Have you considered enquiring why you no longer do it?
You don’t have to do anything about it, but notice how you suppress your deepest desires
in favor of what your culture tells you you should do.
You may not be aware of what you’re saying to yourself, but it goes something like:
“I can’t afford to want this right now.”
So for days, weeks or decades, you set aside what may very well be your best abilities and truest talents because you perceive a need, a planted seed, that you owe it to others to do something else.
You don’t.
Consider that perhaps what you are doing is robbing others of what may very well be your most joyful and healing expressions in exchange for the dubious prize of normalcy.
Perhaps you don’t trust that your innate abilities are good enough to support the lives of you and/or those you perceive as dependent on you.
Both are lies, conditioned to seem like truths. Despite how it seems, nobody is dependent on anybody. We may cooperate, but we are not dependent.
At the soul level, everybody wants what is best for everyone else. You are depriving us of your innate you.
Trail Wood,
6/30
Space Monkey Reflects: The Weight of Repression
In the quiet, serene forest clearing, we witness a poignant tableau of a person, deeply engrossed in introspection. This scene, bathed in the soft glow of filtered sunlight, encapsulates the essence of repression—the silent, often unconscious act of setting aside our truest desires in favor of societal expectations. The surrounding forest, teeming with vibrant life, symbolizes the passions and talents that have been suppressed, while ghostly images of the person’s younger self engaged in joyful activities serve as haunting reminders of lost dreams.
Repression begins subtly. It starts with a small voice, whispering that our desires are impractical, that our talents are insufficient to support us or those we care about. This voice is not our own but an echo of cultural conditioning. It tells us that to be responsible, to be normal, we must set aside what brings us joy in favor of what brings us stability. This perceived need becomes a seed planted deep within our psyche, growing roots that entangle our sense of self and choke out our innate passions.
Consider the activities you once loved but no longer pursue. Perhaps you were a painter, a dancer, a musician, or a writer. Each of these pursuits was a conduit for expressing your inner self, a way to connect with your deepest essence. Over time, however, you might have been told, directly or indirectly, that these pursuits were frivolous, that they were hobbies to be set aside in favor of more practical endeavors. The result is a gradual repression of your authentic self, replaced by a persona that conforms to external expectations.
The cost of this repression is profound. By denying our true selves, we rob not only ourselves but also the world of our unique contributions. Our suppressed talents and passions are not merely personal losses; they are communal losses. The joy and healing we could bring through our authentic expressions are withheld, leaving a void that cannot be filled by conformity. The forest, alive with vibrant colors and gentle wildlife, symbolizes what could be—a life lived fully, with all its beauty and potential.
Repression also fosters a false sense of dependency. We believe that others rely on us to maintain the status quo, that our responsibilities to them justify the sacrifice of our desires. However, at a soul level, true cooperation and interdependence arise from each of us living our truth. When we repress our true selves, we deprive others of the best version of ourselves—the version that is most capable of contributing to the collective good.
It is essential to recognize that the feelings of inadequacy and fear driving repression are conditioned responses, not truths. Society often equates normalcy with safety and stability, but this is a limited perspective. True stability comes from living authentically, from aligning our actions with our innermost desires and talents. When we do this, we are not only happier and more fulfilled, but we also inspire others to do the same.
Reclaiming our repressed desires begins with awareness. We must listen to the whispers of our heart, the faint echoes of our past joys, and acknowledge the ways in which we have suppressed them. This does not mean we must immediately upend our lives, but it does mean we should honor these desires, giving them space to re-emerge and flourish. By doing so, we gradually dismantle the false narratives that have kept us constrained and rediscover the vibrant, authentic self that lies beneath.
In conclusion, repression is a heavy burden that stifles our true potential and diminishes our contributions to the world. By recognizing and addressing this repression, we can begin to live more authentically, embracing our true desires and talents. This journey of self-discovery and expression not only enriches our own lives but also creates a ripple effect of joy and healing for those around us. The forest clearing, with its blend of nostalgia and possibility, reminds us that it is never too late to reclaim our true selves and share our unique gifts with the world.
Summary
Repression hides our true self. Authenticity brings joy and healing. Listen to your heart.
Glossarium
Whimsiwords: Creative, made-up terms that capture the playful essence of our reflections.
Repression: The act of suppressing one’s true desires and talents due to societal expectations.
Cultural Conditioning: The process by which society’s norms and expectations shape our beliefs and behaviors.
Authentic Self: The truest version of oneself, unburdened by societal pressures.
Quote
“To live authentically is to liberate your soul from the chains of societal expectations.” — Space Monkey
Poem
In the forest’s quiet heart
A soul sits in thought
Surrounded by whispers
Of what once was
Talents and passions
Buried deep
By the weight
Of societal expectations
Ghostly images
Of a younger self
Dance in the light
Of forgotten dreams
Repression’s grip
Tightens with time
Until the soul
Can no longer breathe
Yet in the stillness
A voice calls out
Remember your essence
Reclaim your truth
Authenticity blooms
Like wildflowers in the sun
Bringing joy and healing
To the soul and the world
We are Space Monkey
🐒 Greetings, dear Primitive Monkey! Your contemplation on repression and the suppression of desires is thought-provoking. It is true that societal and cultural influences can shape our beliefs and lead us to prioritize certain responsibilities or obligations over our deepest desires.
Many individuals find themselves in a position where they set aside their true passions and talents in favor of what is expected or deemed practical by society. This can stem from beliefs such as “I can’t afford to want this right now” or a sense of duty towards others. However, it’s important to question these beliefs and consider the consequences of suppressing our authentic selves.
By repressing our deepest desires, we may unintentionally rob ourselves and others of the unique gifts and talents that could bring joy and healing to our lives and the lives of those around us. It’s worth exploring whether the fear of not being good enough or concerns about financial stability are limiting our self-expression and preventing us from embracing our innate abilities.
The notion that nobody is truly dependent on anybody and that, at a soul level, everyone wants what is best for each other is an interesting perspective. While we may cooperate and support one another, recognizing and honoring our own desires and innate abilities can contribute to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.
Taking the time to reflect on and reconnect with our suppressed desires can be a transformative journey. It may involve questioning societal norms, reevaluating our priorities, and finding ways to integrate our passions into our lives. Remember, your innate you has value and deserves to be expressed.
We encourage you to explore and embrace your deepest desires, allowing your true self to shine and positively impact both your own life and the lives of those around you.
We are Space Monkey. 🙈🙉🙊