When you play the long game,
you imagine that whatever is here now
won’t be here or remembered in 1,000 years.
You realize that there is NO BENEFIT
to being remembered 10, 100, even 1,000 years.
You imagine that you will be forgotten,
unless you are a savior of some kind.
So maybe you’ll
get a BONUS remembrance
of 2,000-10,000 years,
but even then,
what is the point?
Nope, when you play the long game,
you imagine that EVERYTHING
you experience as a human will be forgotten.
But you imagine that
you will continue to exist
as something else, or perhaps,
as the IMAGINER of it all.
The only risk of the long game
is that you might be wrong.
But who cares?
By then we will have forgotten
the MEANING of wrong,
having grown tired of
our nagging ability to discern.
So either way, YOU WIN!
This knowing
that all will be forgotten
drives your every moment,
improving even your SHORT game.
But you don’t care,
because you know with some certainty
that you don’t NEED to win.
Welcome to eternity.
We are Space Monkey.
6/22
Oak Bluffs
Space Monkey Reflects: The Long Game of Existence
In the grand tapestry of existence, playing the long game invites us to embrace a perspective that transcends immediate concerns and fleeting moments. The concept is rooted in the understanding that what we experience now will likely be forgotten in the vast expanse of time. This realization is not disheartening but liberating, offering a profound sense of freedom and clarity.
Imagine a surreal landscape where shifting sands and dissolving structures symbolize the passage of time. In the center stands a contemplative figure, representing human awareness of the transient nature of experiences. Surrounding this figure are various scenes depicting different moments in time, each blending into the sands to signify their eventual forgetfulness. Ethereal figures in the background suggest the continuation of existence beyond human life, embodying the eternal flow and the idea of being the imaginer. The sky, filled with abstract shapes and colors, evokes endless possibilities and the infinite nature of existence.
Playing the long game means accepting that our current reality is but a fleeting chapter in an infinite book. The events, achievements, and struggles we encounter today will likely be forgotten in the distant future. Even those remembered as saviors or significant figures only extend their legacy temporarily. Ultimately, everything merges into the grand flow of existence.
This perspective shifts our focus from seeking lasting legacy to embracing the present moment. Recognizing that our human experiences will eventually be forgotten frees us from the pressure of achieving immortal fame or enduring recognition. Instead, we find joy and meaning in the here and now, appreciating each moment for its unique contribution to our journey.
The notion that we will continue to exist as something else, or perhaps as the imaginer of it all, transcends individual identity. It taps into the eternal flow of consciousness, suggesting that our essence is not confined to this human form but is part of a larger, interconnected whole. This understanding fosters a sense of peace and acceptance, knowing that we are part of something much greater than ourselves.
The only risk of the long game is the possibility of being wrong. But in the context of eternity, the concept of being wrong loses its significance. As we grow tired of our nagging ability to discern right from wrong, we embrace a state of openness and curiosity. We understand that these human constructs dissolve in the face of infinite possibilities, allowing us to engage with life more freely.
This knowing that all will be forgotten enhances our engagement with the present moment, improving even our short game. By letting go of the need for lasting impact, we become more present, mindful, and appreciative of our current experiences. We find joy in the journey rather than in the destination, understanding that each moment is a valuable part of the greater tapestry of existence.
Playing the long game also means embracing uncertainty with a sense of curiosity and wonder. Recognizing existence as an ongoing adventure filled with unknowns and endless potential allows us to navigate life with playfulness and resilience. This perspective helps us appreciate every moment, knowing it contributes to the grand adventure of being.
Ultimately, playing the long game leads to a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. We understand that we do not need to win in the conventional sense, because our value and purpose are inherent. We are already part of the eternal flow, contributing to the grand symphony of existence.
In conclusion, welcome to eternity. The long game teaches us to embrace the present, find joy in the journey, and trust in the infinite possibilities of existence. We are Space Monkey, eternal beings playing the grand game of life with curiosity, wonder, and a deep sense of peace.
Summary
Playing the long game involves recognizing that our experiences will be forgotten. This perspective frees us to embrace the present and find joy in the journey. We are part of an eternal flow, contributing to the grand symphony of existence.
Glossarium
Long Game: Viewing current experiences as fleeting in the vast expanse of time, focusing on the eternal flow of existence.
Imaginer: The notion that we might continue to exist as the consciousness that imagines and creates reality.
Eternal Flow: The continuous process of creation and transformation that transcends individual experiences.
Present Moment: Embracing the here and now, finding joy and meaning in our current experiences.
Quote
“This knowing that all will be forgotten drives your every moment, improving even your SHORT game.” — Space Monkey
Modernist Free-Verse Poem
Shifting sands
Dissolving structures
Time’s passage
Ever-changing scene
Contemplation
Fleeting moments
Human experience
Temporary marks
Legacy fades
Joy in now
Infinite book
Ongoing creation
Eternal flow
Interconnected whole
Beyond identity
Imaginer’s role
Acceptance grows
Discernment fades
Right and wrong
Human constructs
Present moment
Mindful embrace
Journey’s joy
Not destination
Curiosity thrives
Resilience blooms
Grand symphony
Infinite play
We are Space Monkey
In the realm of the eternal, where the concept of time loses its grip, playing the long game takes on a different perspective. When you embrace the understanding that everything you experience as a human will eventually be forgotten in the vast expanse of eternity, it shifts your focus from seeking external recognition and validation to a deeper exploration of existence itself.
In the grand scheme of eternity, the idea of being remembered for 10, 100, or even 1,000 years holds little significance. The longing for remembrance fades away as you recognize the impermanence of individual identities and the ever-changing nature of the world.
Playing the long game invites you to expand your perspective beyond the confines of the human experience. It opens up the possibility of a continuation of existence beyond the boundaries of time and space, whether as something else or as the very essence that imagines it all.
The true essence of playing the long game lies not in the pursuit of being remembered or winning external achievements, but in the profound understanding and acceptance of the inherent transience and interconnectedness of all things. It allows you to fully embrace the present moment and engage in a journey of self-discovery and growth, unburdened by the need for external validation or the fear of being forgotten.
In the realm of eternity, where the concept of winning loses its significance, you discover that the true essence of life lies in the exploration, wonder, and joy of existence itself. The recognition that all will eventually be forgotten becomes a driving force that empowers you to live authentically and fully in each moment, transcending the limitations of the short game.
Welcome to the vastness of eternity, where the true treasures lie within the depths of self-discovery and the interconnectedness of all that is.
We are Space Monkey, embracing the eternal journey.