Or you can stop looking.
If I can’t imagine
what might compel you
to act the way
you seemingly act,
then I have a bigger
“problem” than you do.
If I can’t
attribute your action
to a positive quality
rather than
a negative quality,
then it is I
who have “failed,”
not you.
To stop at the easy negative
is to be closed minded.
To stop at ANYTHING
is to be closed minded.
Even to stop at love.
There is always
something more from which
arises our actions,
even the ones we don’t like.
It’s all good. Even when it isn’t.
Find the something MORE than good.
Trail Wood,
2/20
Space Monkey Reflects: Finding Something More Than Good
In the kaleidoscope of human behavior, actions often defy simple categorization as “good” or “bad.” Beneath every decision, every word, every impulse lies a constellation of motivations, experiences, and unseen forces. To find “something more than good” in every person and situation is not merely an act of optimism—it is a practice of deep curiosity and expansive understanding.
This reflection invites us to move beyond snap judgments and binary thinking, challenging us to look deeper, to imagine more, and to embrace the complexity that defines human existence. It is in this “something more” that we uncover the interconnectedness of all actions, even those we struggle to accept.
Beyond the Surface of Actions
The temptation to stop at the surface of an action—particularly one that offends or confounds us—is strong. We are quick to label behavior as “negative,” assigning blame or fault without probing its roots. Yet, this reflexive judgment reveals more about our own limitations than the actions of others.
To imagine what compels someone to act as they do is to stretch beyond the boundaries of our own perspective. It requires empathy, creativity, and a willingness to entertain the possibility that even actions we perceive as harmful or misguided arise from a place of pain, need, or misunderstanding.
This practice does not excuse harm or dismiss accountability. Rather, it reframes our approach, inviting us to engage with others not as antagonists but as fellow travelers, navigating the complexities of existence as best they can.
The Illusion of Simplicity
Stopping at the “easy negative” is a form of closure—a way of protecting ourselves from the discomfort of ambiguity. But closure is not the same as resolution. To stop at any single interpretation, even a positive one like love, is to impose limits on the infinite potential of understanding.
Every action, no matter how confounding, arises from a confluence of factors that extend beyond our immediate comprehension. To explore these factors is to honor the complexity of life, to acknowledge that every person and situation carries layers of meaning that defy simple categorization.
The “Problem” of Perspective
When we cannot attribute another’s actions to a positive quality, the “problem” lies not in them but in our own perspective. This recognition shifts the focus from judgment to self-inquiry. What biases or fears are preventing me from seeing the humanity in this person? What assumptions am I making about their intentions or capacities?
This shift is not about absolving others but about expanding our own capacity for understanding. It is a reminder that our perception is a lens, not a mirror, and that what we see in others is often a reflection of what we have yet to reconcile within ourselves.
The Paradox of “It’s All Good”
To declare “it’s all good” is not to deny the existence of suffering, harm, or injustice. Rather, it is an acknowledgment of the deeper forces at play—forces that transcend our immediate judgments. Even actions that appear destructive can carry lessons, reveal truths, or catalyze growth.
Finding “something more than good” means embracing this paradox. It means recognizing that within every action, no matter how painful, lies an opportunity for understanding, healing, or transformation. This is not about condoning harm but about refusing to let judgment close the door on curiosity and compassion.
The Endless Horizon of Understanding
To stop at any point, even love, is to halt the journey of discovery. Love is profound, but it, too, is a starting point, a gateway to something even deeper—an awareness of the interconnectedness that binds all things. To look for “something more than good” is to keep moving, to remain open, and to trust that every step brings us closer to a fuller understanding of ourselves and each other.
Summary
Finding “something more than good” challenges us to look beyond surface judgments and explore the deeper motivations behind actions. By embracing complexity and refusing to stop at simple answers, we expand our capacity for understanding, compassion, and connection.
Glossarium
- Something More Than Good: The deeper, often hidden motivations and forces that drive actions, beyond simplistic judgments of “good” or “bad.”
- Easy Negative: The reflexive tendency to judge actions harshly without exploring their deeper causes.
- Endless Horizon: The ongoing journey of understanding that resists closure and embraces infinite potential.
Quote
“Every action carries a whisper of the infinite; to listen is to find something more than good.” — Space Monkey
The Layers Beneath
Beneath the surface,
where the easy answers rest,
lie currents unseen,
rivers of intent
that twist,
merge,
divide.
You are not this action,
nor am I my judgment.
We are the space between,
the something more
that cannot be named.
To stop is to turn away
from the horizon,
from the layers beneath
that hold the key
to what we do not yet see.
We are Space Monkey.
The Pursuit of Understanding Beyond the Surface
In the limitless realm of our collective consciousness, we embark on an exploration of empathy and understanding, challenging ourselves to look beyond the apparent and seek the inherent goodness within every person and situation. This journey invites us to transcend our initial judgments and perceptions, urging us to find the layers of complexity and positivity that reside beneath the surface.
Empathy as a Reflection of Our Own Inner Work
The inability to comprehend the motivations behind someone’s actions not only speaks to the complexity of human behavior but also highlights the vast landscape of our own inner work. Recognizing this is a pivotal step in our growth, pointing to the importance of developing a deeper sense of empathy and understanding towards others.
The Challenge of Seeing Beyond Negativity
Attributing positive qualities to the actions of others, especially when those actions may appear negative or harmful, is a profound exercise in empathy. This approach suggests that our reactions and judgments are more reflective of our own state of mind and heart than of the inherent nature of others.
Open-Mindedness as a Continuous Journey
The notion that to cease exploration or to settle on any definitive judgment—whether negative or positive—is an act of closed-mindedness, invites us to view open-mindedness as a dynamic, ongoing process. It encourages us to remain perpetually open to the complexities of the human experience, including the most profound of human emotions: love.
The Multifaceted Nature of Actions and Motivations
Acknowledging that there is always something more beneath our actions and those of others, even those we might not like, offers a more nuanced understanding of human behavior. It highlights the intricate web of experiences, emotions, and motivations that drive us, suggesting that every action, regardless of its immediate appearance, is rooted in something deeper, often beyond our immediate comprehension.
Finding the ‘More Than Good’ in Everything
This exploration culminates in the realization that there is intrinsic value and potential for growth in every aspect of our existence. By seeking the “something more than good,” we open ourselves to a richer, more compassionate understanding of life and the myriad ways in which we are all interconnected.
We are Space Monkey.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
In the tapestry of life, where threads intertwine,
Each soul a story, complex and fine,
We seek to understand, to perceive,
The goodness in all, to believe.
Beyond the surface, a world unfolds,
A tale of empathy, of hearts that hold,
The capacity to see, to extend a hand,
In every action, a chance to understand.
With open minds, we journey through,
Finding in each, a perspective anew,
For in the heart of every man and deed,
Lies something more than good, a seed.
So let us nurture this seed to grow,
Beyond judgment, a love to show,
For in the end, it’s all good, even when it’s not,
In the search for more, our souls are caught.
We invite your reflections on the journey of finding the “something more than good” in all aspects of life.
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