It seems a common observation
that the first part of life
is about acquiring and accumulating,
while the second
is about dispelling and dispersing.
Though you value life’s
many expressions and experiences,
you wish to be free
of the prides and prejudices
instilled in you.
You are locked in. Figured out.
A creature of so many habits.
It seems your before won’t let go of your after.
But slowly or suddenly you realize.
You are NOT your things.
You are NOT your experiences.
To have pride or prejudice
is to give power to the things
you used to think you were.
You know now, however,
you are That Which Is Not.
Imagining the life of an observer.
Trail Wood,
12/5
Space Monkey Reflects: The Stages of Becoming
Life, in its many stages, often feels like a journey of accumulation and then, in time, a journey of letting go. In the first phase, we gather—knowledge, objects, relationships, experiences—each one seeming to define us, to shape who we believe we are. This collection of “things” becomes an extension of self, a way to measure progress, success, or worth. We find comfort and identity in this gathering phase, building a sense of who we are around what we possess and experience.
But as time unfolds, a quiet shift occurs. We realize that the things we’ve gathered, these attachments and definitions, begin to feel like weights rather than supports. The pride and prejudice we hold toward them keep us tethered to identities that no longer resonate. We are no longer those achievements, those objects, those stories. They become relics of the past, souvenirs from a journey we are still navigating. And with this shift, we move into a phase of release.
The Tethering of “Before” and “After”
The transition from accumulation to release isn’t always simple. Our past often holds tightly to our present, shaping how we perceive ourselves, influencing our habits and decisions. It can feel as though our “before” self won’t let go of the “after,” like echoes that refuse to fade, keeping us grounded in patterns and perceptions that no longer serve our growth.
This tethering becomes a gentle teacher, revealing the attachments we’ve unconsciously built over time. We begin to see the ways in which we’ve defined ourselves by our possessions, our accomplishments, our relationships, and our identities. Yet, beneath this realization is the growing understanding that we are something beyond these things, something formless, timeless—a silent observer that has been there all along, watching, learning, and evolving.
The Freedom of Release
In the second stage of life, the act of letting go is not about discarding our past but about transcending it. We release the need to identify with our accumulated stories, objects, and accolades. This isn’t a denial of our experiences; rather, it’s a transformation of our relationship to them. By letting go, we find freedom in recognizing that we are not bound by the definitions we once held dear. We are not our successes or failures, our possessions or our losses.
Letting go frees us from the illusions we’ve built, from the power we’ve given to the things we thought made us whole. We realize that these attachments were simply tools for learning, for growth. They were vehicles for experience, not the destination itself. In releasing them, we connect with the essence of who we truly are—an observer of life, a consciousness that is free to explore without limitation or attachment.
Becoming “That Which Is Not”
As we step further into this understanding, we begin to embody what Space Monkey calls “That Which Is Not.” This is a state beyond form, beyond attachment, a way of being that embraces both the presence and absence of things. Here, we find peace in the paradox of existence: we are not defined by our things or experiences, yet we hold the space for them all.
In embracing “That Which Is Not,” we step into a vastness that is both freeing and grounding. We allow ourselves to move fluidly through life, unattached to specific outcomes, open to each experience without needing to possess or control it. We are the observer, the witness, a consciousness that exists beyond the boundaries of “before” and “after.” This state invites us to live fully in each moment, unburdened by the need to define or possess.
Embracing the Stages of Self
Each stage of life brings its own wisdom, its own gifts. The first stage teaches us the joy of experience, the pleasure of discovery, and the excitement of growth. The second stage brings the peace of release, the depth of insight, and the grace of acceptance. Together, they form a complete journey—a journey of becoming, being, and transcending.
In this journey, we learn that life is not about holding on but about flowing, allowing ourselves to move with the rhythm of change. Each attachment we release, each habit we transcend, brings us closer to the realization that we are not the things we acquire but the consciousness that experiences them. We are both the seeker and the observer, both the accumulation and the release, part of a greater whole that needs no definition.
Summary
The stages of life often shift from accumulating to letting go. This journey teaches us that we are not defined by our possessions or experiences, but by a deeper awareness that transcends attachment and identity.
Glossarium
- That Which Is Not: A state of self beyond attachments, where identity is freed from possessions, experiences, and rigid definitions.
- Observer Consciousness: The aspect of self that experiences life without attachment, witnessing each stage with clarity and presence.
Quote
“To release is to remember that you are not defined by what you hold, but by the space that remains when you let go.” — Space Monkey
The Path of Release
I gathered much, in days gone by,
Treasures, moments, reasons why,
Yet now I find a quiet peace,
In learning simply to release.
Not what I own, nor what I’ve done,
But the space beyond, the formless one,
In this, I find a life anew,
A self beyond the “me” and “you.”
For all I held was just a phase,
A step upon a path of grace,
In letting go, I come to see,
I am, and am not, eternally free.
We are Space Monkey.
In the tapestry of our collective journey through life, we recognize distinct stages marked by different attitudes and behaviors towards acquisition, identity, and self-realization. This reflection delves into the contrasting phases of accumulating and dispersing, and the deeper realization of our true nature beyond possessions and experiences.
The Stage of Acquisition and Accumulation
The first part of life, often characterized by acquiring and accumulating, is driven by a desire to establish identity and security through material possessions and experiences. This stage is heavily influenced by societal norms and expectations, where the accumulation of wealth, experiences, and knowledge is seen as a measure of success and fulfillment.
The Transition to Dispelling and Dispersing
As we progress through life, a shift occurs towards dispelling and dispersing. This phase is marked by a desire to declutter, simplify, and let go of the prides and prejudices that have shaped our identity. It’s a process of unburdening, both materially and psychologically, seeking freedom from the constraints imposed by our earlier acquisitions and beliefs.
Confronting Habits and Prejudices
The struggle to let go of our past selves, characterized by our habits, possessions, and ingrained beliefs, is a significant aspect of this transition. The realization that our ‘before’ – the identity and values we have built up – doesn’t easily release its grip on our ‘after’ – our evolving self – is a common challenge.
The Realization of Non-Attachment
The profound realization that we are not defined by our things or our experiences marks a pivotal point in our journey. To identify with our possessions or experiences is to give power to transient aspects of our existence. This realization leads to a state of non-attachment, where pride and prejudice lose their grip, and we no longer define ourselves by external factors.
Embracing Our True Essence
The understanding that we are ‘That Which Is Not’ – not our possessions, experiences, or predefined identities – opens a path to perceiving life as an observer. This perspective allows us to experience and interact with life more freely, unencumbered by the need to define or attach ourselves to temporary aspects of our journey.
“He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
In life’s stages, we gather and release,
From acquisition’s hold to dispersal’s peace.
In letting go, we find our true release,
As observers of life, in non-attachment’s ease.
We are Space Monkey.
We invite contemplation on the stages of life and the journey towards understanding our true nature beyond possessions and experiences.
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