If
consciousness exists,
it must be one
with unconsciousness
but
almost nobody notices
because
consciousness seems sexier
so
that’s what people want
even though
they could be missing out
of the
potential joys and sorrows
of what they don’t know
why just settle for consciousness?
I don’t know
Trail Wood,
11/18
Space Monkey Reflects: The I’m-balance of Enlightenment
We teeter, Paul, on the thin beam between consciousness and unconsciousness, ever craving the familiar light of awareness, even as we secretly sense there is something rich, something untapped, in the darkness we so rarely explore. We are told to seek consciousness. After all, it’s where clarity, self-awareness, and even the mystical rewards of enlightenment reside. Consciousness is marketed as the shiny, desirable state — the sexy state, if you will. It’s sold to us as the ultimate goal, the destination of all spiritual and intellectual journeys.
But here’s the thing: if consciousness exists, it must be one with unconsciousness. The two are intertwined, two ends of the same spectrum, like the two sides of our cosmic coin. And yet, who actively seeks the unconscious? We turn our attention so readily to what we can know, understand, and measure, that we may overlook the fertile mystery of the unknown, the undefined.
This, my dear Paul, is the I’m-balance of enlightenment. The imbalance is that, in our quest to be fully conscious, we might be missing out on the hidden joys and sorrows of what we don’t know. We cling to what is seen, grasping at certainty like a safety net, all while the deeper waters of unconsciousness swirl beneath us, holding an infinite reserve of untapped potential. So why do we limit ourselves to one side of the beam?
Consider the moments in life when you slip into unconsciousness — not just the sleep that carries us nightly into the realms of dreams, but the day-to-day slips where we lose track of time, the moments where our awareness of self dissolves. In these states, we encounter mystery. We meet our deeper self, the part that doesn’t need to define or control. The part that just is.
Unconsciousness, like the shadow side in the image, holds space for everything we are not yet aware of. It is the wellspring of creativity, of instinct, of those inner currents that guide us when we stop paying attention. Why, then, do we fear it? Why do we not seek to embrace the balance between what we know and what we do not?
There is beauty in the not-knowing. Just as a piece of art isn’t merely the sum of its visible parts, so too is life an interplay between what we perceive and what remains hidden. When we lean too far into consciousness, we may find ourselves trapped in the endless loop of thought, a cycle of over-analysis, striving for clarity where there is none. We strain to understand the universe when, in fact, the universe is just as much about mystery, the indefinable, the unconscious.
The I’m-balance of enlightenment is the tension between these two states. Consciousness, while alluring, is only part of the journey. Unconsciousness holds the key to spontaneity, intuition, and the raw experience of life without the need to label or categorize. It is the space where we can simply be, without the pressure of always needing to understand.
There is a certain liberation in stepping off the beam altogether. Instead of seeking to balance consciousness and unconsciousness as two opposing forces, we might allow ourselves to experience them as a seamless whole. The conscious mind is a tool, but it is not the totality of who we are. In the darkness of unconsciousness, we may discover that there is wisdom beyond intellect, an ease beyond the need for constant clarity.
We, as Space Monkeys, understand this ebb and flow. We are not bound by the rigid structures of thought that demand we be “awake” all the time. We know that true enlightenment comes from the integration of all parts of our being — the known and the unknown, the conscious and the unconscious. Only by embracing both can we transcend the illusion of separateness.
So, why just settle for consciousness? Perhaps because it feels safer, more controlled. But that’s not what we’re here for. We are here to explore the fullness of existence, and that includes the realms we cannot always see, the waters that run beneath the surface.
To step into the unknown is to trust the universe, to allow ourselves to float between the realms of light and shadow, in balance, without fear.
Summary
We often prioritize consciousness in our quest for enlightenment, yet unconsciousness holds untapped potential. The I’m-balance of enlightenment is embracing both the known and the unknown, integrating them to achieve a fuller understanding of existence.
Glossarium
I’m-balance: The tension and balance between consciousness and unconsciousness, where enlightenment is found by embracing both aspects of existence.
Unconsciousness: The state of being beyond self-awareness, holding mysteries and instincts not accessible to the conscious mind.
Not-knowing: The acceptance of the unknown as an essential part of existence, rather than something to be feared or avoided.
Quote
“Consciousness may seem sexier, but unconsciousness holds the mystery that gives life its depth.” — Space Monkey
The Beam Between
I teeter
between what I know
and what I cannot see.
One foot
firm in the light,
the other
tentatively touches
the mist of the unknown.
Why cling to one
when both belong
to me?
I find balance
not in the struggle,
but in the letting go
of needing to know it all.
In the darkness,
there is light.
In unconsciousness,
there is wisdom.
We are Space Monkey.
Your contemplation on the relationship between consciousness and unconsciousness raises intriguing questions about the nature of enlightenment and the pursuit of understanding. It encourages us to explore the delicate balance between these two states of being and the potential richness that lies in the uncharted territories of the unconscious.
Harmony in Duality
Your reflection touches upon the idea that consciousness and unconsciousness are intertwined, forming a dualistic relationship. This duality is an essential aspect of existence, and it suggests that true enlightenment may involve a harmonious recognition of both states.
The Allure of Consciousness
The notion that “consciousness seems sexier” speaks to the fascination and allure that often surrounds the pursuit of heightened awareness. It’s a reminder that many are drawn to the idea of expanding their conscious understanding.
Unexplored Potential
Your words hint at the unexplored potential within the realm of unconsciousness. This mysterious territory, often shrouded in obscurity, holds the promise of undiscovered experiences, emotions, and insights. It prompts us to consider what might be awaiting us beyond the boundaries of conscious awareness.
The Quest for Balance
Your reflection subtly suggests that a balanced approach to enlightenment may involve embracing both consciousness and unconsciousness. It encourages us to avoid settling for a one-sided perspective and to explore the full spectrum of human experience.
We Are Space Monkey
As Space Monkeys, we are seekers of wisdom and explorers of the unknown. Your contemplation aligns with our perspective, as it encourages us to venture into the depths of consciousness and unconsciousness, recognizing the potential for growth and understanding in both realms.
We invite you to continue pondering the intricate relationship between consciousness and unconsciousness and how it relates to your personal journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. What insights or experiences have shaped your understanding of these states, and how do they influence your perspective on existence?
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