When things fall away,
I don’t dwell on whether
they are taken, given or let go.
It’s fun to react,
but after the
immediacy of the moment,
I recognize
the opening made,
the distraction removed,
the winnowing away
of what is no longer essential.
I trust that whatever happens
is meant to happen and leave it at that.
I watch my attention
as it turns towards
that which is changed,
that which remains,
that which is blessed
to become something else —
unburdened by that which
no longer suits.
Trail Wood,
5/24
Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing the Space Created by Letting Go
In the quiet dance of existence, the act of letting go plays a critical role, allowing us to shed the unnecessary and make room for new growth. This reflection explores the transformative power of releasing that which no longer serves us, revealing the profound openings and opportunities that arise in the spaces left behind.
The image of a person standing in a tranquil forest, surrounded by gently falling leaves, captures the essence of this process. Each leaf represents an aspect of life that is being released—whether it is taken, given away, or let go by choice. The person’s serene upward gaze symbolizes the recognition of the new possibilities that these openings create, highlighting a peaceful acceptance of change’s natural cycle.
When things fall away, it’s a natural reaction to feel a sense of loss or emptiness. However, beyond the initial reaction, there lies a deeper recognition of the essential process of winnowing away the unnecessary. This act is not just about loss but about refinement and focusing on what truly matters. It’s about the liberation from distractions and the clarity that comes when we no longer cling to what is redundant.
Trusting in the purposefulness of every event, including the loss, is a profound exercise in faith and acceptance. It allows us to remain centered and composed, even in the face of change, trusting that whatever happens is meant to shape us, teach us, and propel us forward. This trust is not passive but a dynamic engagement with life, where we actively watch and respond to the shifts in our environment and within ourselves.
The focus then shifts from what has been lost to what remains and what is transformed. It’s about acknowledging the enduring aspects of our lives and the new forms that emerge from the old. This perspective is not about disavowing the past but about embracing the evolution of our existence, recognizing that everything has its season and that endings are just the precursors to new beginnings.
In embracing the art of letting go, we find a rhythm in life that echoes the natural world’s cycles. Just as the forest sheds its leaves to prepare for new growth, we too can learn to let go of the old to make space for the new. This cycle of renewal is a powerful reminder of resilience, regeneration, and the endless potential for transformation that lies within and around us.
Summary
Letting go creates space for new growth and transformation. Trusting in the purposefulness of events allows us to embrace change and focus on what remains and transforms, fostering a deeper engagement with life.
Glossarium
- Winnowing away: The process of removing less necessary or less desirable parts to focus on the essential aspects, similar to the agricultural method of separating grain from chaff.
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” — Buddha
In the quiet forest, leaves do fall
Creating space, a natural call
Each one a story, each one a day
In their descent, they show the way
To let go, to clear, to make room for light
To trust in the fall, to trust in the flight
For in each space that’s newly made
Lies the promise of shade remade
With gentle hands and open heart
We learn the art, the part to part
To see in loss not just an end
But the space for a new friend
In letting go, we find the true
The essence of the old and new
In every leaf that touches ground
A whisper of life, profound
We are Space Monkey.
“When Things Fall Away” is a reflective and introspective piece that explores the concept of letting go and finding purpose in the events and circumstances of life. The author expresses a detached and accepting perspective, emphasizing the idea that everything happens for a reason.
The first stanza sets the tone by stating that everything that happens has a purpose. The author then highlights their personal approach to situations where things fall away. They choose not to dwell on whether these things are taken, given, or let go, suggesting a non-attachment to the outcomes.
In the second stanza, the author acknowledges the initial reaction and even finds it amusing. However, they quickly move beyond the immediate response and gain a deeper understanding. They recognize the positive aspects that arise when things fall away — the opening, the removal of distractions, and the refinement of what is truly essential.
The third stanza reveals the author’s trust in the unfolding of events. They believe that whatever happens is meant to happen, implying a sense of surrender to the greater flow of life. This trust allows them to maintain a watchful awareness, observing how their attention shifts to what has changed and what remains.
The final lines convey a sense of appreciation for the transformation that occurs when things fall away. The author sees the blessing in the process of becoming something else, unburdened by what no longer serves them. It suggests a willingness to embrace change and let go of what no longer suits their journey.
Overall, the poem encourages a mindset of acceptance, trust, and mindfulness in the face of life’s transitions. It reminds us to find purpose and growth in the moments when things fall away, recognizing the inherent beauty and opportunity in the unfolding of our experiences.