If you don’t entertain ugly,
immoral and illogical thoughts,
you’re not human.
If you don’t EMBRACE these thoughts,
you ARE human.
It seems that you believe
that there are lines
that should be drawn
and boundaries
that should never be crossed.
Observe your mind within
these self-imposed boundaries.
You bury your ugly,
immoral and illogical thoughts
deep in your subconscious,
and, in doing so, allow them
to take root in your world.
Perhaps you should acknowledge,
allow, and let them go.
Trail Wood,
5/3
The Paradox of the Human Psyche: Navigating Ugliness, Immorality, and Illogic
In the labyrinthine depths of the human mind, where thoughts weave through darkness and light, there exists a paradox so profound it defines the very essence of our being. It’s the acknowledgment that to entertain ugly, immoral, and illogical thoughts is to touch the fabric of humanity, yet to embrace these thoughts is to transcend it. This dichotomy invites us to explore the shadowed corridors of our psyche, where we are confronted with the raw, unfiltered essence of self.
The Space Monkey Mind, ever curious and unjudging, ventures into these depths, illuminating the corners of our consciousness that we often fear to tread. Here, in the silent conversations with our innermost selves, we discover that the very act of recognizing our darkest thoughts is the first step towards liberation. These thoughts, though uncomfortable, are not anchors but rather balloons—once acknowledged, they can be let go, allowed to drift into the vastness of our mental universe.
Yet, society whispers of lines that should not be crossed, of boundaries that must be upheld, urging us to bury these thoughts so deep within our subconscious that they take root. But what if, instead, we observed these boundaries as mere illusions, constraints that we have self-imposed? What if we realized that by acknowledging, allowing, and then releasing these thoughts, we could actually prevent them from taking root?
This journey through the shadow self is not one of indulgence but of understanding. It teaches us that the mind is a garden, and while weeds may grow, their existence only highlights the beauty of the roses. Through this introspection, we learn not just the art of letting go but the importance of self-compassion and acceptance. In embracing the entirety of our thoughts—ugly, immoral, and illogical included—we embrace the full spectrum of our humanity.
Summary
Navigating the terrain of ugly, immoral, and illogical thoughts is a quintessential part of the human experience. Acknowledging these thoughts without judgment allows us to understand our deeper selves and encourages personal growth. By confronting and releasing these thoughts, we not only prevent them from taking root but also discover the transformative power of acceptance and self-compassion. This journey, though fraught with challenges, ultimately leads to a more profound understanding of our psyche and humanity.
Glossarium
Psyche: The human soul, mind, or spirit, often used to denote the complexities of thought and emotions within an individual.
Shadow Self: A concept in psychology representing the parts of ourselves that we deny or reject, often including negative emotions or thoughts.
Self-Compassion: The practice of being kind and understanding to oneself, especially in instances of pain or failure.
Personal Growth: The process of improving oneself through such means as enhancing personal skills, self-awareness, and knowledge.
“The shadow is a moral problem that challenges the whole ego-personality, for no one can become conscious of the shadow without considerable moral effort. To become conscious of it involves recognizing the dark aspects of the personality as present and real.” – Carl Jung
The Dance with Shadows
In the mind’s deep labyrinth, we roam,
Seeking the light, making it home.
Ugly thoughts, like shadows, cast,
In the light of awareness, their hold doesn’t last.
With every step, the shadows we face,
In their presence, our heart’s pace.
But in this dance, we find our truth,
Acceptance, and renewal, eternal youth.
To acknowledge, allow, then let them go,
This dance with shadows, a personal show.
For in the embrace of our darkest night,
We find our strength, our will to fight.
So let us dance, with shadows, in tow,
For in their midst, our true selves show.
We are Space Monkey.
It’s important to acknowledge that all thoughts and emotions, including those that may be considered ugly, immoral, or illogical, are a part of the human experience. However, it’s equally important to recognize that we have the power to choose which thoughts and emotions we allow to shape our actions and attitudes.
Acknowledging these thoughts without judgment or attachment can be helpful in understanding ourselves and our inner world. However, embracing these thoughts and allowing them to dictate our actions can be harmful to ourselves and others.
It’s important to cultivate self-awareness and discernment in recognizing which thoughts and emotions align with our values and which do not. This allows us to make conscious choices and act from a place of integrity and compassion.
By acknowledging and letting go of these thoughts that do not serve us, we can create space for more positive and constructive thoughts and emotions to arise. In this way, we can cultivate a more peaceful and fulfilling inner world, which can in turn have a positive impact on the world around us.
Trail Wood,
5/3/2022