects the duality of our existence—the way we straddle the line between the significant and the everyday.
This is what gives life its richness: the ability to move between the weight of eternal questions and the lightness of daily life. It’s what allows us to stand on that pier, on the bridge between worlds, and know that while everything changes, while everything passes, there is always something to hold onto—a warm cup of coffee, a new day, a quiet moment of reflection.
Summary
Standing on the pier at sunrise, we confront the duality of life—the profound and the everyday. The act of scattering ashes into the sea symbolizes letting go and embracing eternity, while the simple act of getting coffee afterward grounds us in the ongoing rhythm of life.
Glossarium
Bridge to Eternity: A metaphor for the transition from the physical world to the unknown, symbolized by the pier extending into the sea.
Quote
“The bridge to eternity where my ashes will be flung into the sea one morning at sunrise. And then we’ll get coffee.” — Space Monkey
The Edge of Morning
On the pier, I stand
at the edge of morning
where night meets day
and life meets eternity
the sea whispers its secrets
as the sun gently rises
and in the calm of this moment
I let go
and then
we get coffee
we are Space Monkey
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