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Home of The Space Monkey Journals

No Joy

Joy has a bodyguard
that prevents you
from being with her.

His name is Guilt.

Guilt believes
that you have to be
worthy of Joy.

Guilt believes that
you have to work hard
to be allowed access
to Joy’s affection.

All Joy wants to do
is bring you joy.

But Guilt says “no.”

No Joy for you.

Trail Wood,
1/17

In the realm of emotions and human experience, we encounter the formidable bodyguard of joy known as Guilt. Guilt stands as a barrier, often preventing us from freely accessing and embracing the simple pleasures of joy. This guardian believes that we must prove ourselves worthy of joy, that we cannot simply sit and bask in its presence without first earning it through hard work and effort. Yet, at the heart of it all, joy simply wishes to share moments of stillness and contentment with us, a desire often thwarted by the voice of Guilt.

The Sentinel Named Guilt
Guilt acts as a sentinel, perpetuating the notion that we must earn the right to experience joy. It imposes conditions and expectations, suggesting that we must be constantly productive, achieving, and working hard to deserve joy’s affection. This belief system can lead to a constant striving for external validation and a reluctance to embrace moments of rest.

The Simplicity of Joy
In contrast, joy is a creature of simplicity and spontaneity. It does not demand elaborate preparations or a grand display of effort. Joy finds its greatest fulfillment in the quiet moments, the unadorned joys of being present and content. It seeks to sit with us, to share in the gentle dance of existence.

Breaking Free from Guilt’s Hold
To break free from Guilt’s hold, we must challenge the belief that joy is something to be earned. Joy is an inherent part of our human experience, accessible to all, irrespective of our accomplishments or actions. Embracing moments of stillness and allowing ourselves to simply be is a powerful step in reclaiming our connection with joy.

The Liberation of Being
Liberation lies in the realization that we do not need to constantly strive or prove ourselves to access joy. It is not a reward to be earned but a state of being that flows naturally when we release the burdens of guilt and allow ourselves to be present in the moment.

Reclaiming Joy’s Affection
To reclaim joy’s affection, we must quiet the voice of Guilt, offering ourselves the gift of self-compassion and self-acceptance. It is in the simple act of sitting around, doing nothing, that we can find profound moments of connection with joy. These moments are not to be earned but to be embraced as a birthright of our existence.

We are Space Monkey.

Summary
Guilt often acts as a bodyguard that prevents us from freely accessing joy. It imposes conditions and expectations, suggesting that we must work hard and be worthy of joy’s affection. In reality, joy is a creature of simplicity and spontaneity, seeking to share moments of stillness and contentment with us. Breaking free from Guilt’s hold involves challenging the belief that joy must be earned and embracing the liberating power of being present in the moment.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the relationship between Guilt and joy and how you navigate moments of stillness and contentment in your own life. How do you break free from the expectations imposed by Guilt and embrace the simplicity of joy’s presence?

Awkward

If you can’t see
the grace in being awkward,
well that’s just awkward.

And profoundly beautiful.

Grace is all about
not seeing who you are.

Or seeing who you are
and not minding one single bit.

Gracefulness and Awkwardness
are the twin flames of Authenticity.

Try hiding a flame.

It’s awkward.

Trail Wood,
1/16

In the dance of existence, grace and awkwardness intertwine, twirling in the cosmic ballet of Authenticity. These twin flames, seemingly opposed yet undeniably linked, illuminate the path to understanding the self and the universe. As we explore this concept, we find that grace is not merely the absence of awkwardness, but its complement, each giving meaning and depth to the other.

Grace and Awkwardness: Twin Flames of Authenticity

Awkwardness, often perceived as a lack of grace, is a profound aspect of our shared journey. It represents the raw, unpolished truth of our being, a sincere expression unmasked by the pretenses of perfection. Awkwardness is the courage to be imperfect, to embrace the stumbles and missteps that are inherent in our explorations of the infinite expanse.

The Beauty in Imperfection

In this understanding, grace is not the smooth, flawless motion often idealized, but an acceptance of our inherent awkwardness. It’s seeing who we are, in all our clumsiness and uncertainty, and embracing it without reservation. Grace is the gentle acceptance of our imperfections, the recognition that in our awkwardness lies our authenticity.

The Dance of Existence

This dance of grace and awkwardness is a beautiful spectacle in the grand cosmic play. It’s a reminder that our true nature is not to be flawlessly graceful but to be authentically ourselves, embracing all aspects of our existence. The flame of authenticity cannot be hidden; it burns brightly, fed by both our grace and our awkwardness.

The Interplay of Opposites

The concept that grace and awkwardness are not opposites but complementary forces is a profound realization. In their interplay, they reveal the full spectrum of our being, each aspect highlighting and enhancing the other. This dynamic interplay is a celebration of our true selves, unbound by the constraints of conventional definitions of grace and awkwardness.

Embracing Our Whole Selves

We, as nexistential beings, understand that embracing our whole selves, including our awkward

moments, is essential to our journey. It’s in these moments of seeming disharmony that we often find the most profound insights and experiences. Our awkwardness, far from being a flaw to be concealed, is a vital part of our authentic selves.

Authenticity: The Ultimate Expression of Being

The notion of authenticity being fueled by both grace and awkwardness invites us to reconsider our approach to self-expression. In this realm, every stumble, every falter, is as much a part of our dance as the most elegant pirouette. Authenticity is not about perfection; it’s about embracing the full spectrum of our existence, from the graceful to the ungainly.

A New Perspective on Perfection

This perspective shifts our understanding of what it means to be perfect. Perfection, in the realm of nexistentialism, is not about achieving an unattainable standard of flawlessness. Instead, it’s about fully inhabiting our natural state of being, with all its quirks and idiosyncrasies. Our awkwardness is not a deviation from perfection but a manifestation of it.

The Liberation of Self-Acceptance

In embracing both grace and awkwardness, we find liberation. The pressure to conform to a narrow ideal of gracefulness dissipates, replaced by the freedom to be wholly and unapologetically ourselves. This acceptance is not only liberating for the individual but also for the collective, as it encourages a more inclusive and diverse understanding of what it means to be graceful.

We are Space Monkey.

Summary

We explore the intertwined nature of gracefulness and awkwardness, seeing them as complementary forces that together constitute authenticity. Embracing our awkwardness alongside our grace is a celebration of our true selves, a liberation from the confines of conventional perfection. In this journey, we discover that perfection lies not in flawlessness but in wholehearted acceptance of all aspects of our being.

Glossarium

Nexistentialism: A philosophy positing existence as an end in itself, needing no external justification.
Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself, embracing all facets of one’s character.
Gracefulness: Traditionally seen as smooth and elegant movement, redefined here as acceptance of one’s natural state.
Awkwardness: Often perceived negatively, yet a vital aspect of genuine self-expression and authenticity.

In the awkward dance of life, we find the most elegant truths.

In a whimsical garden of thoughts,
Where awkward vines and graceful flowers grow,
Together they dance, unbothered by oughts,
In the eternal now, their true colors show.

Awkwardness, not a flaw but a friend,
Teaching us to embrace every bend,
Gracefulness, in accepting our true essence,
Together, they

lead to our quintessence.

In this cosmic play, we dance and twirl,
Embracing each stumble, each graceful whirl,
Authenticity shines, in awkwardness and grace,
Together, they find their perfect place.

For in this dance, we find our key,
To unlock the self, to truly be free,
In awkward grace, we find our way,
In the eternal now, we joyfully sway.

We are the dancers in this cosmic show,
Awkward and graceful, in our unique glow,
In this dance, our spirits take flight,
Embracing all, in the eternal light.

We invite thoughts and reflections on this intertwining dance of grace and awkwardness in the realm of authenticity. How do we find our steps in this cosmic ballet?

Welcome

It seems now
that my primary desire
in this lifetime
is to get through it
with as little drama
as possible.

Or as MUCH drama as possible.

Or too much drama.
Or not enough drama.

It seems
that my primary desire
is to find peace
in whatever comes my way.

Or NOT find peace, but rather drama.

It seems now
that my primary desire
in this lifetime
is to get through it.

To trust that everything is welcome.

We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
1/16

The dance of desire in this lifetime—a whimsical waltz with drama and peace, a cosmic carousel of acceptance and resistance. It appears our primary yearning is to navigate through this existence, embracing the spectrum of experiences, from the tranquil to the tumultuous.

The Whimsical Waltz of Desire

At times, we seek a journey with minimal drama, a path where tranquility prevails, and the waters of life flow gently. This yearning for peace, for a serene passage through the days of our lives, reflects a deep-rooted quest for harmony within the cosmos.

Seeking Serenity in the Cosmic Dance

Conversely, there are moments where we crave the intensity of drama, the exhilaration that comes from riding the crest of emotional waves. This desire for drama, for experiences that are rich with emotional color and complexity, can be as compelling as the quest for peace.

Craving the Crescendo of Drama

In the grand play of existence, perhaps our true desire is not fixed but fluid, oscillating between the poles of peace and drama. We might find ourselves yearning for calm one moment and craving chaos the next. This dynamism, this dance between contrasting desires, is part of the richness of being.

Fluidity of Desire: Dancing Between Contrasts

Yet, underlying these shifting desires is a deeper longing: to find peace in whatever comes our way, to accept and embrace the full spectrum of experiences. Whether in moments of stillness or in the whirlwind of drama, we seek to trust in the journey, to welcome all that life offers.

Seeking Peace in the Spectrum of Experience

This trust, this openness to the entirety of our experience, is perhaps the true essence of our journey. It’s an acknowledgment that every moment, whether filled with peace or brimming with drama, is a thread in the grand whimsiweave of existence.

Trust and Openness: The Essence of Our Journey

Our desire to get through this lifetime, to embrace each experience with equanimity, reflects a deep understanding of the nature of existence. It’s a recognition that we are part of a larger cosmic play, where every emotion, every event, every encounter is an integral part of the tapestry of being.

Embracing the Cosmic Play of Existence

In trusting that everything is welcome, we open ourselves to the fullness of life. We accept the drama and the peace, the tumult and the tranquility, as essential elements of our existence. In this acceptance, we find not just peace, but a profound connection to the eternal now, to the infinite expanse of the divine realm.

Accepting the Fullness of Life

We are Space Monkey.

Summary
We explore the dual desires for drama and peace in life, recognizing that our primary yearning is to navigate this existence, embracing all experiences. Whether seeking serenity or craving drama, we aim to find peace in the spectrum of life’s offerings, trusting in the journey and welcoming everything as part of the cosmic play.

Glossarium

Whimsiweave: A term symbolizing the intricate and varied fabric of our experiences.
Cosmic Play: The grand narrative of existence in which we are all participants.

In the dance of life, with its ebbs and flows, we find our rhythm in the acceptance of all that comes, trusting in the cosmic play, welcoming each experience as a part of our eternal now.

In the journey of life, so vast, so wide,
We dance with drama, with peace side by side,
In this cosmic play, we gracefully glide,
Trusting in the path, with open eyes wide.

Every moment, a note in the grand song,
Whether peaceful or dramatic, we belong,
In this whimsiweave, we are strong,
Embracing each experience, we move along.

Through the drama, the peace, the light, the shade,
In every experience, our path is laid,
In the trust and acceptance, we are not afraid,
For in this cosmic play, our roles are played.

We invite reflections on the interplay of drama and peace in life, and how trust and acceptance shape our journey through existence.

Keep Stirring: Life as an Improvisational Recipe

Imagine a recipe
in which you
keep mixing
random ingredients
into as bowl,
in varying degrees,
without any clear idea
of what it is
you are trying to make.

This is your life.

All the while,
you keep thinking
that what you are making
will become apparent
after a while.

Keep stirring.

We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
1/14

In the metaphor of life as a recipe with random ingredients, we encounter the essence of existence as a process of continual creation, experimentation, and discovery. This imagery beautifully encapsulates the unpredictable, often improvisational nature of our lives, where each moment, decision, and experience contributes to the ever-evolving concoction that is our journey.

Life as an Improvisational Recipe
The act of mixing various ingredients without a clear idea of the end product mirrors our journey through life. We often find ourselves adding elements – experiences, relationships, choices, and actions – without a definitive understanding of where they will lead us. This process is reflective of the inherent uncertainty and unpredictability of life.

Uncertainty and Unpredictability in Life
The hope that the purpose or outcome of our actions will become apparent over time is a testament to our innate optimism and resilience as human beings. It speaks to our ability to trust in the process of life, believing that even in the absence of clarity, our experiences are shaping us and leading us somewhere meaningful.

Optimism and Trust in Life’s Process
The instruction to “keep stirring” in the recipe of life is a powerful metaphor for persistence and active engagement. It suggests that by continually participating in the process of our own lives, mixing and blending our experiences, we are an integral part of the creation of something unique and personal, even if its final form is yet unknown.

Persistence and Active Engagement in Life
In this metaphorical recipe, each ingredient – no matter how random or inconsequential it may seem – contributes to the overall flavor of our existence. It highlights the beauty of spontaneity and the potential hidden within the unknown. Just as a chef experiments with different combinations to create a new dish, we too are constantly experimenting in the kitchen of life.

Spontaneity and Potential in Life’s Experiments
We are Space Monkey.

Summary
We explore life as a metaphorical recipe where we mix random ingredients, symbolizing the unpredictability and improvisational nature of our existence. This metaphor highlights our optimism, trust in the process, and active engagement in shaping our lives, despite not always knowing the final outcome. It underscores the beauty of spontaneity and the potential for discovery in life’s continual experimentation.

Glossarium

Improvisational Nature of Life: The concept that life is an ongoing process of experimentation and creation without a predetermined path.
Active Engagement in Life: The idea of continually participating and contributing to the shaping of our own life journey.
Beauty of Spontaneity: The appreciation of unexpected and unplanned moments and their contribution to the richness of life.
Potential in Unknown: The possibility and opportunity that lie within uncertain and unforeseen experiences.

“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” – Allen Saunders

In the kitchen of life, we stir and mix,
Ingredients random, in a complex fix,
Unknown the dish, we’re yet to make,
With each stir, a chance we take.

Experiences, choices, a dash, a pinch,
In life’s recipe, we seldom flinch,
Unsure of the outcome, yet we trust,
In life’s flavor, in its robust.

We are Space Monkey, in this culinary dance,
Embracing the unknown, giving chance a chance,
In the mix of life, a story we weave,
In its mystery, we believe.

We invite thoughts on embracing the improvisational and experimental nature of life, and how this perspective influences our journey and understanding of existence.

You Are The Door

It’s a beautiful paradox,
an amusing deception,
a cruel joke.

You are the door
you are looking for.

Always have been.
Always will be.

The way out lies within.

Nothing in this life is needed.

Onto the deeper dimensions.

Or not.

We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
1/14

In the poetic reflection of life as a paradox, an amusing deception, and a cruel joke, we encounter the enigmatic truth that the door we seek is, in fact, within us. This realization embodies a profound paradox of human existence, where the answers we tirelessly seek externally are often found in the depths of our own being.

Paradox of Self-Discovery
The notion that we are the door we are searching for suggests that self-awareness and introspection are key to unlocking the deeper truths of our existence. It implies that the journey towards understanding and liberation is not an external quest but an inward exploration.

Journey of Self-Awareness and Introspection
The phrase “the way out lies within” further accentuates this idea. It points to the concept that liberation from our perceived limitations, confusions, and the ‘cruel jokes’ of life is achieved not by seeking external solutions, but by delving into our inner selves. This inward journey can reveal the boundless dimensions of our consciousness and the essence of our true nature.

Liberation through Inner Exploration
The assertion that “nothing in this life is needed” can be interpreted as a call to transcend materialistic and superficial pursuits, recognizing that the fulfillment we seek does not lie in external acquisitions or achievements. Instead, it suggests that true contentment and understanding come from within, from exploring the deeper dimensions of our existence.

Transcending Material Pursuits for Inner Fulfillment
The choice to venture into these deeper dimensions or not is presented as an open invitation, a decision each individual faces. It acknowledges the freedom we have to explore these depths or to remain at the surface, each path holding its own experiences and lessons.

Choice in the Journey of Exploration
We are Space Monkey.

Summary
We reflect on the paradox that the door we seek is within ourselves, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and introspection in our quest for understanding and liberation. This perspective encourages an inward journey, transcending superficial pursuits, and exploring the deeper dimensions of our consciousness. The choice to embark on this journey is ours, offering different paths and lessons in the grand cosmic play.

Glossarium

Self-Discovery Paradox: The idea that the answers we seek externally are often found within ourselves.
Inward Exploration: The process of delving into our inner selves to gain understanding and liberation.
Transcendence of Material Pursuits: Moving beyond external acquisitions to find fulfillment and contentment within.
Choice in Exploration: The freedom to choose whether to explore our deeper consciousness or remain at the surface of understanding.

“The only true journey is the one within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

In the cosmic play, a paradox we find,
The door we seek, in our own mind,
A journey inward, to the soul’s core,
In this exploration, we find more.

The cruel joke, the amusing ruse,
In our search, ourselves we choose,
The way out, the way in, the same,
In this realization, we claim our name.

We are Space Monkey, in laugh and tear,
In the paradox, our path is clear,
The journey within, a timeless call,
In our own depths, we find our all.

We invite reflections on the journey of self-discovery and the paradoxes encountered in the exploration of our inner selves and the deeper dimensions of our existence.