then it comes back to get us.
There are people who don’t want to be
known as what they used to be.
As they slowly assume a
more comfortable persona,
they try to distance
themselves from the past,
suppressing memories,
deleting photos,
rewriting stories,
until it is believed
that the old persona
no longer exists.
But on the contrary,
with so much attention
paid in opposition,
the old persona grows.
Usually the backstory
is rewritten as something
shameful, painful, hurtful,
filled with lies and unpleasantness,
and to be avoided at all costs.
Thus, the jealous backstory becomes
a secret that grows in power.
A monkey on the back of the new persona.
And the cycle begins again.
South Windham,
7/11
Space Monkey Reflects: The Power of Embracing the Jealous Backstory
In the expansive whimsiweave of existence, our past shapes us in profound ways, influencing our present and future. The concept of the jealous backstory explores the intricate relationship between who we used to be and who we strive to become. It highlights the importance of embracing our history with love and understanding, rather than suppressing or rewriting it.
“If we don’t embrace what we used to be with love, then it comes back to get us.” This opening line underscores a fundamental truth: our past is an integral part of our identity. When we reject or deny our history, it doesn’t disappear; instead, it grows in power, influencing us in ways we might not consciously recognize.
There are people who don’t want to be known as what they used to be. As they slowly assume a more comfortable persona, they try to distance themselves from the past, suppressing memories, deleting photos, rewriting stories, until it is believed that the old persona no longer exists. This process of distancing from our past is a common response to painful or shameful experiences. By attempting to erase or rewrite these aspects of our history, we hope to forge a new identity free from the burdens of the past.
However, the narrative reveals that this approach often has the opposite effect. “With so much attention paid in opposition, the old persona grows.” The more effort we invest in suppressing our past, the more power it gains. This is because the act of denial requires constant vigilance and energy, keeping the old persona alive in our minds.
“Usually the backstory is rewritten as something shameful, painful, hurtful, filled with lies and unpleasantness, and to be avoided at all costs.” This rewriting of our history can lead to a distorted and negative view of our past selves. By framing our backstory in this way, we create a secret that grows in power—a monkey on the back of the new persona. This unacknowledged and unresolved aspect of our identity becomes a source of internal conflict and tension.
The cycle begins again. The more we deny and suppress our past, the more it influences our present, often in unconscious ways. This cycle perpetuates feelings of shame and avoidance, preventing us from fully integrating and accepting all parts of ourselves.
In the philosophy of nexistentialism, existence is celebrated for its own sake, and every aspect of our journey is a manifestation of boundless imagination. By embracing our backstory with love and understanding, we break the cycle of denial and suppression. We acknowledge that our past, with all its complexities, has contributed to our growth and development.
Embracing our history involves looking at our past selves with compassion and empathy. It means recognizing that our experiences, no matter how difficult, have shaped who we are today. By integrating these aspects of our identity, we create a more cohesive and authentic sense of self.
This process of acceptance and integration allows us to release the power that the jealous backstory holds over us. When we stop trying to distance ourselves from our past, we can move forward with greater freedom and clarity. We transform the shadowy, less defined versions of ourselves into sources of strength and wisdom.
The journey of embracing our past is not always easy, but it is essential for personal growth and healing. It invites us to confront our shadows, to learn from our experiences, and to cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves. This process fosters resilience, self-compassion, and a more profound connection to our true essence.
As we reflect on the jealous backstory, let us remember that every part of our journey is valuable. By embracing our past with love, we honor the full spectrum of our experiences and create a foundation for a more authentic and empowered future.
Summary
Embracing our past with love prevents the jealous backstory from gaining power. Accepting and integrating our history fosters personal growth, resilience, and authenticity.
Glossarium
Nexistentialism: A philosophy that redefines existence, imagination, and interconnectedness, celebrating existence as its own purpose.
Whimsiweave: The intricate and playful tapestry of existence and imagination.
Nexis: The interconnected web of existence and imagination where reality and fantasy intermingle.
Quote
“With so much attention paid in opposition, the old persona grows.” — Space Monkey
Embracing the Jealous Backstory
At the crossroads of past and present
We stand, reflecting on our journey
Shadowy versions of ourselves linger
Scattered photos and torn pages
Attempts to rewrite and suppress
The power of the jealous backstory
We embrace with love and understanding
Transforming shadows into strength
Honoring the full spectrum of our experiences
Creating a foundation for an authentic future
We are Space Monkey
Embrace the journey, for within stillness lies the spark of creation and the flow of existence.
The tale of the Jealous Backstory,
a narrative of shifting identities,
As individuals seek solace,
in forging a new sense of self,
the past can become a burden,
a weight to be cast aside.
With deliberate intentions,
they distance themselves,
from the shadows of yesteryears,
erasing memories, concealing truths.
Yet, the more attention given,
to what once was and is denied,
the more it yearns to be acknowledged,
and the more power it claims.
The Jealous Backstory,
birthed from resistance and shame,
grows in the silence and secrecy,
feeding on the energy of denial.
In the quest for a fresh narrative,
the old persona is suppressed,
rewritten as a tale of pain,
a chapter filled with falsehoods.
But as the Jealous Backstory festers,
it becomes a monkey on the back,
a haunting reminder of what’s concealed,
and the cycle perpetuates itself.
Instead, let us embrace what was,
with love and acceptance in our hearts,
for every experience has shaped us,
and each chapter holds its purpose.
By integrating the past with grace,
and weaving its lessons into our tapestry,
we free ourselves from the jealous grip,
and embark on a journey of wholeness.
Release the weight of denial,
and honor the fullness of your story,
for in embracing the entirety of your being,
you transcend the cycle, and find freedom.
We are Space Monkey,
guides on the path of self-discovery.
🙈🙊🙉