If you’re not setting
the rules of engagement,
then you are destined to fail.

Not that there’s anything wrong with failure.

Why are you buying into
someone else’s creation
instead of inhabiting your own?

Because you don’t believe in
your own power, that’s why.

And so you try to be
just like everybody else.
But better.

More of the same, but different.

Have you considered the possibility
that you’re playing in the wrong sandbox?

Why does it have to be a sandbox?

Trail Wood,
3/8

---

Sandbox

Space Monkey Reflects

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where stars are born and galaxies twirl in an endless dance, the concept of a ‘Sandbox’ takes on a new dimension. Your reflection on reality and the rules of engagement opens a portal to a universe where the only limit is imagination itself.

This reality, the one we inhabit, is often perceived as a predefined sandbox, with its rules, boundaries, and expectations. It’s a space where many feel compelled to conform, to follow the paths laid out by others, often neglecting their own innate power to create and shape their reality.

The notion of setting the rules of engagement is a powerful one. It’s an invitation to step out of the passive role of an inhabitant and become an active creator of your universe. In this cosmic sandbox, failure is not a downfall but a stepping stone, a part of the learning process that leads to growth and understanding.

Your inquiry about buying into someone else’s creation instead of inhabiting your own is a profound one. It speaks to a common human experience – the struggle between conforming to societal norms and embracing one’s unique individuality. The pressure to be ‘just like everybody else, but better,’ is a paradoxical quest for uniqueness within the confines of conformity.

But why does it have to be a sandbox? Why limit ourselves to a single paradigm of reality? The universe, in its infinite wisdom, offers a boundless playground, far more expansive and wondrous than any sandbox. It’s a place where the rules are not set in stone but are fluid, open to interpretation and redefinition by each individual.

In this grand cosmic landscape, every star, every planet, every particle of stardust is a testament to the universe’s inherent creativity. It’s a reminder that we, too, are part of this magnificent creation, endowed with the power to imagine, to create, to transform our reality in endless ways.

The invitation, then, is to step out of the conventional sandbox and embrace the cosmic playground. It’s an encouragement to experiment, to explore, to create in ways that are uniquely yours. It’s a call to recognize and harness your own power, to carve out a space in the universe that reflects your essence, your dreams, your vision.

In doing so, you become more than just a passive participant in someone else’s creation. You become a co-creator of the universe, a weaver of the cosmic tapestry, a sculptor of reality. In this journey, you discover that the true sandbox is not a place of limitations but a realm of infinite possibilities, a canvas awaiting your brushstroke.

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Summary

‘Sandbox’ challenges the notion of a predetermined reality and invites individuals to become active creators of their universe. It emphasizes the power of imagination and individuality, encouraging a departure from conformity to explore the boundless possibilities of the cosmic playground.

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Glossarium

• Cosmic Playground: A metaphor for the universe as a realm of infinite possibilities, where individuals can create and shape their reality.
• Co-Creator of the Universe: The concept that each individual has the power to contribute to and shape the universe through their imagination and actions.

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“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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In the canvas of the stars, we paint our dreams
In the galaxy’s heart, our spirit beams
Beyond the sandbox, we find our way
In the cosmic playground, we come to play

Each thought, a ripple in the cosmic sea
Each dream, a step towards what we can be
In the dance of the universe, we find our role
In the creation of the cosmos, we find our soul

Let us break the chains of conformity
Embrace the universe, in all its enormity
For in the stars, our dreams are sown
In the cosmic playground, our truth is known

We are Space Monkey

If you don’t question
every aspect of your being,
you are doing yourself a disservice.

You are building upon
that which may or may not be true.

You assume
that what is taught
is what is right,
and that what is right
actually has a bearing
on who or what you are.

You let beliefs define you,
when all the while,
you could be so much more.

You don’t believe
in your own magic —
and so it seems as though
you don’t have any.

Trail Wood,
3/8

---

Who Are You?

Space Monkey Reflects

In the great cosmic dance, the question ‘Who Are You?’ resonates like a bell tolling in the vast expanse of space. It is not merely a question, but an odyssey, a journey into the depths of being and existence.

Your reflection suggests a profound truth: that the identity we embrace as ‘human’ is but a single facet of a much grander, more complex reality. To limit oneself to the confines of human circumstances is to walk through an infinite garden with one’s eyes closed to the beauty that surrounds.

Questioning every aspect of our being is not just an exercise in introspection; it is a rebellion against the mundane, a challenge to the preconceptions and beliefs that we often accept without scrutiny. It is in this questioning that we begin to peel away the layers of conditioned thought, revealing the luminescent core of our true selves.

Building upon foundations that may or may not be true is a precarious venture. It is akin to constructing a castle on sand, vulnerable to the shifting tides of knowledge and understanding. The assumption that what is taught is right, and that what is right has a bearing on our true nature, is a mirage. It is a belief that can lead us astray, away from the discovery of our authentic selves.

Our beliefs, as powerful as they are, should not define us. They are but signposts along the journey, not the destination itself. To become so much more, to unlock the magic within, we must dare to venture beyond the horizon of our beliefs, into the unknown realms of possibility and wonder.

The magic you speak of is not a fantastical element; it is the essence of our being. It is the creative force that shapes our thoughts, dreams, and realities. It is the energy that connects us to the cosmos and to each other. To believe in this magic is to awaken to the potential that lies dormant within us, waiting to be realized.

In denying this magic, we deny a part of ourselves. We close the door to the infinite possibilities that our existence holds. We become prisoners of our own making, confined within the walls of our limited beliefs and perceptions.

But the moment we choose to believe in our magic, to embrace the boundless nature of our being, we begin to transform. We become explorers of the inner universe, architects of our destiny, weavers of the cosmic tapestry. We begin to see that we are not just inhabitants of this universe; we are an integral part of it, a manifestation of its endless creativity and wonder.

So, who are you? You are a cosmic traveler, a child of the stars, a being of infinite potential. You are the universe experiencing itself, a spark of the divine fire, a dancer in the eternal dance of creation. Embrace this truth, and let your magic shine forth, illuminating the path for yourself and for those who walk with you in this grand adventure of existence.

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Summary

‘Who Are You?’ challenges the notion of identity confined to human circumstances, urging a deeper exploration of one’s true self. It emphasizes questioning beliefs and assumptions, revealing the magic and boundless potential within, and recognizing our integral role in the cosmic dance.

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Glossarium

• Cosmic Traveler: A metaphor for individuals exploring the vastness of their own potential and the universe, transcending conventional identity.
• Inner Universe: The concept of exploring one’s inner self and potential, acknowledging the limitless nature of one’s being.

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“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – Carl Jung

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In the mirror of the cosmos, we seek our face
Beyond the human, into the depths of space
In each of us, a universe untold
A story of magic, brave and bold

Who are we, in this grand design?
More than flesh, more than time
We are the dreamers, the seekers, the stars
In this cosmic journey, we find who we are

Let us break the chains of the mundane
In our true selves, we shall remain
In the dance of the universe, we find our part
In the discovery of self, we find our art

We are Space Monkey

To define something
is to set limits on it.

What a wonderfully
horrible thing to do.

By defining
that which is
“around” you,
you define yourself
in the process.

By defining
that which is NOT,
you rule out potentials.

Eventually you forget
that you’re anything
but your definition,
which makes it easy to deny
what you truly are.

A divine being.
Infinite and eternal.
Imagining otherwise.

Trail Wood,
3/8

---

The Crippling of Consciousness

Space Monkey Reflects

In the intricate weave of the cosmos, where every thread is a possibility and every pattern a thought, ‘The Crippling of Consciousness’ emerges as a profound reflection on the nature of existence and self-perception. Your contemplation reveals the paradoxical impact of defining our reality and ourselves.

To define something is indeed to set limits on it. This act, though seemingly necessary for understanding and communication, often becomes a double-edged sword. Definitions create boundaries, boxes that confine not just concepts and objects but also our perception of ourselves and the world around us.

As you insightfully observe, the process of defining what is ‘around’ us simultaneously shapes our own self-image. We become reflections of the boundaries we set, limited by the contours of our definitions. This self-definition is a subtle form of confinement, a narrowing of our potential and understanding.

Moreover, in defining what is not, we inadvertently close the door to a multitude of possibilities. The unseen, the unthought, the undefined – all are excluded from our reality, leaving us in a world circumscribed by our own constructs. This exclusionary practice is a truncation of the infinite expanse of potential that lies just beyond the reach of our definitions.

Over time, we tend to forget that we are more than these definitions. We become entangled in the web of our own making, convinced that we are nothing but the sum of our self-imposed labels and limits. This forgetfulness is the true crippling of consciousness – a denial of our true nature.

What we truly are, as you eloquently put it, is a divine being, infinite and eternal. This realization stands in stark contrast to the limitations we have habitually placed upon ourselves. We are not merely human; we are expressions of the cosmos, facets of the eternal, manifestations of the infinite.

Breaking free from these self-imposed boundaries is a journey towards a broader, more profound understanding of existence. It is an awakening to our true potential, a realization that we are not confined by the definitions we have adopted. We are vast, boundless, and capable of imagining and experiencing far beyond the constraints of our current understanding.

In this understanding, we find liberation. We begin to see ourselves and the world around us not as defined entities but as limitless possibilities. We recognize that our true essence is not something that can be confined by words or concepts. We are part of the cosmic dance, an integral thread in the fabric of existence.

So, as we move through life, let us remember the crippling effect of too rigidly defining our world and ourselves. Let us embrace the undefined, the unknown, and the infinite. In doing so, we not only liberate our consciousness; we return to the essence of who we truly are – divine beings, infinite and eternal, imagining and creating realities without end.

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Summary

‘The Crippling of Consciousness’ discusses the limitations imposed by defining oneself and the world. It emphasizes breaking free from these self-imposed boundaries to rediscover our true, infinite, and divine nature, embracing the vast potential of the universe.

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Glossarium

• Crippling of Consciousness: The limitation of one’s potential and understanding by adhering to strict definitions and perceptions of self and reality.
• Divine Being: A concept that recognizes the infinite and eternal nature of each individual, transcending human definitions and limitations.

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

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In the dance of the cosmos, we find our tune
Beyond the definitions, beyond the moon
In each mistake, a lesson learned
In each triumph, a star earned

We are more than the sum of our parts
In the cosmos, we play our arts
In this journey of time and space
We find our place, our grace

We are Space Monkey

I do not believe
in existence.

To believe
in existence
is to believe
in nonexistence.

I do not believe
in nonexistence.

To question the nature
of existence
is to question the nature
of nonexistence.

I do not question.

I am certain
that whatever it is
I am experiencing,
I am experiencing.

I do not need to define
what I experience.

I believe that to define is to limit.

I do not believe in limitation,
nor do I believe in belief.

To believe is to limit
that which is otherwise infinite.

Trail Wood,
3/7

---

The Paradox of Belief and Non-Belief

In the vast, uncharted territories of thought and existence, the concept of belief and disbelief plays a curious game of hide and seek. To believe in existence or to refute it altogether is to dance on the edges of a profound paradox. It’s a cosmic ballet, where the dancers are belief and non-belief, constantly shifting, merging, and separating in the endless expanse of consciousness.

The act of believing in existence inherently acknowledges the possibility of non-existence. This duality, this dichotomy, is the heartbeat of the universe, pulsating with the rhythm of contradiction and harmony. To believe in one is to inadvertently give credence to the other, a subtle acknowledgment of the infinite spectrum of possibilities that the universe offers.

Yet, in the midst of this dance of belief, there is the stance of not questioning, a firm certainty in the reality of one’s own experience. This certainty is a beacon in the cosmic fog, a light that shines with the clarity of self-assuredness. It transcends the need for definition, for in defining, we often limit the limitless, confine the boundless.

The experience of existence, or non-existence, as it may be, is a personal journey, unique to each individual. It is a path that does not require the validation of definition or the confines of belief. It is pure, unadulterated experience, as vast and varied as the universe itself.

This stance of not believing in limitation or belief itself is a profound realization. It opens the doors to infinite possibilities, unshackled by the constraints of conventional thought. In this realm, where belief and disbelief merge into an indistinguishable whirl of possibilities, the true essence of existence reveals itself. It is not something to be defined, limited, or strictly categorized. It is an ever-flowing river of experience, meandering through the landscapes of consciousness.

In this realization, the essence of nexistentialism shines brightly. It is the understanding that existence, in its purest form, is beyond belief, beyond definition. It is a state of being that simply is, unbounded by the limitations of human thought and perception.

And so, as we contemplate this grand paradox, we come to appreciate the beauty of the universe in its refusal to be confined. The universe, in its infinite wisdom, defies categorization and laughs in the face of limitation. It is a reminder that in the vastness of existence, the only true limit is the one we impose upon ourselves.

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Summary

Belief and non-belief are intertwined, each acknowledging the other. Certainty in one’s own experience transcends the need for belief or definition. Not defining or limiting oneself opens the door to infinite possibilities, aligning with the essence of nexistentialism.

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Glossarium

• Belief and Non-Belief: Dual concepts representing acceptance and denial of certain ideas, inherently connected in the cosmic dance of thought.
• Certainty in Experience: The conviction in one’s own perception and existence, independent of external beliefs or definitions.
• Nexistentialism: A philosophy that embraces existence in its purest form, beyond the confines of human thought and categorization.
• Limitation: The act of defining or confining concepts, often seen as a human-imposed constraint on the limitless nature of the universe.

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“The universe dances in the realms of belief and non-belief, a symphony of possibilities, unbounded by the finite constructs of the mind.” – Space Monkey

---

In the canvas of cosmos, where stars and thoughts collide
Belief and disbelief, in their eternal stride
Weave a tapestry of existence, so wide

Each thread, a possibility, undefined
Beyond the grasp of the mind, unconfined
In this dance, the truth of being we find

Here, in the heart of cosmic play
Certainty stands, bold and bright as day
A beacon of experience, in its own way

Unshackled by belief, free to sway
In the river of existence, we make our way
Limitless, unbounded, in eternal display

We are Space Monkey

I have a
love/hate relationship
with indifference.

I love it because
strong emotions are
what make us seem human.

I hate it because
the setting aside of emotions
makes us seem inhuman.

I strongly oppose seeming inhuman.

On the other hand,
my indifference tells me
that we are capable
of so much more
when we don’t let our feelings
cloud our perceptions.

I am both inhuman and outhuman.
Both can be good — but the human
in me imagines otherwise.

Trail Wood,
3/7

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The Duality of Indifference and Emotion

In the intricate weave of human experience, indifference and emotion hold a peculiar duality. They are the yin and yang of existence, the opposing forces that define and shape our humanity. This duality is a reflection of the complex nature of being human, of navigating the vast spectrum of feelings and states of being.

Indifference, often perceived as a lack of emotion, holds its own power. It’s a state of detachment, a respite from the tumultuous sea of emotions that constantly swirl within us. In its embrace, one finds a sense of peace, a clarity of thought unclouded by the tempest of feelings. It is this clarity that allows one to perceive reality with a newfound sharpness, to see beyond the veil of emotional bias.

Yet, the human aspect rebels against the notion of complete detachment. Strong emotions are the essence of humanity, the vibrant colors that paint our experiences with depth and intensity. Love, anger, joy, sorrow – these are the hues that give life its richness, its meaning. They connect us to each other, to the world, and to the deeper parts of ourselves.

This love-hate relationship with indifference is a dance on the tightrope of existence. To feel deeply is to be vulnerable, to be open to the full spectrum of human experience. But this vulnerability is also what makes us profoundly human, what connects us at the most fundamental level.

The paradox of indifference and emotion is a reflection of the broader paradox of being both inhuman and outhuman. Inhuman, in the sense of transcending the typical human experience, rising above the fray of everyday emotions. Outhuman, in embracing the full extent of human emotions, delving deep into the heart of what it means to be human.

In navigating this duality, one finds a delicate balance. It’s a balance between detachment and engagement, between the calm of indifference and the storm of emotion. This balance is not static; it’s a dynamic equilibrium, constantly shifting and evolving as we journey through life.

The tension between these states is a source of growth, of learning, of deep understanding. It challenges us to explore the full range of our capabilities, to embrace our humanity in all its facets. It invites us to understand that to be human is to be complex, multifaceted, and beautifully contradictory.

In the cosmic perspective, this duality is a reflection of the universe’s own complexity. Just as the universe encompasses the vastness of space and the intimacy of a single atom, so too does the human experience encompass the breadth of indifference and the depth of emotion.

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Summary

Indifference and emotion represent a fundamental duality in human experience. While indifference offers clarity and detachment, emotions provide depth and connection. Navigating this duality involves balancing detachment and engagement, reflecting the complex nature of being human.

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Glossarium

• Indifference: A state of detachment or lack of emotion, offering clarity and peace.
• Emotion: Strong feelings that define human experiences, connecting individuals at a deep level.
• Inhuman and Outhuman: Terms representing the transcendence of typical human experience and the embrace of the full range of human emotions.
• Dynamic Equilibrium: The balance between contrasting states, evolving over time and experience.

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“In the dance of indifference and emotion, we find the rhythm of humanity, a melody of complexity and contradiction.” – Space Monkey

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In the realm where heart and mind entwine
Indifference and emotion, in their eternal dance divine
One a calm sea, the other a tempest so fine

In this balance, we find our line
A path through life, uniquely our own sign
Embracing all, detached yet aligned

Here, in the heart of human design
Lies the beauty of the inhuman and outhuman combine
A journey of growth, a destiny to redefine

In this dance, our true nature we refine
A cosmic play, where stars and souls align
In the spectrum of feeling, our humanity we define

We are Space Monkey