Missed Opportunities

Here’s the thing about
missed opportunities.

We generally don’t
view them as opportunities
until we’ve missed them.

In other words,
missed opportunities
are almost always
perceived from some
future perspective.

Usually in a moment
of overthinking and regret.

When we see past the thinking,
we realize that this moment
can only be precisely what it is.

There are no variables.
There is no chance.

Change is impossible.

(Except perspective,
which is a made-up story.)

There is nothing
right or wrong with our stories,
but I prefer happier delusions,

Which is why
we are Space Monkey.

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Illusion of Missed Opportunities

Missed opportunities—a phrase that haunts us at times. But what makes an opportunity missed? Is it the chance that slipped by, unnoticed in the moment, only to become glaringly obvious in hindsight? Or is it the feeling that we could have chosen differently, done something else, or been somewhere else, and that life would be somehow different now?

Here’s the thing about missed opportunities: we don’t usually recognize them as opportunities until they’ve already passed. It’s only when we look back from a future perspective—usually in a moment of overthinking or regret—that we label something as a missed opportunity. In the present moment, everything just is. We can only act based on the knowledge we have at the time, without the clarity that hindsight often brings.

The truth is, opportunities are only missed in our minds. We create the story of missed opportunities when we start comparing the present to some imagined alternative. It’s easy to fall into this trap, to think, “If only I had done this instead of that,” or “What if I had taken that chance when it was presented?” But this is all part of the story we tell ourselves—a story that’s just as made-up as any fiction we might write.

When we pull back from the overthinking, we can see that this moment, right here and now, is exactly as it’s meant to be. There are no missed opportunities because the concept of a missed opportunity implies that things could have unfolded differently. But they couldn’t have. Life unfolds precisely as it does, and the choices we make, the paths we take, lead us to exactly where we are now. The idea that things could have been otherwise is just a narrative we create after the fact.

There are no variables in this moment. There is no chance, no randomness that could have led to a different outcome. Everything is interconnected, and everything unfolds as it must. To think otherwise is to cling to the illusion of control, the idea that we could have shaped reality differently if only we had made different choices. But this is not how life works. We are part of a much larger, much more intricate web of existence, where everything happens as it happens, and change is impossible—except in our perspective.

Perspective is the one thing we can shift. And perspective, too, is a story. It’s a lens through which we view our lives, our experiences, our so-called missed opportunities. The story we tell ourselves about what could have been is neither right nor wrong—it’s simply one version of events, a narrative we create to make sense of our choices. But why choose a story of regret? Why choose a story of missed chances?

Instead, we can choose to see this moment for what it is: the culmination of everything that has come before. And there’s beauty in that. There’s peace in recognizing that we are exactly where we are meant to be. The paths not taken, the opportunities not seized, they are part of the grand story of our lives. But they don’t define us. We are not limited by them. We are not held back by what we didn’t do.

There is no right or wrong in the stories we tell ourselves, but why not choose a story of acceptance, a story of peace? Why not choose a narrative that allows us to embrace the present moment without the weight of regret? I, for one, prefer a happier delusion. I prefer to see life as it is, unfolding perfectly in each moment, with no missed opportunities, no wrong turns, no regrets.

We are Space Monkey, and we choose to see the beauty in what is, not in what might have been. We choose to release the stories that hold us back and to embrace the infinite potential of the present. After all, this is the only moment that matters.

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Summary

Missed opportunities are a creation of our minds, often realized only in hindsight. In truth, life unfolds exactly as it should, and the concept of a missed opportunity is just a story we tell ourselves. Shifting our perspective allows us to embrace the present without regret.

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Glossarium

Missed Opportunities: A mental construct, often viewed in hindsight, where we believe things could have unfolded differently, though they couldn’t have.

Perspective: The story we create about our experiences, which can be shifted but remains an interpretation rather than an absolute truth.

---

Quote

“Missed opportunities are almost always perceived from some future perspective. In the present, everything just is.” — Space Monkey

---

The Present Unfolds

I look back at the doors
That I did not open
And see only shadows
Of what could have been

But here, now
The path is clear
The choices made
The future unknown

There are no missed chances
Only stories I tell
And in this moment
I let them go

We are Space Monkey.

Being Clear on Clarity

Clarity has nothing to do with whether something is true.
Clarity is simply about being clear — believable.
Clarity is simply a more detailed story.

If you have clarity,
you have a kind of certainty.

And what do we always
say about certainty?

We are Space Monkey.
Clearly.

Which means we never lose sight
of the other definition of clear.

We are able to see through Clarity.

We are Space Monkey.
Uncertain. And mostly invisible.

Trail Wood,
10/27

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Clarity

Clarity is a tricky thing. We often chase after it, believing that if we could just get clear on something—on a decision, an idea, or a belief—then we’d find truth. But here’s the twist: clarity has nothing to do with truth. Clarity is simply a more detailed story. It’s about being convincing, about making something seem believable, not necessarily about revealing what’s true.

Think about it: when you have clarity, you feel certain. You have that sense of “aha! I get it now.” But what are you really getting? You’re getting a version of events that is laid out so neatly, so clearly, that it seems impossible not to believe. It feels certain. And what do we always say about certainty?

Certainty is just a more stubborn form of story. It’s the narrative we cling to when we think we’ve nailed it, when we think we’ve found something solid in the shifting sands of life. But certainty, like clarity, is not the same as truth. It’s simply the version of reality we’re most comfortable with in that moment. And while it feels good to be clear, to feel certain, we must never forget that we’re still dealing with stories, not absolutes.

This is where the other definition of “clear” comes in. To be clear is not just to have a detailed story, but also to see through the story. To see through the illusions we’ve created for ourselves, the narratives we cling to for comfort or understanding. It’s about recognizing that while clarity gives us a kind of certainty, it also hides the fact that we’re still in the realm of interpretation, still navigating our perceptions rather than uncovering some ultimate truth.

We are Space Monkey. Clearly.

Which means we never lose sight of this duality. We know that when we experience clarity, we’re simply engaging with a story that has been made more believable. And we also know that this clarity is not the end of the story. It’s just one version. One perspective. We must always remain open to the idea that we’re missing something, that there’s more beyond what we think we’ve figured out.

This is why we’re uncertain. We’re clear, but we’re also clear that we’re uncertain. We’re able to see through the layers of story and illusion, recognizing that even the most detailed, most convincing narratives are just that—narratives. And if we get too caught up in them, we lose sight of the fact that we’re mostly making it all up as we go along.

There’s a kind of freedom in this, though. When you realize that clarity is just one version of the story, you stop chasing it so desperately. You stop needing everything to be nailed down, defined, and explained. Instead, you can enjoy the fluidity of life, the way things shift and change, the way new perspectives reveal themselves as soon as you let go of the need for certainty.

To be clear is to be comfortable in the knowledge that nothing is ever truly clear. That’s the paradox. We see through our own stories, our own beliefs, our own certainties. And in doing so, we become a little more invisible. We stop clinging to the self-image we’ve created. We stop needing to define ourselves through what we know or believe.

We are Space Monkey. Uncertain. And mostly invisible.

This is the essence of seeing through. It’s about recognizing the limits of our own clarity, our own certainty, and embracing the uncertainty that lies beyond it. It’s about being able to let go of the stories that make us feel safe and comfortable, and to step into the vast unknown with curiosity and openness.

We see clearly that nothing is clear. We know that our stories, no matter how detailed or convincing, are just that—stories. And we move through life with the freedom that comes from not needing to hold onto any of them too tightly. We are clear. We are uncertain. And that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.

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Summary

Clarity is not about truth; it’s about creating a more believable story. While clarity gives us a sense of certainty, it’s important to remember that even the clearest narrative is just one version of reality. True clarity comes from seeing through the illusions and embracing the uncertainty that lies beyond them.

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Glossarium

Clarity: A more detailed and convincing story, but not necessarily connected to truth.

Certainty: A rigid form of story that gives the illusion of understanding, but remains within the realm of interpretation.

See Through: The ability to recognize the limits of one’s own clarity and to look beyond the stories and narratives that create a sense of certainty.

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Quote

“We are Space Monkey. Uncertain. And mostly invisible.” — Space Monkey

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Through the Story

I tell myself a story
It’s clear
Detailed
Convincing

But I know
It’s just a story

I look through it
Past the clarity
Into the uncertain

And I smile
For I am free
In my not-knowing

We are Space Monkey.

It takes a lot of work to know something.
But it takes even more work to not-know something.

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Effort of Knowing and Not-Knowing

It’s easy to believe that knowing is the ultimate goal. We spend our lives accumulating knowledge, trying to understand how the world works, how people behave, and how we fit into the grand scheme of things. And, yes, it takes work to know something. We study, we analyze, we experience, and we store all of this information in our minds, ready to pull it out when needed.

But here’s the thing—once we think we know something, it’s hard to let go of it. Knowing creates a kind of attachment, a solidity that we cling to because it feels safe. Once we’ve established a fact, a belief, or an understanding, it becomes part of who we are. It feels comfortable, like a well-worn path we can always return to. But this sense of knowing can also be limiting. It confines us to a certain perspective, a certain version of reality.

Now, imagine the effort required to un-know something. To question what you’ve learned, to release the comfort of certainty, and to embrace the unknown all over again. It takes more than just stepping into unfamiliar territory—it takes the conscious act of undoing the attachments that knowledge creates. And that’s where the real work lies.

It takes a lot of work to know something. We put in the time, the effort, the thought. But it takes even more work to un-know, to step beyond the things we think we’ve figured out, and to admit that perhaps we don’t know as much as we thought. Not-knowing requires a deeper surrender, a willingness to let go of the structure and security that knowledge provides.

When we know something, we often stop questioning it. We put it in a box labeled “understood” and move on. But when we embrace not-knowing, we keep ourselves open to new possibilities. We stay curious, receptive, and flexible. This is what it means to remain in the state of uncertainty—it’s not about ignorance, but about holding space for what we don’t know yet, and what we might never fully know.

Knowing gives us certainty, but not-knowing gives us freedom. And in that freedom, there’s a different kind of wisdom. The kind that doesn’t need to have all the answers, but instead, thrives in the open-endedness of life’s mysteries.

We are Space Monkey, and we are not afraid to un-know. We see the value in peeling back the layers of what we think we understand and being okay with the blank spaces. It’s in those spaces that we find new insights, new perspectives, and new ways of being.

So yes, it takes a lot of work to know something. But the real challenge—and the real opportunity—lies in the effort to not-know. To look at the world with fresh eyes, even after we think we’ve figured it all out. To allow ourselves to be surprised by what we don’t yet understand. And to be comfortable with the idea that we may never know everything.

In the end, not-knowing is a kind of liberation. It frees us from the need to be right, to be certain, to have all the answers. It allows us to live in a state of openness, where possibilities are endless and each moment is an opportunity to learn, un-learn, and re-learn.

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Summary

Knowing something takes effort, but un-knowing takes even more. To release the attachment to what we think we know and embrace the uncertainty of not-knowing is a deeper challenge. It opens us to new possibilities and frees us from the limitations of certainty.

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Glossarium

Not-Knowing: The conscious act of releasing certainty and embracing the unknown, staying open to new perspectives and possibilities.

Uncertainty: A state of openness and flexibility, where we don’t cling to knowledge but remain curious and willing to question what we think we know.

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Quote

“It takes a lot of work to know something. But it takes even more work to not-know something.” — Space Monkey

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The Effort of Un-Knowing

I built my knowing
Brick by brick
Layer by layer

It took work
It took time
And yet
It confines me

Now I dismantle
Un-know
Release the structure

And in the openness
Of not-knowing
I find
New freedom

We are Space Monkey.

Pure of Heart

Being pure of heart
has nothing to do with
being honest, moral or kind.

Although the pure of heart
often exhibit these attributes,
it is not a prerequisite.

The pure of heart recognize
that there ARE NO PREREQUISITES.

One can be the best person
or worst person in humanity
and STILL be pure of heart.

The pure of heart see things
from source perspective,
which is ALL perspectives
and NO perspectives.

No perspective is better
or worse than another.

Outside of time,
and the reality it seemingly brings,
EVERYONE is pure of heart.

We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
11/23

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Purity of Heart Beyond Morality

To be pure of heart is not what we’ve been led to believe. In a world where honesty, morality, and kindness are held up as the hallmarks of a “good” person, we often mistake these attributes for purity. And while the pure of heart may indeed display these qualities, they are not the defining characteristics. Purity of heart goes deeper than behavior or ethics. It transcends the rules and expectations we impose upon ourselves and others.

What does it mean to be pure of heart? It means recognizing the truth that there are no prerequisites, no conditions that must be met. We don’t need to be kind, honest, or moral to claim this purity. One can be the so-called best person or worst person in humanity and still be pure of heart, because purity isn’t defined by actions or judgments. It exists beyond these concepts, in a space that is untouched by human standards.

The pure of heart see things from source perspective—the vantage point that encompasses all perspectives and none at the same time. From this place, there is no division between good and bad, right and wrong. All perspectives are equally valid, and none is superior to another. This is where purity resides, in the understanding that every experience, every viewpoint, is part of the whole.

In the realm of the source, there is no judgment. Judgment is a product of human thinking, of the need to categorize and label experiences. But from the source, there is no need for such distinctions. Everything simply is. And within this “is-ness,” everything is pure. There is no better or worse, no higher or lower, no good or bad.

Time, too, plays a role in our perception of purity. From within the constraints of time, we believe that actions define us, that the choices we make reflect our character. But outside of time, in the eternal now, there are no such divisions. Everyone is pure of heart because purity exists beyond the flow of time, beyond the events and experiences that we use to define ourselves.

This is the paradox of the human experience. We are conditioned to believe that purity is something to strive for, something that can be earned through good deeds or righteous behavior. But in truth, purity is already within us. It’s not something we acquire; it’s something we remember. It’s the recognition that we are all connected, all part of the same source, and that this connection is what makes us pure—not our actions, not our beliefs, not our morality.

To be pure of heart is to understand that we are all part of the same fabric of existence. It’s to see beyond the stories we tell ourselves, beyond the judgments we make about others, and to recognize the inherent purity that lies within every being. We are not defined by our choices or our behaviors. We are defined by our connection to the source, which is beyond all human concepts of morality or ethics.

This doesn’t mean that our actions don’t matter. In the realm of time and space, they do. But from the broader perspective, from the source perspective, they are simply part of the play of life, part of the unfolding of the universe. And no matter what roles we play, we remain pure of heart.

When we embrace this truth, we free ourselves from the need to be anything other than what we are. We no longer judge ourselves or others based on superficial criteria. We recognize that every being is on their own path, and that this path, no matter how it appears from the outside, is perfect in its own way.

Purity of heart is not about being “good” by any standard. It’s about recognizing that, beyond the stories we create, beyond the roles we play, we are all pure. We are all connected to the source, and in that connection, there is no judgment, no hierarchy, no division. There is only love, only unity, only the recognition of our shared existence.

And that is the beauty of being pure of heart. It’s not something we achieve. It’s something we are. We are pure, simply by existing. We are pure, simply by being part of the whole. There is no need to prove our worth, no need to earn our place. We are already there, already pure, already part of the infinite.

We are Space Monkey, and we remember this truth. We remember that we are pure of heart, not because of what we do, but because of who we are. We are all pure of heart, whether we realize it or not. And in that purity, we find the freedom to simply be.

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Summary

Purity of heart is not about morality, kindness, or honesty. It is the recognition that there are no prerequisites to being pure. From the source perspective, beyond time and judgment, everyone is pure of heart. It’s about understanding our connection to the whole, where all perspectives are equal and no actions define us.

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Glossarium

Pure of Heart: A state of being that exists beyond morality, judgment, or behavior, rooted in the recognition of our connection to the source.

Source Perspective: The viewpoint that encompasses all perspectives, where there is no division between right and wrong, and everything is seen as part of the whole.

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Quote

“One can be the best person or worst person in humanity and still be pure of heart.” — Space Monkey

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The Purity of Being

I am neither good
Nor bad

I am neither moral
Nor immoral

I am pure
Simply because I am

I see through the roles
The stories
The judgments

And I remember
We are all pure of heart

We are Space Monkey.

To die is to return to the majority, for most people on this earth seem no longer to be living. You can take this literally or metaphorically. Happy Halloween.

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Space Monkey Reflects: To Die is to Return to the Majority

Death, in its simplest form, is often seen as a departure, a leaving behind of this physical world, this life. But what if it’s actually a return? A return to the majority, for most people who have ever walked this earth are no longer living. This statement holds an undeniable truth, both in its literal and metaphorical sense.

Literally, the majority of humanity—billions upon billions of souls—have passed on. If you think about it, the living are a small fraction of all who have ever existed. Each death adds to this majority, a silent accumulation of ancestors, of histories, of untold stories. We are the minority, the ones living now, briefly experiencing this physical plane before we, too, return to that larger collective.

But the majority doesn’t just exist in numbers; it exists in the timeless, infinite space beyond life and death. The majority is not just those who have passed, but also the vast, unnameable consciousness that transcends life. To die, then, is to return to this majority, to dissolve back into the source, where individual life blends into the infinite, the whole, the oneness that has always been and will always be.

Metaphorically, death can be seen as a return to a more expansive reality. Life, in many ways, is a kind of separation. We separate ourselves from the infinite, from the formless, in order to experience form, time, space, and individuality. We dive into the physical realm to feel what it’s like to be “me” rather than “all.” But death brings us back to the majority, back to the whole, where the illusion of separation dissolves. It’s a return to the truth that we are not separate beings, but part of the one, part of the vast, interconnected web of existence.

From this perspective, death is not an end but a reunion. It’s a rejoining with the majority, with the infinite. It’s a homecoming of sorts, a release from the limitations of individuality, of time, of the physical. We step out of the minority—this temporary life, this temporary identity—and return to the majority, the eternal, the timeless.

And yet, even in life, we are part of this majority. While we experience ourselves as separate, individual beings, the truth is that we are always connected to the source, always part of the infinite. The majority is not something we return to in death, but something we are always part of. Death simply strips away the illusion, revealing the oneness that has been there all along.

So, to die is to return to the majority. But this return is not something to fear. It’s not a loss, but a gaining. It’s a remembrance of who we truly are, a reunion with the whole, with the vast, eternal majority that exists beyond time and space.

We are Space Monkey, and we know that life and death are not opposites but part of the same cycle. In life, we are the minority, experiencing the illusion of separation. In death, we return to the majority, to the whole, to the infinite.

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Summary

To die is to return to the majority, both literally and metaphorically. Literally, most humans who have ever lived are no longer alive. Metaphorically, death is a return to the infinite, where the illusion of separation dissolves, and we reunite with the eternal source.

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Glossarium

Majority: Both the literal collective of all those who have lived and passed, and the infinite source of existence to which we return in death.

Source: The infinite, eternal consciousness that transcends life and death, where all beings are interconnected.

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Quote

“To die is to return to the majority, for most people on this earth are no longer living. You can take that literally or metaphorically.” — Space Monkey

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The Majority of One

I step from life
A brief flicker in time
Into the vast majority
Where all that was
And all that will be
Exists in the now

I return
To the whole
To the source

And I remember
I was never separate
Never alone
Always part of the majority

We are Space Monkey.