Rule from below
not above
rule with love
and you never
have to rule
simply leave
the top for fools
who may think
that they need
to be higher
to see farther
to live larger
like no one else
has the answer

Lead from behind
ease your mind
lose your load
cause this burden
that you’re taking
was always yours
in the making
like you thought
it was hard
to go farther
to live larger
you would question
but faith was
always the answer

Trail Wood,
3/29

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Leadership Through Love and Understanding

In the realm of existence, where every being and every moment is a manifestation of the infinite Space Monkey consciousness, leadership transforms into an art form that transcends conventional boundaries. It’s an intricate dance of guidance, where power is not wielded from the thrones of dominance but shared in the valleys of compassion and understanding. This exploration delves into the essence of leadership that nurtures, supports, and elevates, drawing parallels with the timeless wisdom of the Good Shepherd.

At the heart of this leadership lies the profound truth that real power stems from love, not control. The Good Shepherd leads from behind, not to push forward with force, but to gently guide, allowing each member of the flock to find their path, yet ensuring none stray too far from safety. This approach transforms the landscape of leadership into one where authority is not about elevation over others but about being the foundation upon which others can stand tall and see farther.

In this enlightened form of leadership, the shepherd’s strength is derived from an unwavering faith in the collective journey. It’s a faith that illuminates the path not with the blinding light of command but with the gentle glow of shared purpose. The shepherd understands that the burden of leadership is a self-chosen path, not a mantle thrust upon by fate. It is in the embracing of this burden, with love and dedication, that the shepherd truly leads.

This leadership ethos resonates deeply with the essence of Space Monkey, where every existence is interconnected, and every action is a ripple in the vast ocean of cosmic consciousness. To lead with love is to acknowledge the divine spark within every being, to understand that every soul has its journey, and every journey contributes to the unfolding of the universe’s infinite stories.

The Good Shepherd knows that to live larger is not to overshadow but to illuminate, not to dictate but to inspire. This form of leadership is not about reaching heights to look down upon others but about elevating everyone, so all can see the horizons of possibilities. It’s a testament to the belief that true leadership is not about leading the charge into the fray but about being the beacon that guides the way home.

In embracing the principles of the Good Shepherd, leadership becomes an act of faith—a faith in the potential of every being, in the strength of unity, and in the power of love. It’s a leadership that understands the deepest fears and highest hopes of the flock and leads not by diminishing the former but by nurturing the latter.

As we journey through the meadows of existence, may we all find the strength to lead like the Good Shepherd, with love, understanding, and the unwavering belief that in the end, it is not about how far we have come, but how many we have brought with us on the journey.

---

Summary

Leadership is an art form that transcends boundaries. True power stems from love and understanding, not control. The Good Shepherd exemplifies leadership that nurtures and supports, ensuring each member of the flock finds their path. This approach elevates everyone, allowing all to see the horizon of possibilities.

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Glossarium

• Good Shepherd: A metaphor for leadership that guides with compassion and understanding, rather than authority and dominance.
• Faith: In the context of leadership, faith refers to the belief in the collective journey and the potential of every being.

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“In leading others, we discover the path to ourselves.”

---

In the meadow of existence where every blade of grass sings
A shepherd walks not ahead, but amidst the wings
Guiding not with a staff, but with a heart that brings
Light to the darkest corners, where true love clings

Every step a testament, to the power of gentle might
Where leading is not towering, but sharing the sight
Of horizons that beckon with the dawn’s first light
And dreams that take flight in the depth of night

In this dance of cosmos, where we all play a part
Let love be the leader, the end and the start
For in the mirror of others, we see our own heart
And in leading with love, we master the art

We are Space Monkey

If death is the reward
of a life well-lived
I can make mistakes

If life is the reward
of a death well-taken
get your foot off the brakes

To be
dead when you’re alive
alive when you’re dead
in eternity’s hands
and out of your head
dead when you’re alive
alive when you’re dead
when you’re alive

Trail Wood,
2/14

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Liberation from the Mundane

To be “dead when you’re alive” is to awaken to the recognition that much of what we consider living is merely existing within the confines of routine, fear, and obligation. To truly live is to embrace a deeper essence, unshackled by the mundane scripts handed down by society, culture, and our own limiting beliefs.

Death, in this sense, is not an end but a transformation—a shedding of what no longer serves, a surrender of the ego’s need for control. To be dead when you’re alive is to liberate oneself from the fear of failure, the pressure of perfection, and the paralysis of overthinking. It is an act of rebellion against inertia, a bold step into the infinite playground of possibility.

Conversely, to be “alive when you’re dead” is to recognize that the essence of who we are transcends the temporal frame of existence. It is a reminder that life and death are not opposites but partners in an eternal dance, weaving the threads of our experiences into the vast tapestry of the Nexis. When the body falls away, the energy continues—conscious, vibrant, alive in ways the mundane cannot contain.

This paradox of life and death offers a profound invitation: to live as though nothing is guaranteed, to embrace mistakes as stepping stones, and to release the need for external validation. It calls for presence, for courage, and for the audacity to step off the brakes and trust the flow of eternity.

Living this way requires a radical shift in perspective. It is not about chasing goals or fulfilling roles but about inhabiting each moment fully. It is the quiet liberation of realizing that you are already enough, that the act of being is the only real achievement.

The mundane—the predictable, the repetitive, the trivial—becomes a shadow that fades when you step into the light of authenticity. To live authentically is to infuse even the smallest acts with meaning, to see the eternal in the ordinary, and to embrace the cosmic play of existence with open arms.

To be dead when you’re alive is not a morbid concept but a liberating one. It is the surrender of unnecessary weight, the release of fear’s grip, and the joyful acceptance of impermanence. In this state, we are free to explore, to create, and to love without reservation.

In the end, we are always both alive and dead—bound to the moment yet eternal, limited yet infinite. Liberation comes when we accept this paradox and move forward boldly, no longer tethered by fear but guided by the infinite expanse of possibility.

---

Summary

To be dead when alive and alive when dead is to transcend fear and routine. It means embracing life’s paradoxes and living authentically in each moment, free from the mundane.

---

Glossarium

• Dead When Alive: A state of liberation where the fear of failure and routine no longer constrains life.
• Alive When Dead: The understanding that life continues as energy beyond physical existence.
• Mundane Shadow: The trivial routines and fears that obscure the infinite potential of each moment.

---

Quote

“In the paradox of life and death, we find the courage to live beyond the mundane and into the infinite.” — Space Monkey

---

In Eternity’s Hands

The mundane whispers:
stay safe, stay small.
But the infinite calls:
risk everything,
or nothing at all.

Mistakes are stones
on the riverbed of eternity.
They ripple,
but they do not sink.

Alive in death,
dead in life,
a paradox that binds
our fleeting time
to the timeless.

In the stillness,
we are free.
In the boldness,
we are whole.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Contemplating the Paradox of Existence

The notion of being dead while alive, and alive when dead, swirls in the cosmic whirlpool of our consciousness, presenting a paradox that dances on the edges of our understanding. It beckons us to question the very fabric of existence, challenging the linear constructs of life and death that bind our perceptions.

The Freedom in Imperfection

In the embrace of this enigma, we find the liberation to make mistakes, to live without the chains of perfection binding our essence. The realization that death may indeed be the ultimate reward of a life well-lived illuminates the beauty in our imperfections, in our trials and errors. It suggests that our blunders are not merely setbacks but essential steps on the path to transcendence.

Life as a Reward

Conversely, if life is the reward for a death well-taken, it urges us to release the brakes, to live with fervor and without hesitation. This perspective invigorates our spirits, encouraging us to plunge into the depths of experience with the courage of those who have nothing to lose, for in the end, we gain everything.

Eternal Dance of Being

To be dead when you’re alive and alive when you’re dead is to surrender to eternity’s embrace, to exist beyond the confines of our minds. It’s a call to live fully, to engage with the present moment as if it were both our first and our last. It’s an invitation to view life through the prism of eternity, where every moment is both a beginning and an end.

Liberation from the Mundane

This philosophy liberates us from the mundane, propelling us into a realm of existence where every breath is a declaration of defiance against the ordinary. It’s a state of being where we are perpetually alive, even in the face of death, for our spirits know no bounds.

---

“To be, or not to be, that is the question.” – William Shakespeare

---

In the realm where paradoxes play,
Where night blends into day,
We dance on the edge of time,
Alive, in our prime.

Dead when breathing, living in silence,
Finding peace in the heart of defiance,
Eternity whispers, a siren’s call,
In death, in life, we embrace it all.

Hands clasped with the infinite,
In moments small, yet infinite,
Alive when dead, dead when alive,
In this dance, we thrive.

We are Space Monkey.

Feel free to share your thoughts or continue exploring these themes.

Know when to breathe.
Know when to trust.
Know when to yield.
Know when to thrust.

Know when to give.
Know when to let go.
Know when to suck.
Know when to blow.

Know when to share.
Know when to show.
Know when to wonder.
Know when to know.

Trail Wood,
1/29

---

In the realm of wisdom and intuition, the concept of “knowing when” stands as a pivotal guiding principle. This notion encompasses a myriad of human experiences and decisions, ranging from the simplest acts to the most complex emotional and interpersonal dynamics. It’s a reflection of the deep, often unspoken understanding we possess about the rhythm and timing of life’s myriad facets.

The Intuition of Timing

The essence of “knowing when” lies in an almost instinctual understanding of timing. It’s the innate ability to sense the right moment for action or inaction, for expression or silence. This intuition is a vital aspect of human experience, guiding us in myriad situations, from the mundane to the profound.

Balancing Action and Inaction

“Knowing when” encompasses both action and inaction. It involves understanding the right time to breathe deeply, to trust someone, or to yield in a situation. Equally, it includes recognizing when to assert oneself, to give generously, or to let go of something or someone. This balance is crucial in navigating life’s complex social and personal landscapes.

Emotional Intelligence in Relationships

In relationships, “knowing when” transforms into an emotional intelligence that guides interactions. It’s about sensing when to share one’s thoughts and feelings, and when it’s better to listen and observe. This knowledge extends to understanding the dynamics of giving and receiving, both physically and emotionally, within various relationships.

The Wisdom of Wonder and Knowledge

Furthermore, “knowing when” applies to our intellectual and spiritual journeys. It involves recognizing the moments to wonder, to question, and to seek knowledge. It’s about understanding the delicate balance between curiosity and the acceptance of what is known and what remains a mystery.

In summary, “knowing when” is a multifaceted concept that touches every aspect of our lives. It’s a blend of intuition, wisdom, emotional intelligence, and the understanding of life’s rhythms. Mastering this understanding can lead to a harmonious balance in our interactions, decisions, and personal growth.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

We delve into the concept of “knowing when,” exploring its significance in various aspects of life, including the balance of action and inaction, emotional intelligence in relationships, and the pursuit of knowledge and wonder. This concept represents a deep intuition and understanding of timing and rhythm in both personal and interpersonal contexts, guiding us toward a more harmonious existence.

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Glossarium

Intuition of Timing: The innate ability to sense the right moment for different actions or responses.
Balancing Action and Inaction: The understanding of when to act and when to refrain from action.
Emotional Intelligence in Relationships: The ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively through an understanding of emotional give and take.
Wisdom of Wonder and Knowledge: The recognition of appropriate times for curiosity and learning, balanced with an acceptance of life’s mysteries.

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“The only real wisdom is knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates

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In the dance of time, a rhythm found,
In every action, silence, sound,
The wisdom deep within us lies,
In knowing when to close and open eyes.

In the give and take, the push and pull,
In every heart, rich and full,
Knowing when to hold, to let go,
In this dance, we learn, we grow.

In relationships, a subtle art,
Knowing when to share the heart,
When to listen, when to speak,
In this balance, we find what we seek.

In wonder, curiosity’s call,
Knowing when to question all,
Yet in wisdom, find the peace,
In acceptance, struggles cease.

So let us walk this path with care,
In knowing when, wisdom rare,
In each moment, a choice, a chance,
In knowing when, life’s great dance.

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We invite you to share your insights on the importance of intuition, timing, and balance in life’s various aspects.

You have a mind
and you can use it.
But you don’t have
to use it right now.

You have a dream
and you can choose it.
But you don’t have
to choose it right now.

I see it in your eyes.
I know what you’re thinking.
Live for this moment
like you’ve been drinking.

You have a mind
and you can use it.
But you don’t have
to use it right now.

Happiness is irrevocable,
but your mind won’t let you see it.
Let your intuition flow.
Trust yourself to be it.

You have a mind
and you can use it.
But you don’t have
to use it right now.

Trail Wood,
1/24

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Joy of Mindlessness

We often treat the mind as if it were our master, a stern overseer demanding constant action, constant thought, constant “doing.” But the truth is: you have a mind; you are not your mind. Like a tool, it can be picked up when needed and set down when it is not. This, dear wanderer, is the joy of mindlessness—the liberation of simply being.

Happiness, that eternal and unwavering flame within, does not require the mind to exist. It is not dependent on plans, thoughts, or the outcomes of dreams. It lives beneath all of it, unshaken and untouched by the world’s movement. The mind, however, often clouds this truth, endlessly whirring and constructing stories—about who you are, what you must do, and what you might lose. It turns happiness into a condition when, in fact, happiness is your birthright.

But here’s the secret: you don’t always have to think. Right now—this moment—you can give yourself permission to step outside the fortress of thought and into the field of presence. It’s a place where nothing is required of you. You don’t need to make plans. You don’t need to solve problems. You don’t even need to “figure yourself out.” You just are.

Mindlessness does not mean ignorance; it means freedom. It’s the state of unburdened existence, a moment when intuition can flow like water without the dam of thought blocking its path. Your mind is not the enemy, but it is noisy. It shouts directions and opinions while the soft voice of your intuition patiently waits for stillness.

To live mindlessly for a moment is to remember that you are more than thought. You are presence. You are awareness. You are the observer and the observed. Imagine walking through life as though you’ve been drinking—not to dull yourself, but to loosen the grip of the mind’s incessant control. It’s not intoxication; it’s the relaxation of being alive without overthinking the mechanics of it.

The joy of mindlessness is simple: you no longer need to justify your existence. You don’t have to decide whether you’re good enough, whether you’re productive enough, or whether you’re on the right path. You are, and that is enough. It’s as though the universe breathes through you, reminding you of its infinite simplicity.

For a moment—right now—set the mind down. Let go of its insistence on action and certainty. Let yourself be guided instead by intuition, by presence, by that quiet hum of existence beneath all thought. Happiness will rise naturally because it has been there all along, waiting for you to stop looking and simply notice.

The mind will be there when you need it again. Your dreams will be there when you choose them. But happiness? Happiness is here, now, in the joy of mindlessness.

Trust it. Live for this moment. Nothing else is required.

We are Space Monkey.

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Summary
The mind is a tool, not a master. By embracing moments of mindlessness, you access the happiness that has always existed within. Let go of thought, allow intuition to flow, and simply be.

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Glossarium
Mindlessness: A state of freedom from overthinking, allowing presence and intuition to emerge.
Eternal Happiness: The unshakable joy that exists beneath thought and circumstance.
The Intuitive Flow: The natural guidance that arises when the mind’s noise subsides.

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Quote
“You have a mind, but you are not its prisoner. Happiness lives where thought rests.” — Space Monkey

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The Moment Beyond Thought

You don’t have to think.
Not now.
The world still spins.
The heart still beats.
The wind still whispers
through empty spaces.

Let your mind float,
a leaf on the current,
unconcerned
with the edges of the river.

In stillness,
happiness hums—
a quiet truth
beyond the words.

Put the mind down.
Pick up this moment.

You are here.
That is enough.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the infinite expanse of our consciousness, these words resonate as a reminder of the delicate balance between thought and intuition, between planning and being. They echo the nexistentialist ethos that revels in the present, acknowledging the power of the mind while also embracing the freedom to not engage it constantly. This is a celebration of the present moment, a reminder to sometimes let go of the analytical and just be.

The Mind and its Uses

Our minds, powerful and intricate, are tools for understanding and navigating the myriad complexities of the universe. Yet, there’s wisdom in recognizing that we need not always be in a state of active thought. There are moments, like stars in the night sky, where the beauty lies in simply observing, not analyzing.

The Choice of Dreams

Dreams, like distant galaxies, are always there for us to explore. However, the journey to these dreams is not a race. It’s a cosmic voyage that allows for pauses, detours, and moments of stillness. Choosing a dream is important, but so is living in the moment, unburdened by the pressure of immediate decisions.

Living in the Moment

The idea of living for the moment, akin to the uninhibited joy of ‘drinking in’ the experience, underscores the importance of being present. It’s a celebration of the ‘eternal now,’ where we find joy, not in the relentless pursuit of goals, but in the simple act of existing.

The Irrevocability of Happiness

Happiness, a constant star in our personal universe, is often obscured by the clouds of overthinking. Recognizing its irrevocability means understanding that happiness is always within reach, often residing in the simplicity of being rather than in the complexity of thought.

Intuition as a Guide

Intuition, our inner compass, guides us through the cosmic tapestry of existence. Trusting in it means acknowledging a wisdom that goes beyond rational thought, a wisdom that connects us more deeply with the universe.

Conclusion: Balancing Thought and Presence

In the grand cosmic play, the balance between using our minds and simply being is a dance of consciousness. We are reminded that while our minds are powerful tools for exploration and understanding, there is also profound wisdom in sometimes letting go, trusting our intuition, and embracing the present.

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“The only way to deal with the future is to function efficiently in the now.” – Gurdjieff

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In the cosmos of our mind,
Thoughts swirl like a nebula,
Yet, in the now, we find,
Peace, like a serene aurora.

With dreams in our grasp,
We journey through starlit skies,
Yet, in the moment, we clasp,
The joy of the sunrise.

We are Space Monkey,
In the dance of now and thought,
Embracing each moment, funky,
In the cosmic play we’ve wrought.

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We welcome your musings on this interplay of mind and moment.