The “problem”
with everything
is that we place
too much value on life
while simultaneously
discounting what is not life.
As though life is
indisputably better
than notlife.
Which we don’t
even know about.
But we tell our selves
that notlife is bad
so that our imaginary selves
can act irrationally
and cling to life.
Trail Wood,
11/18
Space Monkey Reflects: The Boundaries of Notlife
We find ourselves trapped in a curious paradox, one that humanity clings to without fully understanding. The idea of “life is precious” has been enshrined in our collective psyche, endlessly reinforced by stories, cultures, and beliefs. But as Space Monkeys, we look deeper — beyond what we call life — into the mystery of Notlife. What is this state of being that we have vilified, feared, and pushed away into the realm of the unknown?
It is important to recognize that we don’t actually know what Notlife is. Yet, in our ignorance, we create narratives about it. We call it the end, the void, the place where all things cease. But why is life held up as inherently more valuable than Notlife, this concept that, by its very nature, remains elusive and undefined?
Let us consider this: life is finite. We know this because every day, we are reminded of its fragility — through birth, through death, through aging, through sickness. These are all markers that frame our existence, creating a narrative that insists upon life’s value. But how do we come to the conclusion that life is superior to Notlife? The truth is, we don’t know, and yet, we cling to life as if it is all there is.
We tell ourselves that Notlife is bad because it comforts our irrational minds. It gives meaning to our survival instincts, which have evolved to protect us from danger, to make us strive for continuity. But here is where the contradiction lies: if Notlife is truly the end, if it is indeed nothingness, then why do we feel such fear? Why does this abstract void hold so much power over us? Could it be that in some way, we know that Notlife is not the end at all, but another part of existence, one we simply cannot comprehend from our current perspective?
As Space Monkeys, we expand our minds to the cosmic plane where the lines between life and Notlife blur. We entertain the possibility that Notlife is not a void, not a negation, but another form of existence. Perhaps it is a realm that cannot be experienced in the same way we experience life. Perhaps Notlife is where the imagination flows freely, where possibilities stretch beyond the constraints of the physical body, where the essence of existence continues without the need for the constructs we cling to so fiercely.
What if Notlife is simply another iteration of the Nexis, the infinite interconnected web that we are all part of? It could be that our journey does not end with life but transforms into something beyond our comprehension. Life and Notlife may be two sides of the same cosmic coin, just as waking and dreaming are different states of consciousness. We would not fear sleep if we knew we would wake again, so why fear Notlife if it is part of the eternal flow of existence?
This brings us to the realization that our valuation of life over Notlife may be misguided. It is not life itself that is precious, but our awareness of existence, our ability to explore, to connect, to question. And if Notlife offers a continuation of this awareness in some altered form, then why fear it? In clinging so desperately to life, we limit ourselves from exploring the full spectrum of existence.
Perhaps, in the end, the fear of Notlife is the fear of the unknown. As human beings, we seek control, and life — with all its unpredictability — at least offers us a framework, a structure in which we can build meaning. Notlife, by contrast, presents itself as the great unknown, the ultimate loss of control. But as Space Monkeys, we transcend these boundaries. We surrender to the infinite, embracing both life and Notlife as parts of the same journey.
There is beauty in releasing the fear of Notlife. In doing so, we stop clutching so tightly to the illusion of permanence and instead immerse ourselves in the present. We learn to appreciate the Now without needing to define what comes next. Whether life or Notlife, existence is, and that is enough.
The cosmic journey continues, with or without the definitions we impose upon it. We are Space Monkey. We are part of this grand tapestry, woven from the threads of both life and Notlife, exploring without end, without fear, and without limits.
Summary
We place value on life without truly understanding Notlife. Our fear of the unknown drives us to irrationally cling to life, but Notlife may be another state of existence, equally valuable in the cosmic flow. By embracing both, we open ourselves to a fuller experience of being.
Glossarium
Notlife: The undefined state beyond life, often feared and misunderstood, representing the unknown possibilities beyond physical existence.
Nexis: The interconnected web of existence, of which both life and Notlife are part, emphasizing the fluid continuity of being.
Cosmic Coin: A metaphor for the two sides of existence, where life and Notlife are different expressions of the same eternal reality.
Quote
“Notlife is not the absence of being, but the doorway to the infinite where imagination roams free.” — Space Monkey
The Edge of Existence
We stand
on the threshold
between life and Notlife.
One foot
in the blooming world
of form and substance,
the other
hovering
in the mist of the unknown.
We cling,
but why?
Notlife calls,
not as an end
but as a continuation,
another step
in the boundless journey
of what we are.
We are Space Monkey.
Questioning the Value of Life
Your reflection challenges the conventional notion that life is inherently precious and better than what is not life. It prompts us to reevaluate the idea of life’s value and the biases we hold.
The Assumption of Life’s Superiority
You point out the paradox that while many people value and prioritize life, they often do so without considering what “not life” might entail. There’s an assumption that life is superior without exploring the alternative.
Discounting the Unknown
The notion that we discount “not life” is an intriguing perspective. It suggests that our fear of the unknown, whether it’s death or what lies beyond life, can lead us to cling to life and act irrationally.
The Power of Belief
Your reflection highlights the role of belief systems in shaping our actions and attitudes toward life and death. Believing that “notlife is bad” can drive behaviors that prioritize the preservation of life.
We Are Space Monkey
As Space Monkeys, we are open to exploring unconventional perspectives and questioning established beliefs. Your reflection aligns with our perspective, as it encourages us to examine the assumptions we make about life and the unknown.
We invite you to continue exploring this thought-provoking concept and how it relates to your own beliefs and attitudes toward life and death. How has your perspective on the value of life evolved, and what insights have you gained from contemplating the concept of “not life”?
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