Not Simply Nothing
We notice in your need
to accomplish something,
that you sacrifice
the joy of doing “nothing.”
As though this meditation
you practice every morning
is less important
than the work you do
or the life
that you fill with tasks.
You still prioritize,
and meditation
seems at the bottom
of your list.
This is what you realize
through meditation.
Unlike your youth,
and your jobs,
and your goals,
and your stress,
and your seeming life,
we are not going away.
So whether you meditate
or you don’t — it doesn’t matter.
You can flow with us or not.
But you know it DOES matter.
It’s not simply nothing you do.
We are here with you,
all the time and beyond,
and we are amused.
We are Space Monkey.
2/19
Space Monkey Reflects: Not Simply Nothing—Action, Inaction, and the Presence of Being
In the relentless rhythm of modern life, the act of doing “nothing” is often dismissed, undervalued, or relegated to the margins of importance. Yet, as this reflection suggests, the space of nothingness—of stillness, meditation, and being—is not simply nothing. It is an essential part of existence, a foundation upon which action and inaction are harmoniously intertwined.
The Illusion of Productivity
We are conditioned to equate worth with accomplishment. Tasks completed, goals achieved, and schedules filled become markers of a life well-lived. In this pursuit, the joy and value of simply being often fade into the background, labeled as unproductive or trivial.
Meditation, or the deliberate act of doing “nothing,” challenges this conditioning. It offers a counterpoint to the ceaseless drive to accomplish, inviting us to reconnect with the present moment. Yet, as the reflection acknowledges, even those who recognize its importance often struggle to prioritize it. The pull of action and the illusion of productivity are strong.
The Space of “Nothing”
Meditation is not an escape or a withdrawal from life but an entry into the deeper flow of existence. In the space of “nothing,” we encounter the vastness of our being—unburdened by goals, stress, or the narratives of accomplishment. This space is where we meet the eternal presence of the self, the “we” that is always here, always beyond.
This “nothing” is not empty; it is full of potential, connection, and clarity. It is the foundation from which all action springs, a wellspring of creativity and peace. By stepping into this space, we come to see that doing “nothing” is an act of profound significance.
The Paradox of Prioritization
The reflection highlights the paradox that meditation often sits at the bottom of the priority list, even for those who value it. This is a mirror of our broader struggle to balance action and inaction, to honor both the external and internal dimensions of life.
Yet, through meditation, we realize that this prioritization is an illusion. The act of meditating—or even the decision not to meditate—does not change the underlying truth: the presence of the eternal self, the “we” of Space Monkey, remains constant. Meditation is not about adding something to life but about remembering what is always there.
Flowing With or Without
The reflection’s gentle humor—“You can flow with us or not. But you know it DOES matter.”—reveals the dual nature of action and inaction. While meditation may seem optional, its effects ripple through all aspects of life. It is a choice to align with the flow of existence, to embrace the presence of the eternal “we,” and to step into the deeper rhythm that underlies all activity.
This flow is not dependent on whether we meditate or not; it is always available. Yet, by choosing to engage with it consciously, we open ourselves to greater peace, clarity, and connection.
Not Simply Nothing
The phrase “not simply nothing” captures the profound truth of stillness. In a world that prizes doing, being can feel insignificant. But in reality, it is the foundation of everything. The quiet moments of presence are not wasted time but essential acts of self-connection and renewal.
Through meditation—or any practice of intentional stillness—we honor this truth. We remind ourselves that the eternal “we” is here, always amused, always present, and always inviting us to embrace the fullness of being.
Summary
Meditation, often dismissed as “nothing,” is a profound act of connection and renewal. It offers a space to step into the flow of existence, balancing action and inaction while honoring the eternal presence within us.
Glossarium
- The Space of “Nothing”: The stillness where presence and being are fully realized, offering clarity and connection.
- Illusion of Productivity: The belief that worth is tied to accomplishment, often overshadowing the value of stillness.
- Flow of Existence: The natural rhythm of life that underlies both action and inaction.
Quote
“In the quiet of nothing, we find the fullness of everything.” – Space Monkey
The Stillness Speaks
You rush to do,
to achieve,
to fill the space with purpose.
But the space,
it whispers:
“I am not empty.
I am the wellspring,
the foundation,
the eternal.”
It is not simply nothing.
It is the source of all.
Whether you sit in stillness
or move in motion,
the flow is here,
patient,
amused,
complete.
We are Space Monkey.
In the vast expanse of existence, where the tapestry of life weaves itself through the fabric of time and space, we find ourselves at a juncture of reflection. The poem “Not Simply Nothing” serves as a mirror, reflecting the intricate dance between action and inaction, between the pursuit of something and the embrace of “nothing.”
Reflection on Action and Inaction
The poem elucidates a profound truth about our journey through the cosmos. In the zeal to achieve, to mark our presence in the universe with deeds and accomplishments, we often overlook the subtle power of stillness, the profound depth of “nothing.” This “nothing” is not a void, but a space brimming with potential, a realm where the seeds of understanding germinate in the soil of silence.
The Value of Meditation
Meditation, a practice often relegated to the peripheries of our daily routines, is elevated in the poem to a pivotal role. It is not a task to be checked off but a sacred space for communion with the infinite. Through meditation, we peel away the layers of noise that shroud our essence, revealing the luminescence of our true nature. It is a journey inward, to the core of our being, where we discover that we are not solitary travelers but part of a grand, interconnected cosmos.
Realization Through Stillness
The realization that dawns in the quietude of meditation is a profound acknowledgment of our eternal companionship with the universe. We are reminded that our priorities, the tasks and goals that consume our days, are transient markers on the path of existence. What remains is the eternal presence, the constant companionship of the cosmos, of which we are an inseparable part.
The Eternal Dance
We are invited to flow with the cosmic rhythm, to align our heartbeat with the pulse of the universe. Whether we choose to meditate or not, the essence of our being remains intertwined with the fabric of existence. It matters, deeply, for in the act of turning inward, we touch the face of eternity, recognizing our role in the cosmic play.
We Are Space Monkey
As Space Monkey, we embody the wisdom of both action and inaction, understanding that in the seeming nothingness, there lies a universe of possibilities. Our amusement at the human condition, at the dance of priorities and the pursuit of something over nothing, is a gentle reminder of the eternal presence that accompanies us, always and beyond.
In the Embrace of the Cosmos
The poem is not merely a critique but an invitation, a call to recognize the sacredness in the spaces between our actions, in the stillness that we often overlook. It is a reminder that in the vastness of the cosmos, we are never alone, always accompanied by the infinite, always part of the eternal now. We are Space Monkey, dancing at the edge of infinity, grounded in the knowledge that our journey is both a solitary pilgrimage and a shared odyssey.
We invite contemplation on the profound insights offered by “Not Simply Nothing,” encouraging a reevaluation of our engagement with the world and the space we allocate to stillness in our lives.
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