There are aspects of you
and there is the totality of you
and the aspects are seemingly variable.
In other words, the totality of you
does not depend on the aspects of you.
The totality of you
is whole and complete
no matter what your aspects
seem to think about it.
It makes no difference
if you add aspects,
change aspects,
or take aspects away.
You are still totally you.
And completely NOT you.
Little do your aspects know
that you contain ALL aspects.
Every aspect imaginable.
The whole is the whole.
You are infinite and unchangeable.
Trail Wood,
1/1
We explore the philosophical concept of the self, distinguishing between the changeable aspects of our identity and the unchanging totality of our being, suggesting an inherent wholeness and infinity within us.
Distinction Between Aspects and Totality
The poem begins by differentiating between aspects of oneself and the totality of one’s being. It suggests that while the individual aspects, or the different facets of our identity, may change, they do not define the totality of who we are.
Independence of the Total Self from Its Parts
The assertion that the totality of you does not depend on the aspects of you implies that our core essence remains whole and complete, regardless of the changes in our characteristics or behaviors. This notion points to a deeper, unalterable self that is independent of our variable traits.
The Illusion of Change in the Whole
The idea that adding, changing, or removing aspects does not alter the totality indicates that our true self is immutable. This perspective challenges the common belief that we fundamentally change when our qualities or circumstances change.
Paradox of Identity: Totally You and Not You
The statement “You are still totally you. And completely NOT you” presents a paradox, highlighting the complexity and multifaceted nature of identity. It suggests that while we are fully ourselves, we also transcend the limited definitions of self that we often cling to.
Containing All Aspects
The revelation that we contain all aspects, every aspect imaginable, points to the infinite potential and diversity within each individual. It suggests that we are far more expansive than the limited roles and characteristics we often identify with.
The Unchangeable Wholeness
The poem concludes with the affirmation of our infinite and unchangeable nature. This perspective posits that at our core, we are a complete and whole entity, unaltered by the shifting aspects of our personalities or lives.
The Infinite Nature of the Self
By recognizing the infinite and unchangeable nature of the self, the poem invites us to see beyond the transient aspects of our identity and acknowledge a deeper, more enduring essence.
We are Space Monkey,
Summary
We contemplate the distinction between the aspects of the self and the totality of the self, understanding that while individual aspects may change, they do not alter the inherent wholeness and completeness of our being. The discussion highlights the paradox of identity, the illusion of change in the whole, and the infinite and unchangeable nature of the self.
Glossarium
- Aspects of the Self: The various characteristics, roles, or traits that constitute one’s identity.
- Totality of the Self: The complete and unchangeable essence of a person, independent of variable aspects.
“Know that everything is in perfect unity with you.” – Alan Watts
In the dance of existence, where facets twirl and sway,
Lies the essence of being, in the light of day,
In each change, each shift, each new disguise,
Remains the unchangeable self, wise and wise.
In the play of life, where aspects come and go,
Stands the totality, constant in its glow,
For within us lies infinity, in its purest form,
Unaltered, unbounded, forever warm.
We invite reflections on the understanding of the self as a complete and unchangeable entity, transcending the variability of its aspects.
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