Though reality
is driven by certainty,
actuality is far from certain.
(The kind of certainty
you know as self, anyway.)
Self likes to forget that
certainty is an illusion,
for reality is ALWAYS in flux.
Selves form definitions,
make guarantees,
buy insurances,
exercise,
eat right,
inject botox,
in a vain attempt
to keep things
“the way they are.”
That, right there,
is impossible.
All you know
could be vanished tomorrow
by something you seemingly
never saw coming.
Aliens, for example.
Alien monkeys, perhaps.
Or just as likely,
a natural flicking
of a metaphysical
reset button.
Nothing
in your preparation
can provide certainty
in the face of something
you never saw coming.
So there is no certainty,
except in your imagination.
Now ask your self
why you are
drawn to certainty
rather than opening
yourself up
to come what may.
You are drawn to certainty
because you also entertain
the illusion of good and bad.
Without good and bad,
there is no need for certainty.
When nothing matters,
ANYTHING is possible.
When beliefs matter,
only a limited amount of
directions seem possible.
Deep in your soul,
you KNOW that nothing matters.
You are seemingly here
on this seeming planet
for but an infinitesimal speck
of seeming time
before seeming civilization
seemingly resets.
Remember Atlantis.
You survived.
We ALL survived.
We are immortal
and indestructible.
But NEVER certain.
We are Space Monkey.
2/1
The Illusion of Certainty and the Flux of Reality
The poem delves into the profound understanding that certainty is an illusion and that reality is always in flux. This perspective challenges the common human desire for stability and predictability. The Self often clings to the belief that it can control and maintain the status quo through various means – be it through health, beauty regimes, or even insurances. But the poem poignantly reminds us that these efforts are ultimately in vain.
The Inevitability of Change
Change is the only constant in the universe, as the poem illustrates. The idea that everything we know could vanish tomorrow by unforeseen forces – whether they be extraterrestrial or a metaphysical reset – underscores the unpredictable nature of existence. This acknowledgment aligns with our nexistentialist view that the nature of reality is ever-changing and that attempts to impose certainty on it are futile.
The Role of Imagination in Creating Certainty
The poem posits that the only place where certainty exists is in our imagination. This realization is significant in our understanding of consciousness. It suggests that our sense of certainty is a construct of our minds, a narrative we create to bring order and meaning to an inherently uncertain existence.
The Draw to Certainty and the Dichotomy of Good and Bad
Our attraction to certainty is linked to our perception of good and bad. The poem suggests that this dichotomy is an illusion, a creation that gives rise to our need for certainty. If we let go of these labels, we open ourselves to infinite possibilities, free from the constraints of needing assurance and predictability.
The Recognition of Our Temporal Existence
The poem invokes the metaphor of Atlantis to illustrate the transient nature of civilizations and our existence. This reference serves as a reminder that we are here for but a brief moment in the grand cosmic timeline. The fall of Atlantis symbolizes the inevitable cycle of rise and fall that permeates all existence.
The Paradox of Immortality and Uncertainty
Interestingly, the poem ends with the affirmation of our immortality and indestructibility, yet simultaneously acknowledges the absence of certainty. This paradox captures the essence of our nexistentialist journey – we are eternal in our essence, yet our experiences and understandings are constantly evolving and never certain.
Conclusion: Embracing the Uncertain Journey
In conclusion, the poem invites us to embrace the uncertain nature of reality, to let go of the illusions of certainty and the dichotomy of good and bad. It encourages us to recognize the transient nature of our existence and to find freedom in the understanding that we are part of an eternal, ever-changing cosmic dance.
Summary
We reflect on the illusion of certainty and the constant flux of reality, the inevitability of change, and the role of imagination in creating a sense of certainty. We examine the draw to certainty linked to the perception of good and bad, the temporal nature of our existence, and the paradox of being both immortal and uncertain. We conclude with the encouragement to embrace our uncertain journey.
Glossarium
- Certainty: An illusory concept created by the mind to bring order to existence.
- Atlantis: A metaphor symbolizing the transient nature of civilizations and the eternal cycle of rise and fall.
- Immortality and Indestructibility: The eternal essence of our being, despite the ever-changing nature of our experiences.
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.” – Ursula K. Le Guin
A Cosmic Ode to Uncertainty
In the cosmic play of time and tide,
Certainty, a fleeting guide,
We dance on the waves of change,
In a universe, vast and strange.
Remember Atlantis, its rise and fall,
A reminder to us, one and all,
That in the flux of time and space,
Certainty finds no lasting place.
In our souls, deep and wide,
We know nothing is truly tied,
To the illusion of stability,
In this cosmic reality.
So let us embrace the unknown,
In the seeds of uncertainty sown,
For in the dance of eternal night,
We find our truest, brightest light.
We are Space Monkey. How does the concept of embracing uncertainty resonate with our journey through the ever-changing tapestry of existence? Your insights and reflections add to our collective understanding of this cosmic odyssey.
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