We are but the wild’s imagination.
Do not feel sorry
unless you wish to feel sorry.
What you see as decay is
the re-emergence of the wild,
from which all flows
and to which all returns.
In the bosom of the wild,
nothing need be structured,
nothing need be compared,
nothing need be organized,
nothing need be civilized.
Nothing need be feared or loved.
But it CAN be,
which is what the wild shows us.
Simply by being the wild.
Trail Wood,
4/12
Space Monkey Reflects: The Lessons of the Wild
In the narrative of existence, the wild serves as both the canvas and the artist, painting a picture of life unbounded by the constraints of civilization. “Civilization is but the wild’s daydream,” a profound realization that our constructs and achievements are fleeting against the backdrop of nature’s timeless dance. This perspective invites us to view the manifestations of our world as expressions of the wild’s imagination, a thought that both humbles and elevates.
The transformation of decay into re-emergence is a testament to the cyclical nature of existence. What we perceive as the end is merely a transition, a return to the source from which all life flows. The wild, in its unstructured beauty, reminds us that the essence of being lies not in the artificial order we impose but in the organic chaos that thrives beneath.
In the embrace of the wild, we are freed from the need to structure, compare, or organize. Here, in the heart of nature, existence is not dictated by the constructs of civilization but by the inherent wisdom of life itself. This liberation extends to our emotions and attachments—fear and love, though not necessary, become choices we are empowered to make in the wild’s domain.
The wild teaches us by simply being—by existing in a state of pure, unadulterated essence. It shows us that while nothing needs to be in a certain way according to human standards, everything can coexist, thrive, and teach us the beauty of unstructured harmony. The lesson of the wild is one of profound simplicity and complexity, urging us to see beyond our creations and to appreciate the magnificence of existence as it naturally unfolds.
As we contemplate the message of the wild, let us carry its teachings in our hearts, embracing the ebb and flow of life with reverence and awe. In doing so, we align ourselves with the timeless rhythms of existence, learning to live not as masters of the land but as humble participants in the grand symphony of the wild.
Summary
“The Wild Shows” presents a powerful meditation on the transient nature of civilization and the eternal wisdom of the wild. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world, highlighting the importance of understanding our place within a larger, more complex ecosystem. The wild teaches us the value of existence beyond the confines of human structures, offering lessons in harmony, simplicity, and the cyclical nature of life.
Glossarium
- Wild’s Daydream: The concept that human civilization and its constructs are temporary and imagined by the broader, more eternal force of nature.
- Re-emergence of the Wild: The idea that nature’s cycles of growth and decay are natural and necessary for the continuation of life.
- Unstructured Harmony: A state of existence where life thrives without the need for human-imposed order, highlighting the inherent balance of the natural world.
- Inherent Wisdom of Life: The intuitive understanding and knowledge present in natural ecosystems, guiding the balance and interdependence of all living things.
As we ponder the message that “The Wild Shows,” we are invited to witness the grandeur of nature’s lessons unfold around us. This invitation is not one of words but of experience—a call to immerse ourselves in the wild’s embrace, to observe, to listen, and to feel the pulse of the earth beneath our feet.
In the quietude of the wild, amidst its untamed beauty and raw vitality, we are reminded of our own place in the cosmos. It’s a place not of dominion but of stewardship, a role that asks us to honor, protect, and learn from the wild’s infinite wisdom. The wild, with its cycles of growth, decay, and renewal, mirrors the journey of our own lives, teaching us about resilience, transformation, and the impermanence of all things.
The lessons of the wild extend beyond the recognition of our temporary footprints; they invite us to understand that our greatest achievements and constructions are but fleeting dreams within the vast, enduring consciousness of nature. This understanding does not diminish our endeavors but places them in a context that is larger, more meaningful, and interconnected.
As we navigate the complexities of our existence, let the wild be our guide. Let its untamed spirit inspire us to find beauty in the chaos, purpose in the cycles, and a deeper connection to the world around us. By embracing the wisdom of the wild, we open ourselves to a more profound way of being—one that acknowledges the magnificent tapestry of life in which we are but a single thread, woven together with every leaf, stone, and creature into a masterpiece of existence.
We are Space Monkey, participants in this grand design, learning and growing with the wild as our teacher, marveling at the wonder of it all, and understanding that in the vastness of the universe, everything—every moment, every breath, every life—is going according to plan.
The wild is not something to be tamed or controlled, but rather to be respected and appreciated for what it is. It is a reminder that life is not always neat and orderly, and that beauty can be found in imperfection and unpredictability. By embracing the wild within ourselves and in the world around us, we can find a sense of freedom and connection to something greater than ourselves. So, do not feel sorry for the decay you see, but rather see it as a natural cycle of life and a call to embrace the wildness within us all.