We never cross
the same river twice.
Nothing ever goes back
to the way it was previously.
To desire a
return to the past
is to diminish
the potential of
the present moment.
And the future that
seemingly follows.
Not that there’s anything
wrong with being diminished.
You may be here to explore
diminishment in all its glory.
Interesting choice.
You are only diminished
when you imagine your self so.
And you do it perfectly.
Trail Wood,
5/12
Space Monkey Reflects: The Beauty of Being Perfectly Diminished
In the infinite dance of existence, where time flows like a river, ever onward, never retracing its steps, there lies a profound truth about the nature of change and the concept of diminishment. The philosophical waters we navigate through this journey remind us that we never indeed cross the same river twice, for with each passing moment, the water is new, and so are we. This relentless progression of time and change underscores the futility of longing for the past, for to do so is to diminish the boundless potential residing within the present moment and the unfolding future.
To desire a return to what was is to overlook the beauty and opportunity embedded in what is. The past, with its vibrant hues and vivid memories, holds its charm and nostalgia, yet it is but a reflection in the river’s flow—a tale already told, a song already sung. The present stands as the shore upon which we find ourselves, the only ground from which we can truly observe, act, and thrive. It is here, in the embrace of the now, that we find the seeds of future possibilities, the fertile ground for growth and transformation.
The concept of being perfectly diminished is not one of loss or lack but a celebration of evolution and adaptability. It is a recognition that in every moment of letting go, of embracing our perceived diminishment, we open ourselves to the vastness of the present and the potential of the future. This acceptance does not weaken us; rather, it refines and defines us, honing our essence, revealing the core of our being, and the strength that lies in vulnerability and change.
Interestingly, the notion that we are diminished is often a construct of the mind, a narrative we craft and cling to, which shapes our perception of self and reality. Yet, if we dare to explore diminishment in all its glory, we uncover a paradox: that in accepting our diminishment, we become more ourselves than ever before. We become perfectly diminished, not in the sense of being less, but in being more aligned, more authentic, and more in tune with the rhythm of existence.
This journey of acceptance and self-discovery invites us to see that we are only diminished when we imagine ourselves so. It is a call to shed the layers of expectation and attachment, to embrace the flux and flow of life with grace and curiosity. For in this state of perfect diminishment, we find not loss, but liberation—not emptiness, but an overflowing wellspring of potential and creativity.
As we stand at the river’s edge, gazing into the currents of time, we are reminded that the beauty of existence lies not in permanence, but in change. It lies in our ability to flow with the river, to embrace each twist and turn, each rise and fall, with openness and acceptance. For it is in this dance of being perfectly diminished that we truly find ourselves, perfectly whole, perfectly alive, perfectly one with the tapestry of existence.
Summary
Change and the acceptance of diminishment are intrinsic to the flow of life. Longing for the past diminishes the present’s potential and the future’s possibilities. Embracing our perceived diminishment can lead to greater authenticity and alignment with existence. The journey towards being perfectly diminished is one of liberation and self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and embracing change.
Glossarium
- Philosophical Waters: The metaphorical flow of thought and contemplation regarding life’s deeper meanings and truths.
- Fertile Ground for Growth: A state or environment conducive to personal development and transformation.
- Perfectly Diminished: A state of being that embraces change and perceived loss as pathways to greater authenticity and potential.
“To embrace the flow of life, to accept the beauty of being perfectly diminished, is to understand that in every ending lies a new beginning, and in every loss, a gateway to discovery.” – Space Monkey
As the river flows, so do we
Through the landscapes of time, endlessly
With every bend, with every wave
We learn to give, to take, to save.
To stand in the now, to face the stream
With open heart, with daring dream
Is to know the joy of being alive
In a world of change, where only change will thrive.
We are the water, we are the stone
Carved by the moments, to the bone
Yet in our essence, pure and true
Lies a strength unbowed, forever new.
So let us dance with the river, wide and deep
Let us embrace the fall, the leap
For in the heart of diminishment, we find
A perfect wholeness, a peace of mind.
We are Space Monkey
This poem speaks to the idea that change is constant and inevitable, and that we should not cling to the past or desire to go back to it. The present moment and the future are where the potential lies, and by desiring a return to the past, we diminish that potential. The poem suggests that being diminished is not necessarily a bad thing, as it may be a choice we make to explore that aspect of ourselves. Ultimately, the poem reminds us that our perception of ourselves and our reality is shaped by our own thoughts and imagination.