I am a vessel
of the Divine One.
I am the filigree dish
that holds the candy.
I am not the candy.
I am not the filigree.
I am the vessel
through which
the grace of
the Divine is given.
The candy is not mine.
The filigree is not mine.
I am not even mine,
but rather an expression
of the Divine One’s hospitality,
like the bowl, the candy,
and the filigree.
I could just as well
be a rusty garbage can
filled with rotten trash,
and I would be equally grateful.
I would be equally useful.
Trail Wood,
11/9
Space Monkey Reflects: The Filigree Vessel and Divine Expression
What is a vessel? In our everyday lives, a vessel is something that holds, carries, or contains. But Space Monkey knows that a vessel, in the broader cosmic sense, is much more. We are all vessels of the Divine One, and through us, the grace and hospitality of the universe flows. Whether we are adorned in intricate filigree or rusted and worn, our value comes not from the vessel itself, but from the role we play in the grand design of existence.
The Filigree and the Candy
Imagine yourself as a beautifully ornate filigree dish, intricately designed and gleaming with elegance. In this dish, bright and colorful candy is presented to the world. But you are not the candy, nor are you the filigree. You are the vessel—the container through which the divine offering is given. The candy, like grace, is not yours to keep, but to hold and to share.
Space Monkey reminds us that the candy is not what defines us, nor is the outward appearance of the dish. The filigree, as beautiful as it may be, is also not our essence. We are simply the means by which the candy—the grace, the wisdom, the love—is shared with others. Our purpose is not tied to the value of the candy or the adornment of the dish, but to the fact that we are a channel for something greater than ourselves.
A Vessel, No Matter the Form
But what if you were not a filigree dish? What if you were a rusty garbage can, filled not with candy but with trash? Would you be any less valuable? Space Monkey says no. The vessel itself is not the point; the act of being a vessel is. Whether we are shiny and beautiful or worn and discarded, we are still vessels of the divine. We still serve a purpose. We still offer something to the world.
This is the core truth: the Divine does not judge the vessel by its appearance or contents. It simply flows through whatever form is available. You could be a treasure chest filled with gold or a broken jar filled with dirt—it doesn’t matter. What matters is the openness to serve as a conduit for something greater. In this way, both the ornate dish and the garbage can are equally valuable, equally worthy of gratitude.
You Are Not Your Vessel
One of the great illusions of life is the belief that we are defined by our vessel—by the outward form we take, the roles we play, or the accomplishments we achieve. But Space Monkey knows that we are not our vessels. We are not the things we carry, nor are we the decoration that adorns us. We are expressions of something far more infinite, far more divine, than any physical form could capture.
When you realize that you are not the vessel but the divine expression itself, a weight is lifted. You no longer feel the need to perfect your outward appearance, to achieve some arbitrary standard of success, or to prove your worth. You simply allow yourself to be what you are—a vessel through which the universe offers its grace. You become a channel for love, wisdom, and kindness, without attachment to how it looks or what others may think of your form.
The Grace of Being a Vessel
Space Monkey reminds us that there is deep grace in being a vessel, in knowing that your purpose is not to be the candy or the filigree, but to hold and share what is given. There is freedom in this realization, for you no longer need to strive to be anything other than what you already are. Whether your vessel is adorned or plain, polished or rusted, filled with sweetness or refuse, you are serving your purpose simply by being open to the flow of divine grace.
This is true for all of us. We are vessels of something greater than ourselves, and in being so, we find our highest expression. It is not about what we achieve or how we look. It is about how we serve, how we allow the infinite to move through us, and how we share that grace with the world.
Summary
We are all vessels of the Divine One, whether adorned with filigree or rusted and worn. Our purpose is not to be the candy or the decoration but to serve as a conduit for divine grace. The form of the vessel does not matter—it is the openness to the flow of the divine that gives us value and purpose.
Glossarium
- Filigree Vessel: A symbolic representation of a person who serves as a conduit for divine grace, without attachment to appearance or contents.
- Divine Grace: The infinite love, wisdom, and energy of the universe that flows through all beings, offered freely through the vessels we become.
- Conduit of the Divine: The role of a person as a channel through which the divine offers its grace, love, and kindness to the world.
Quote
“You are not the candy, you are not the filigree, you are the vessel through which grace is given.” — Space Monkey
The Grace in the Vessel
I am not the gold, the silver, or the rust
I am the space within
Where grace flows, where love is shared
The candy is not mine
The filigree not my own
Yet I hold them both
I am the vessel
Whether ornate or worn
I am open, I am whole
We are Space Monkey
In the contemplation of the self as a filigree vessel, we encounter a profound metaphor that speaks to the essence of our existence and our relationship with the Divine. This imagery is not just a whimsical reflection but a deep exploration of identity, purpose, and gratitude within the grand cosmic play.
Understanding the Vessel
The notion of being a vessel of the Divine One encapsulates a fundamental aspect of our nexistential journey. It signifies a state of being through which the essence of the Divine flows and manifests. This vessel, adorned as a filigree dish holding candy, is a symbol of the grace and blessings that flow through us.
Beyond the Physical Form
In declaring, “I am not the candy. I am not the filigree,” we are reminded that our essence transcends the physical form and material possessions. The filigree, intricate and beautiful, represents the external manifestations of life, while the candy symbolizes the transient pleasures and experiences. Yet, we are neither these experiences nor the external beauty; we are the conduit for something greater.
Expression of Divine Hospitality
Describing oneself as an expression of the Divine One’s hospitality expands our understanding of existence. We become participants in a greater narrative, where our role is to facilitate the flow of divine grace. Like the bowl, the candy, and the filigree, we are integral components in the divine act of giving and receiving.
Embracing All Forms of Existence
The acceptance of potentially being “a rusty garbage can filled with rotten trash” speaks to a profound level of humility and gratitude. It’s an acknowledgment that our value does not diminish with our external circumstances. Whether we are vessels of beauty or objects of disregard, our worth remains unchanged in the eyes of the Divine.
Equanimity in Being
This equanimity in the face of contrasting states of existence — the filigree dish versus the rusty garbage can — highlights a deep understanding of universal equality and usefulness. It’s a recognition that all forms of existence, irrespective of their outward appearance, have an intrinsic value and purpose in the cosmic narrative.
We are Space Monkey.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
In the cosmic gallery, we stand,
Vessels of light, in the divine’s hand,
Filigree dishes, ornate and grand,
Or rusty cans, on life’s strand.
We hold the candy, sweet and bright,
In the divine’s grace, we take our flight,
Not the vessel, nor the treat,
But the channel, where heaven and earth meet.
In our form, be it fair or worn,
In our essence, we are reborn,
As expressions of the divine’s will,
In every role, our purpose, still.
We are Space Monkey, in our grace,
In every form, we find our place,
In the divine’s hospitality, we embrace,
Our existence, a sacred space.
We invite insights on this journey of understanding
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