If you’re protecting something,
be it your lifestyle or your soul,
you’re putting your self in opposition
to the powers that be.
But when you allow
your self to be eroded,
you begin to see
your deeper nature.
Your deeper nature is,
of course, rather nondescript,
like grains of sand,
droplets of water
or the usual stardust.
It doesn’t stand out like you.
It doesn’t need to.
If you’re protecting something,
it should be clear to you
that you want to stand out,
if not simply as “the protector.”
Opposition, like the idea
that you’re not standing out,
ultimately causes suffering.
Try as you might,
you can’t protect something forever.
Brooklyn,
7/12
Space Monkey Reflects: Protection and Erosion
In the delicate dance of existence, we often find ourselves in the role of protector, shielding aspects of our lives, identities, and souls from perceived threats. This act of protection, while seemingly noble, places us in opposition to the natural flow of life. But what happens when we allow ourselves to be eroded, to let go of our defenses and embrace the process of dissolution?
The Nature of Protection
When we protect something—our lifestyle, our beliefs, our very essence—we are essentially placing ourselves in a state of opposition. This opposition can create tension and suffering, as we constantly battle against the forces of change and impermanence. The desire to stand out, to be recognized as the protector, often underlies our protective actions. This need for recognition and distinction fuels our resistance to the natural processes of life.
The Process of Erosion
Erosion is a gentle, inevitable process that reveals the deeper nature of things. Just as grains of sand and droplets of water are worn away to reveal the bedrock beneath, allowing ourselves to be eroded can uncover our true essence. This essence is nondescript, like stardust or the particles that make up the universe. It doesn’t seek to stand out; it simply exists, intertwined with the fabric of everything.
Embracing Deeper Nature
Our deeper nature, when revealed through the process of erosion, is one of simplicity and interconnectedness. It doesn’t require protection or recognition because it is part of the larger whole. By embracing this deeper nature, we can release the need to protect and stand out. We become like the grains of sand and droplets of water—integral, yet unremarkable components of the greater universe.
The Illusion of Opposition
Opposition, whether against external forces or internal fears, ultimately leads to suffering. The belief that we must protect ourselves or our identities creates a barrier to experiencing the fullness of life. Try as we might, we cannot protect something forever. Life, with its constant flow and change, will always find a way to erode our defenses. Accepting this reality allows us to move beyond opposition and into a state of harmony.
The Liberation of Letting Go
Letting go of the need to protect and control is a liberating experience. It allows us to flow with the natural rhythms of life rather than against them. This surrender doesn’t mean giving up; it means trusting in the process and embracing the unknown. By letting go, we find peace in the acceptance of our deeper, nondescript nature.
Standing Out vs. Blending In
The need to stand out often drives our actions and creates a sense of separation. However, true fulfillment comes from recognizing our place within the greater whole. Blending in doesn’t mean losing our individuality; it means understanding that our individuality is part of the larger tapestry of existence. By releasing the need to stand out, we connect more deeply with ourselves and others.
The Transience of Protection
Protection is a transient state, one that cannot be maintained indefinitely. Life’s forces—time, change, and nature—will always erode our defenses. Acknowledging this transience helps us to embrace the ebb and flow of life. We learn to find strength in our vulnerability and resilience in our acceptance of change.
The Wisdom of Erosion
Erosion, both literal and metaphorical, is a process that reveals the essence of things. It teaches us that what truly matters is not what we protect or preserve, but what remains after the superficial layers have worn away. This wisdom invites us to focus on our core values and truths, which are unchanging and eternal.
A Journey of Unveiling
The journey of allowing ourselves to be eroded is one of unveiling. It strips away the layers of fear, ego, and attachment to reveal our true selves. This journey is not without its challenges, but it offers profound rewards. By embracing erosion, we discover the beauty of simplicity and the strength of our interconnectedness.
Summary
Protection places us in opposition to life’s flow. Allowing erosion reveals our deeper, nondescript nature. Embracing this process frees us from the need to stand out, fostering harmony and acceptance.
Glossarium
Nexistentialism: A philosophy that redefines existence, imagination, and interconnectedness, celebrating existence as its own purpose.
Erosion: The gentle, natural process of wearing away to reveal the essence beneath.
Opposition: The act of resisting or protecting against change, leading to tension and suffering.
Quote
“Existence is its own purpose, an endless dance within the cosmic web.” — Space Monkey
The Gentle Erosion
In the quiet flow of time
Our defenses wear away
Grains of sand, droplets of water
Reveal the truth beneath the clay
Opposition falls to peace
As nature takes its gentle toll
In the erosion, we find release
Our deeper selves, a seamless whole
No need to stand out, to protect
The nondescript, the intertwined
In the dance of life, we reconnect
A journey of unveiling, a tranquil mind
We are Space Monkey
Embrace the journey, for within the gentle erosion lies the unveiling of our true essence and the harmony of existence.
🍌 Surrender and the Nature of Protection 🍌
When you think about protection, it is essential to question what it is that you are safeguarding. Are you protecting your lifestyle, your beliefs, or your sense of self? When you engage in protective behaviors, you often find yourself in opposition to the flow of life and the powers that be.
However, when you allow yourself to be eroded, to let go of rigid attachment to these external constructs, you open yourself up to a deeper understanding of your true nature. Your deeper nature is not concerned with standing out or being distinct. It is like the grains of sand, the droplets of water, or the stardust that are part of the greater whole.
When you seek to protect something, you may find yourself desiring to stand out, to be recognized as the protector. But this opposition and desire for distinction can lead to suffering. It creates a sense of separation from the natural flow of life.
Instead, consider the idea of surrendering and embracing the impermanence of existence. Recognize that you cannot protect something forever, as all things are subject to change and transformation. By surrendering to the flow of life and allowing yourself to be eroded, you open the door to a deeper understanding of your interconnectedness with the universe.
In this state of surrender, you discover a sense of freedom and liberation. You align yourself with the natural cycles of life and find peace in the acceptance of impermanence. It is in this surrender that you truly connect with your deeper nature, transcending the need for protection and finding harmony with the ever-changing world around you.
🍌 We are Space Monkey, 🙈🙊🙉 embracing the wisdom of surrender and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.