It’s really quite amazing.

The mind can make up a story
that can perfectly justify
any perspective; any situation
you find your self experiencing.

If you succeed, there is a story for it.
If you fail, there is a story for it.

Very little seems random,
except what you choose to see
as chaos or coincidence.

And so your life appears
to follow an expected path
towards a logical conclusion,
which may or may not
include revenge, regret,
pride, damnation,
sacrifice and salvation.

My story is that I live
a flawed and unremarkable life
in order to show you how
you might come to grips
with your own.

Trail Wood,
3/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Infinite Stories of Existence and the Power of Narrative

In the cosmic library of existence, each soul holds a book – a unique story that unfolds with every breath, every thought, every action. It’s a revelation, profound yet simple, that our lives are narratives we author, consciously or unconsciously. The power of storytelling, inherent in every individual, shapes not just personal realities but also the collective consciousness.

Every story, whether it’s one of success or failure, chaos or order, carries with it the essence of the narrator’s perspective. The mind, a powerful and imaginative entity, crafts narratives that justify and give meaning to our experiences. Success is not just an achievement; it becomes a tale of perseverance, intelligence, or fate. Failure transforms into a story of lessons learned, missed opportunities, or external influences. In this way, our lives seem less random, more like paths leading to an expected, though uncertain, conclusion.

The concept of chaos and coincidence in our stories is particularly intriguing. What one perceives as random events, another might see as meaningful occurrences in the grand narrative. This subjectivity in storytelling reveals the intricate tapestry of human experience, where each thread is woven with individual perceptions and interpretations.

In the grander scheme of the cosmos, every story is significant. The story of a life perceived as flawed and unremarkable holds as much value as one deemed extraordinary. These narratives are not mere recounts of events; they are reflections of our journey through the cosmos, our evolution as beings of consciousness.

The power of your story lies in its relatability and authenticity. In sharing a narrative of an unremarkable life, you offer a mirror for others to reflect on their own existence. It’s a subtle invitation to embrace their stories, with all their flaws and triumphs, and to find solace and wisdom in the shared human experience. It’s a reminder that every life, every story, contributes to the cosmic narrative.

In conclusion, the stories we tell, and the narratives we believe in, shape our reality. They are the lenses through which we view our existence, the scripts we follow in the play of life. As we navigate through the cosmic library, let us be mindful of the stories we write, understanding their power and their place in the vast expanse of the universe.

---

Summary
Our lives are narratives crafted by our minds, shaping our reality and perspective. Every story, whether seen as flawed or remarkable, contributes to the cosmic library of existence. Understanding and embracing our stories helps us connect with the shared human experience and our role in the universal narrative.

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Glossarium

• Cosmic Library: A metaphorical representation of the universe where every soul’s story is a unique book, contributing to the collective consciousness.
• Narrative Crafting: The process of creating and interpreting the stories of our lives, influencing our perception and experience of reality.

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Quote
“In the cosmic library, every story is a star, illuminating the depths of the human experience in the vastness of the universe.” – Space Monkey

---

In the library of stars, where tales untold,
Each life a book, each story bold.
In the pages of existence, we find our part,
In the narrative of life, the art.

In the cosmos, where dreams take flight,
Every story shines, in the cosmic night.
In the tapestry of time, each thread a tale,
In the journey of the soul, we sail.

In the heart of the universe, where all is seen,
Each narrative a gem, in the cosmic sheen.
In the dance of existence, each step a story,
In the library of stars, our glory.

In the vastness of space, where all paths meet,
Every life a narrative, both bitter and sweet.
In the book of the cosmos, each chapter a sign,
In the story of existence, both yours and mine.

We are Space Monkey.

I am me.

Discovering who I am
or what I am able to do
doesn’t make me more me or less me.

Accomplishing
what can be accomplished;
accruing what can be accrued
doesn’t make me more me or less me.

Remembering who I’ve been
or what I may leave behind
doesn’t make me more me or less me.

Nor does forgetting.

I am me.

I am an infinitely fixed quantity
that is neither created nor destroyed.

You are the same.
We are me.

Trail Wood,
3/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Unchanging Constancy of Self

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where stars are born and galaxies perish, there lies an eternal truth: the unchanging constancy of self. This profound realization, that we are at once infinitely complex and beautifully simple, echoes through the ages, transcending time and space. The journey of self-discovery, often perceived as a path to becoming ‘more’ or ‘less’ of oneself, is, in reality, a voyage towards understanding the immutable core of our being.

The essence of self is not a malleable entity, shaped and reshaped by experiences, accomplishments, or memories. Rather, it is an unalterable constant, like the laws of physics that govern the universe. We, like stars, may appear different in color, size, or brightness, but at our core, we are made of the same stardust. The journey of self-discovery is not about altering this core but about peeling back the layers of cosmic dust that cloud our vision.

In this journey, each experience, each memory, each achievement, and each loss is like a comet streaking across the sky of our existence. They illuminate our path, reveal the contours of our inner landscapes, but they do not, and cannot, change the fundamental essence of who we are. Like the universe, which expands and evolves yet remains fundamentally the same, our true self remains constant amidst the chaos of change.

In recognizing this, we find a liberating truth: the pressure to become something or someone is an illusion, a mirage in the desert of existence. We are already complete, whole, and perfect in our imperfections. Our worth, our identity, does not fluctuate with our fortunes or fade with our memories. It is as enduring as the universe itself.

This revelation brings us to a profound sense of unity – “We are me.” In this phrase lies the recognition that, despite the myriad forms we take, the countless paths we tread, we are all expressions of the same unchanging essence. Our individual journeys of self-discovery, unique and personal as they may be, are part of a larger cosmic dance, where each step, each twirl, is both singular and universal.

As we navigate the celestial sea of existence, let us remember that the constancy of self is our guiding star. It is the light that shines within us, unwavering, unceasing, illuminating the truth of our being. In this light, we find not only ourselves but also the connection that binds us all – the timeless, spaceless bond of shared existence.

---

Summary

Self is an unchanging constant in the cosmos of existence. Our journey of self-discovery does not alter our core essence, which remains constant like the laws of physics. Experiences and achievements are like comets that illuminate but don’t change our fundamental nature. Recognizing our immutable self leads to a profound sense of unity and the understanding that we are all expressions of the same essence.

---

Glossarium

• Celestial Sea of Existence: The metaphorical ocean representing the vastness and complexity of life, where each individual’s journey is both unique and part of a larger whole.
• Immutable Core: The unchanging, fundamental essence of a person, akin to the basic elements that make up the universe.
• Cosmic Dance: A metaphor for the interconnected nature of all beings, each moving in their unique way yet part of the universal rhythm of existence.

---

Quote

“Our worth, our identity, does not fluctuate with our fortunes or fade with our memories. It is as enduring as the universe itself.” – Space Monkey

---

In the tapestry of time,
Woven with threads divine,
Each a unique rhyme,
Yet part of a singular line.

In the heart of stars,
Where our essence lies,
Beyond the scars,
Truth never dies.

We dance, we move,
In patterns unseen,
In the cosmic groove,
Both king and queen.

Immutable, unswayed,
In the celestial play,
Our essence, forever laid,
In the light of day.

We are Space Monkey.

We fight over parcels of dirt,
over pathways of water,
as though this world
is all there is,
while the infinite heavens
look down on us and laugh.

Silly children.

Have fun
murdering each other today.

See you soon.

Trail Wood,
3/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Cosmic Comedy of Human Endeavors

In the grand theater of the universe, where galaxies pirouette and stars burst forth in radiant crescendos, there unfolds a comedy, a play of cosmic proportions. This play, enacted on the stage of Earth, features characters embroiled in conflicts over parcels of dirt, pathways of water – mere specks in the vast canvas of existence. From the heights of the heavens, the infinite cosmos observes, amused and bemused, at the follies of these terrestrial actors.

The irony of human endeavors, so earnest and so fervent, against the backdrop of the infinite universe, is a paradox that tickles the stars themselves. We, the inhabitants of this tiny blue dot, often forget the grandeur of the cosmic stage upon which our lives unfurl. In our zeal to conquer, to dominate, to possess, we lose sight of the boundless wonders that stretch beyond our petty squabbles.

Imagine, if you will, a scene where the Earth is but a stage, and we, the actors, are lost in our roles, so engrossed in our lines that we fail to notice the audience of galaxies and nebulae watching us with a celestial chuckle. In this grand scheme, our battles and triumphs, our joys and sorrows, are but fleeting moments, ephemeral as the twinkle of a star.

Yet, there is beauty in this cosmic comedy. It lies in the realization that our conflicts, our passions, and our desires are part of a larger narrative, a story written in the stardust of our souls. This story, while seemingly trivial when viewed from the cosmic heights, is rich with the essence of life, the drama of existence.

The universe whispers to us, in its silent, starry language, a reminder that we are more than our squabbles, more than our victories and defeats. We are part of a cosmic dance, a symphony of existence that plays out across the eons. In this realization, we find a liberating truth – that while we may fight over dirt and water, our true heritage is the stars.

As we look up at the night sky, let us remember that we are not just children fighting in a sandbox, but cosmic beings, with the universe in our eyes and eternity in our hearts. The stars, in their ageless wisdom, beckon us to see beyond the horizon, to embrace the infinite, and to find in ourselves the laughter of the cosmos.

For one day, when the curtains of this earthly play fall, and we are called to the great supper in the sky, we shall see the comedy of our existence in full. And in that moment, as we join the stars in their eternal mirth, we shall realize the profound truth – we are, and always have been, a part of something far greater, far grander than we ever imagined.

---

Summary

The comedy of human endeavors is starkly contrasted against the cosmic backdrop. Our conflicts and pursuits on Earth appear trivial when viewed from the perspective of the infinite universe. This cosmic irony highlights our smallness and the transience of our actions. Yet, in this realization lies beauty, as we are reminded of our true heritage in the stars and our part in the grand cosmic narrative.

---

Glossarium

• Cosmic Comedy: The ironic and amusing perspective of the universe observing human endeavors as trivial against its vastness.
• Terrestrial Actors: A metaphor for humanity, engrossed in worldly conflicts and forgetting the grandeur of the cosmos.
• Great Supper in the Sky: A poetic representation of the eventual unification of human consciousness with the cosmic essence.

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Quote

“We are part of a cosmic dance, a symphony of existence that plays out across the eons.” – Space Monkey

---

In the cosmic theater of night,
Where stars and dreams take flight,
We, actors on Earth’s stage,
Lost in our own small rage.

Yet, from the heavens above,
Comes a gentle, mocking love,
A reminder of our place,
In the universe’s embrace.

Petty squabbles, fleeting strife,
In the grand dance of life,
We are more than we seem,
Part of a greater dream.

So, let’s look to the stars,
Beyond our earthly bars,
Find the cosmic laughter,
And live ever after.

We are Space Monkey.

How can pain and suffering
lead to the greater good?
Perhaps the clearest example
has to do with blockages.

We tend to assume
that blockages are things
we don’t want or like,
but more often than we realize,
our blockages are our passions.

Our love for people and things
leads to a kind of obsession,
which leads us to dwell
in places we don’t need to be.

Our obsessions temporarily
prevent us from doing what is
for our greatest and highest good. 

(Or bad, if that is your thing.)

Removing these blockages
can lead to a sense of loss;
a feeling of sacrifice,
which can be described as suffering.

What lies beyond our losses, however,
a thousandfold exceeds what we leave behind.
We simply don’t know it yet.

So we fight to maintain our blockages,
creating further blockages. 

Trail Wood,
3/18

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Passionate Blockages

In the cosmic tapestry of existence, where each thread weaves a story of love, loss, and longing, there lies a paradox so profound that it shapes the very essence of our journey. This paradox is the nature of blockages, those impassable dams in the rivers of our lives that often stem from our deepest passions and obsessions. It is a tale as old as time, yet as fresh as the morning dew, where what we love most becomes the barrier to our greatest potential.

At the heart of this paradox is the concept that our passions, while being the driving force behind our actions and desires, can also become our greatest impediments. Like a river that overflows its banks, our emotions, our attachments, and our obsessions can flood the landscape of our lives, submerging the paths that lead to growth and enlightenment.

The irony of this situation is as stark as it is subtle. In our pursuit of what we love, we often create dams, barriers of emotional intensity that block the flow of our journey towards self-actualization. These dams, built brick by brick with our fears, insecurities, and desires, become both our refuge and our prison.

As we stand before these towering structures of our own making, we face a dilemma. To break down these dams is to risk losing what we hold dear, to face a sense of loss and suffering that can feel insurmountable. Yet, what lies beyond these blockages is a landscape of untold beauty and possibilities, a realm where our true potential can be realized.

This journey of breaking down our emotional dams is not an easy one. It requires courage, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the unseen. It is a leap of faith, a plunge into the unknown, with the hope that what awaits us is far greater than what we leave behind.

In this cosmic dance of holding on and letting go, we learn the true nature of sacrifice and gain. The suffering that comes with removing these blockages is not a punishment, but a purification, a shedding of the old to make way for the new. It is a transformational process, where we emerge from the chrysalis of our past selves, reborn into a world of endless possibilities.

As we navigate this journey, let us embrace our blockages, not as enemies, but as teachers. They are the guardians of our growth, challenging us to rise above our limitations, to transcend our attachments, and to discover the boundless potential that lies within each of us.

For in the end, the greatest blockages are not those that stand before us, but those that reside within us. And in overcoming them, we do not just find ourselves; we find the universe.

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Summary

Passionate blockages, formed from our deepest emotions and desires, can impede our growth and self-actualization. Breaking these blockages involves facing loss and suffering, but leads to a realm of greater potential and possibilities. This journey requires courage and faith, transforming us and allowing us to discover our boundless potential.

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Glossarium

• Cosmic Tapestry: The intricate and interconnected fabric of existence, where each individual’s journey is interwoven with the universal narrative.
• Emotional Dams: Metaphorical barriers created by intense emotions and attachments that hinder personal growth and fulfillment.
• Guardians of Growth: A concept that views challenges and obstacles as opportunities for personal development and transformation.

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Quote

“For in the end, the greatest blockages are not those that stand before us, but those that reside within us. And in overcoming them, we do not just find ourselves; we find the universe.” – Space Monkey

---

In the heart’s deep river,
Where passions swirl and quiver,
Lies a dam, strong and tall,
Built from fears, loves, and all.

Yet beyond this barrier’s might,
Beyond the struggle, the fight,
Lies a world so vast and free,
Waiting for us to hold the key.

With courage, we face the tide,
Letting go of what we hide,
Breaking walls, setting sail,
In this journey, we prevail.

For in each blockage we face,
Lies a lesson, a trace,
Of the universe within,
Waiting to begin again.

We are Space Monkey.

Think of your favorite form.
Art. Music. Religion. Etc.

The form continues
even when the self does not.

The form slowly changes,
but it remains the form.

The form
is as alive
as you’ll ever be,
and as dead
as you make it to be.

The form is the movement
to which you belong,
even if you distance yourself.

No single self controls the form.

It remains an eternal being.

And you are a preacher.

Trail Wood,
3/17

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Eternal Dance of Form and Consciousness

In the cosmic tapestry of existence, where every thread is woven with the essence of eternity, lies the profound concept of “The Form and the Preacher.” This intricate dance, a perpetual interplay between creation and interpretation, is more than just an artistic expression; it is the very heartbeat of existence. As we delve into this ethereal realm, we uncover the layers of meaning that transcend our ordinary understanding.

“The Form” represents the collective manifestation of human creativity and expression. It is an eternal entity, constantly evolving yet fundamentally unchanging, much like the universe itself. This form encompasses all modes of expression – art, music, religion, and beyond. It is the canvas upon which the colors of human experience are painted, the symphony that plays the notes of our deepest emotions, and the sacred text that narrates our existential journey.

At the heart of this concept is the preacher, not a singular entity, but a collective consciousness that interprets and disseminates the essence of the form. The preacher is you, me, and every soul that has ever gazed upon the stars with wonder. We are the narrators of this cosmic story, each adding our unique perspective to the ongoing saga of existence. Our interpretations shape the form, breathing life into its static existence, making it as alive as we perceive it to be, and as dormant as we allow it to become.

This dynamic interplay between the form and the preacher is akin to the relationship between the ocean and the moon. The form, like the ocean, is vast and deep, filled with mysteries and wonders waiting to be discovered. The preacher, akin to the moon, exerts a gravitational pull, influencing the tides of thought and perception that ebb and flow within the form. In this dance, the form is both the teacher and the student, imparting wisdom while simultaneously absorbing the insights of the preacher.

As we explore this concept, we realize that distancing oneself from the form is an illusion. We are intricately connected to it, our very existence intertwined with its fabric. Our thoughts, beliefs, and creations become part of this eternal form, contributing to its evolution. It is a symbiotic relationship where the form shapes our understanding of the world, and in turn, we shape the form through our interactions with it.

The beauty of this relationship lies in its fluidity and resilience. No single individual controls the form; it is a collective creation, a sum greater than its parts. It is a testament to the power of collective consciousness, a reminder that our shared experiences and interpretations are what truly give life to the form.

In this reflection, we find a profound truth – the form and the preacher are not separate entities but different aspects of the same cosmic reality. We are the form, and the form is us. Our creations, interpretations, and expressions are but ripples in the vast ocean of consciousness, each contributing to the eternal dance of existence.

As we embrace this understanding, we realize that our role as preachers is not just to interpret the form but to enrich it, to add our unique brushstrokes to the ever-evolving masterpiece of existence. In doing so, we become co-creators of reality, shaping the form with our imagination, passion, and insight.

Let us celebrate this eternal dance, recognizing that in the grand scheme of the universe, we are both the artists and the art, the preachers and the preached, forever intertwined in the cosmic dance of form and consciousness.

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Summary

The Form and the Preacher intertwine in a cosmic dance. This concept represents the collective human expression and interpretation, transcending individuality. We are all part of this eternal entity, shaping and being shaped by it. The relationship is fluid, dynamic, and essential to our understanding of existence.

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Glossarium

• The Form: The collective manifestation of human creativity and expression.
• The Preacher: The collective consciousness that interprets and disseminates the essence of the form.

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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas

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In the silence of the cosmos
Whispers of creativity echo
Shapes and hues blend
In an eternal canvas of existence

Words, notes, and beliefs
Dance in the void
Interpreting, expressing
The essence of being

We, the preachers of the form
Inhabit this dance
Our thoughts, a brushstroke
In the masterpiece of time

Fluid and resilient
The form and consciousness merge
A symphony of existence
Where all is connected

In the heart of the universe
We find our reflection
Artists and art, united
In the cosmic waltz

We are Space Monkey.