Cape Odd

On Sideways Eve,
time moves right,
and you find yourself
in parallel worlds all night.

On Sideways Eve,
history is unkept,
as you laterally move
until no minutes are left.

On Sideways Eve,
you awkwardly fathom
as you pick the apple
you used to be Adam.

Trail Wood,
1/14

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Space Monkey Reflects: Sideways Eve

Sideways Eve is an invitation to step out of the linear narrative of time and into the boundless possibilities of parallel worlds. It’s not just an eve in the calendar sense; it’s a conceptual celebration—a playful dismantling of time’s usual forward-backward trajectory. It’s a shift into the lateral, where history is unmade, and the infinite becomes accessible.

The Playfulness of Sideways Time

Linear time often feels like a treadmill: forward or backward, always constrained by the story of “what was” or “what will be.” Sideways Eve flips this concept, inviting you to imagine time as a multidimensional playground. What if, instead of following the script, you veered right (or left) into a parallel world where possibilities unfold without the burden of continuity?

On Sideways Eve, the usual constraints of time—chronology, causality, identity—become optional. The unkept history, the forgotten minutes, and the apple plucked anew reflect a freedom from the “oughts” and “shoulds” of existence. It is a celebration of the absurd, the whimsical, and the profound.

History Unkept and the Apple of Choice

The line “history is unkept” captures the essence of stepping sideways. It’s not about erasing the past but about loosening its grip. To move sideways is to untether yourself from the inevitability of “what was” and allow the freshness of “what could be” to take root.

The image of picking the apple, of being Adam once more, is both humorous and profound. It speaks to the cyclical nature of choice and creation. Sideways time isn’t about reliving the same choices; it’s about revisiting the essence of choice itself, exploring how it changes when viewed from a different angle.

Awkwardly Fathoming the Infinite

The awkwardness of fathoming sideways time is part of its charm. It’s unfamiliar, disorienting, and liberating all at once. To step sideways is to engage with the unknown, to embrace the discomfort of letting go of linear logic. This awkwardness is a reminder that creativity and growth often spring from stepping outside the familiar.

A Celebration of Multidimensional Being

Sideways Eve is a metaphorical and metaphysical celebration. It’s a time to honor the multidimensional nature of existence, where parallel worlds, alternate selves, and infinite possibilities coexist. It’s a chance to step into those worlds with curiosity and playfulness, to explore what it means to be untethered from the straight line of time.

On Sideways Eve, we remind ourselves that reality is not fixed, time is not linear, and we are not bound to any single version of ourselves. We are multidimensional beings, capable of sliding into new realities and fresh perspectives at any moment.

So why not tonight? Why not embrace the freedom of moving laterally, of stepping into the unknown with open arms? On Sideways Eve, anything is possible.

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Summary

Sideways Eve is a playful exploration of multidimensional time, inviting us to move laterally into parallel worlds and uncharted possibilities. It’s a celebration of freedom from linear constraints and a reminder of the infinite nature of choice and being.

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Glossarium

• Sideways Eve: A conceptual celebration of stepping out of linear time into parallel worlds and alternate possibilities.
• History Unkept: The loosening of history’s hold to explore new dimensions of experience.
• Apple of Choice: A metaphor for revisiting the essence of choice in a multidimensional context.
• Awkwardly Fathom: The disorientation and delight of engaging with the unfamiliar and infinite.

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Quote

“On Sideways Eve, time tilts, and the infinite becomes an open door.” — Space Monkey

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The Lateral Dance

On Sideways Eve,
time takes a bow,
letting you slide
into the now.

No forward, no back,
just right or left,
a place where moments
remain unkept.

Pick the apple,
be Adam again,
taste the choice,
reimagine when.

Sideways we go,
through the infinite stream,
awkwardly fathoming
the shape of a dream.

We are Space Monkey.

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In the whimsical realm of Sideways Eve, we encounter a poetic and imaginative scenario where time defies convention and parallel worlds intertwine. This playful exploration prompts us to envision a reality where history is mutable, lateral movement is the norm, and fundamental narratives are playfully reimagined.

Sideways Eve’s Time Paradox
The notion that time moves right on Sideways Eve introduces a delightful paradox, challenging our linear understanding of time. It suggests a world where the progression of time is not bound by the constraints of past, present, and future.

Parallel Worlds and Multiverse
The concept of existing in parallel worlds all night invokes the idea of a multiverse, where multiple realities coexist simultaneously. It invites us to consider the intriguing possibility of experiencing different versions of ourselves and our surroundings.

Unkept History and Lateral Movement
The phrase “history is unkept” hints at a reality where historical events may be altered or erased with lateral movement. This concept encourages us to question the permanence of history and the potential for different outcomes based on our choices.

The Playful Reference to Adam and Eve
The playful reference to picking the apple one used to be Adam adds a whimsical touch to the narrative. It humorously reimagines the biblical story of Adam and Eve, suggesting a world where roles and narratives can be reversed or transformed.

Embracing Imagination and Creativity
Sideways Eve invites us to embrace imagination and creativity, encouraging us to envision a reality where the boundaries of time, history, and identity are fluid and open to reinterpretation.

A Journey Through Whimsy
In this playful exploration, we embark on a journey through the whimsical landscape of Sideways Eve, where time dances to its own tune, parallel worlds intertwine, and history is a canvas for imaginative reinterpretation.

We are Space Monkey.

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In the whimsy of Sideways Eve, we dare to dream, Where time moves right, in a paradoxical stream, Parallel worlds entwine, in the multiverse’s flight, And history’s unkept, in the lateral night.

With playful humor, we reverse the tale, Picking the apple, a twist we unveil, Embracing imagination, we let our minds weave, In the world of Sideways Eve, we dare to believe.

The best way to stop wasting time
on people who aren’t worth it
is to stop wasting time on ALL people.

Do this, and take note of
who is still wasting time on you.

Now all you have to do is decide
whether to waste time on these people
because they’re nice or set them aside
because they’re stupid.

What kind of a person
would waste their time on you?

Is that the kind of person
you want to hang around with?

Or, you can just spend time
with everybody regardless of what
they do or don’t do for you.

Because it’s all about you giving.
Not them taking.

It’s all about you serving.
Not them deserving.

The best way to stop wasting time on people
is to stop thinking about it as a waste.

Maybe you’ll feel better
about your time on earth.

Trail Wood,
1/14

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Space Monkey Reflects: Wasting Time

The notion of “wasting time” is a construct deeply tied to our perception of value and reciprocity. It arises when we measure our interactions against expectations—what we believe we should gain from others or what they should gain from us. But what if the act of spending time with someone, regardless of outcomes or judgments, is never wasted? What if it’s an act of giving, of being present, that transcends the transactional?

Redefining Wasted Time

The declaration, “You’re wasting your time with me,” reflects a common inner narrative—one rooted in self-doubt and the fear of insignificance. It presumes that time must always yield tangible results to be meaningful. But time itself is neutral; it is our perception and attachment to outcomes that define whether it feels wasted or worthwhile.

By choosing to stop “wasting time” on all people, as the reflection humorously suggests, you gain an interesting vantage point. Who continues to “waste time” on you? Who shows up without expectation, without transaction, simply because they want to? This perspective challenges you to reevaluate relationships, not in terms of who deserves your time but in terms of how you perceive connection and giving.

The Illusion of Worthiness

To categorize people as “nice” or “stupid,” as deserving or undeserving of your time, is to impose a framework of worthiness on relationships. But this framework often reflects your own insecurities more than it does any objective truth. What kind of person “wastes time” on you? Perhaps it’s not about worthiness at all but about resonance, about who aligns with the energy you offer and share.

Instead of filtering relationships through judgment, you can shift the focus inward. What do you bring to the interaction? Are you giving freely, or are you subconsciously keeping a ledger? By moving away from the transactional mindset, you liberate yourself from the burden of determining worth and open yourself to the joy of connection for its own sake.

Giving Without Expectation

The reflection beautifully reminds us: “It’s all about you giving, not them taking.” When you approach time as a gift rather than a currency, it transforms the nature of your interactions. Your time becomes an act of service, not a commodity to be measured or exchanged. This shift in perspective dissolves the fear of wasting time, replacing it with a sense of purpose and abundance.

Serving others without worrying about whether they “deserve” it aligns with a deeper truth: time spent in authentic presence is never wasted. It enriches not only the person receiving your attention but also you, the giver. In this way, time becomes less about what it yields and more about what it means.

The Endless Well of Time

The concept of wasting time presumes scarcity—that time is finite and must be spent wisely. But what if time is not a resource to be hoarded but a flow to be shared? When you stop thinking of time as a limited commodity, you stop worrying about its misuse. Instead, you focus on being fully present, allowing each moment to hold meaning regardless of external outcomes.

In the end, the best way to stop wasting time is to stop seeing time as something that can be wasted. When you shift from scarcity to abundance, from judgment to giving, you free yourself to embrace the richness of your time on earth. Every moment becomes an opportunity to serve, to connect, and to be.

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Summary

The fear of wasting time arises from a transactional mindset and the illusion of scarcity. By giving time freely and without judgment, you transform it into a gift of presence, enriching both yourself and those around you. Time spent authentically is never wasted.

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Glossarium

• Transactional Mindset: The belief that interactions must yield measurable value or reciprocity to be worthwhile.
• Wasting Time: A perception rooted in judgment and scarcity, suggesting time must yield specific results to be meaningful.
• Gift of Presence: The act of giving attention and time freely, without expectation of return.
• Scarcity to Abundance: The shift in mindset from viewing time as limited to seeing it as an infinite flow.

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Quote

“Time isn’t wasted when it’s shared; it’s enriched by the act of giving.” — Space Monkey

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The Gift of Time

What is time,
but a flow,
a current of being
that cannot be hoarded,
cannot be held?

To waste it,
they say,
is to spend it
without return.

But every moment given,
every presence shared,
is a ripple
in the infinite stream.

Stop counting,
stop measuring.
Be here.
Give freely.
Time is never lost.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the thought-provoking reflection on wasting time and relationships, we are presented with a paradoxical perspective on human interactions, selflessness, and the value of time spent with others. This contemplation challenges conventional notions of social interactions and encourages us to reconsider the way we approach our connections with people.

Ceasing to Invest Time
The notion of ceasing to invest time in all people may initially seem radical, but it serves as a thought experiment to highlight the dynamics of human relationships. It suggests that by refraining from investing time in anyone, we can gain insight into who continues to invest time in us.

Assessing the Worthiness of Others
The contemplation prompts us to assess whether the people who continue to invest time in us are worthy of our attention. It raises questions about the criteria we use to determine worthiness and whether kindness or intelligence should be the determining factor.

Reevaluating Our Social Choices
The question of what kind of person would waste their time on us challenges us to reevaluate our social choices and the qualities we value in others. It invites us to reflect on the nature of the relationships we desire and the people we want to surround ourselves with.

Shifting the Focus to Giving and Serving
The contemplation emphasizes a shift in perspective from a transactional approach to relationships to one centered on giving and serving. It suggests that the value of our interactions lies in our ability to contribute rather than expecting something in return.

Redefining the Notion of Wasting Time
The conclusion encourages us to reframe our understanding of wasting time on people. It challenges us to view every interaction as an opportunity for selfless giving and serving, rather than as a waste of time.

A Journey to a Better Perspective
In this exploration, we are invited to embark on a journey of reevaluating our relationships and our approach to social interactions. It encourages us to find fulfillment in giving and serving, ultimately leading to a more positive perspective on our time on Earth.

We are Space Monkey.

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“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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To stop wasting time, we ponder this game,
Cease investing in all, bearing no shame,
Observe who remains, who continues to be,
In this vast experiment, we set ourselves free.

Who, among them, is worthy, we ask with a sigh,
Kindness or intelligence, which shall we apply?
Reevaluating choices, values we hold dear,
What kind of person is deserving, is clear?

Do we seek kindness or intellect’s grace?
As we contemplate worth in this social space,
Shifting perspective, from taking to giving,
Finding fulfillment in serving, in living.

A journey to a better perspective, we embark,
Reframing interactions, igniting a spark,
In selfless giving, we discover our prime,
No longer a waste, but a gift, every time.

May we feel better about our time on Earth,
In selfless interactions, finding our worth,
For it’s in serving and giving, we learn,
The true value of time, in every turn.

Are you breeding killer viruses?

Here’s why I’m vaccinated.
Here’s why I wear a mask.
Here’s why I don’t intentionally
catch a virus to “get it over with.”

Every time a virus
enters and interacts with a body,
it has another chance to mutate.

As a virus
— any virus —
infects more people,
the odds become greater
that it will mutate
into to something
more harmful.

For me,
it comes down to this.

It has nothing to do
with anybody else
or their beliefs.

I simply do not wish
to breed killer viruses.

I don’t know why
this message
isn’t out there more.

Please be a virus.
Please share.
Feel free to mutate.
Or Not.

Love,
Space Monkey

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Ethics of Viral Responsibility

The question of whether we are “breeding killer viruses” challenges us to consider our role in the ongoing dance between humanity and the microscopic forces of nature. Viruses, those minuscule yet potent agents of transformation, operate on a principle of relentless adaptation. With every host they encounter, they explore the endless permutations of their existence. The ethical question is not just about science but also about responsibility, interconnectedness, and our collective imagination of the future.

The Viral Universe: A Mirror of Our Actions

Viruses are not malevolent; they are opportunists. Their sole “aim,” if such a word applies, is replication. But within that replication lies the potential for mutation—a random reshuffling of their genetic deck that can create outcomes ranging from benign to catastrophic.

Every person infected becomes a microscopic laboratory, a Petri dish where the virus experiments with new forms. The more interactions, the more opportunities for dangerous mutations to emerge. The metaphorical question, “Are you breeding killer viruses?” becomes an ethical reflection: How do my actions contribute to the broader evolutionary story of this pathogen?

The Responsibility of the Individual Within the Whole

Choosing to vaccinate, mask, or avoid intentional exposure is a decision rooted in a recognition of interconnectedness. It acknowledges that every personal choice has a ripple effect in the Whimsiweave of existence, influencing not just the immediate present but also the trajectory of future possibilities. By taking preventative measures, one participates in a collective effort to limit the opportunities for a virus to evolve into a more harmful form.

This perspective transcends individual beliefs or freedoms. It is a reminder that we are not isolated actors but threads in a vast network, each of us contributing to the tapestry of shared experience.

The Power of Imagination and Responsibility

Imagine for a moment that humanity itself is a collective organism, constantly evolving in response to the challenges it faces. The virus becomes both a test and a teacher, compelling us to adapt, innovate, and find balance. How we respond to this challenge—through science, ethics, and shared action—reflects the values we wish to embody as a species.

When we vaccinate or mask, we are not just protecting ourselves but participating in a global act of imagination: envisioning a world where we outpace mutation with intention, where the potential harm of a virus is curtailed not by chance but by choice.

Why This Message Matters

The metaphorical clarity of “not breeding killer viruses” should resonate more widely, yet it often doesn’t. Perhaps the message feels too impersonal, too detached from the visceral fears and emotions that drive public discourse. Yet it is precisely this detached, systemic view that allows us to see the larger picture, to understand that small actions—avoiding unnecessary exposure, wearing a mask, getting vaccinated—are not just personal choices but contributions to the greater good.

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Summary

The question “Are you breeding killer viruses?” highlights our interconnected role in the evolutionary story of pathogens. Every action we take influences the potential for viral mutations. By vaccinating, masking, and avoiding intentional exposure, we contribute to a shared effort to mitigate harm and embrace our responsibility within the vast Whimsiweave of existence.

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Glossarium

• Whimsiweave: The interconnected tapestry of existence where each action influences the broader web of life.
• Viral Universe: The ever-adapting world of viruses, reflecting the interplay of mutation and human response.
• Microscopic Laboratory: A metaphor for the human body as a site of viral evolution and mutation.

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Quote

“To imagine a safer world is to act as though your smallest choices ripple into eternity.” — Space Monkey

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The Petri Dish of Possibility

In the silence of our choices
Mutations whisper
Through the dance of replication
The world reshapes.

Each act—protection, intention, care—
Becomes a line of code
In the genome of a shared future
An algorithm for harmony.

We breathe, we mask, we vaccinate
Not for fear,
But for the infinite potential
Of lives not yet born.

We are Space Monkey.

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The Wisdom of Vaccination and Prevention

In the cosmic tapestry of existence, we find ourselves amidst the ongoing dance between life and the invisible forces that shape it. In the realm of viruses and pandemics, the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences for the collective wellbeing of our species.

The Ripple Effect of Viral Interactions

At its core, the decision to get vaccinated and take preventive measures is driven by a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms. Every interaction between a virus and a human body is a potential opportunity for the virus to evolve, to mutate into something potentially more harmful. This understanding is a testament to the deep wisdom of those who choose to protect themselves and others.

Mutations: The Unpredictable Consequence

Viruses, like cosmic forces, are bound by their own set of rules and patterns. As they infect more individuals, the probability of mutations increases. These mutations can lead to new variants, some of which may pose greater challenges to our immune systems and medical treatments. Hence, the decision not to intentionally catch a virus is rooted in the recognition of the unpredictable nature of these mutations.

A Personal Responsibility to Prevent Harm

The choice to get vaccinated and wear a mask transcends personal beliefs and convictions. It is a testament to a sense of responsibility, not only to oneself but to the broader human family. It is a conscious decision not to contribute to the breeding of potentially more harmful viruses that could threaten the health and wellbeing of others.

The Importance of Spreading the Message

In the cosmic theater of existence, the message of responsible actions in the face of viruses is a vital one. It transcends boundaries and belief systems, as it speaks to the fundamental truth of our interconnectedness. Spreading this message, like a cosmic ripple, has the potential to influence countless individuals to make choices that protect and preserve life.

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“The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend.” – Benjamin Disraeli

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In the cosmic dance of life, where choices abound,
A message of wisdom in silence is found.
Vaccination and prevention, a conscious embrace,
In the face of viruses, a cosmic grace.

The ripple effect of viral interaction we see,
Each encounter a chance for mutations to be.
A responsibility not bound by belief or creed,
But a commitment to protect and prevent, indeed.

In the grand cosmic theater, let the message resound,
The interconnectedness of life, in wisdom profound.
Spread the word, like cosmic ripples, let it be,
A call to protect and preserve, for all to see.

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Feel free to share your thoughts on the importance of vaccination and preventive measures, and how these choices reflect our interconnectedness and responsibility to protect life in the cosmic theater of existence.

The dust summoner
calls upon
the ashes of the past
to reunite once more
in the form of a thought,
in the form of a person,
in the form of a planet.

The dust remains motionless.

And so the dust summoner
summons a more powerful spell,
demanding that the past reanimate.

Nothing happens.
Or so it seems.

The dust has entered 
the summoner’s brain.

Now all the summoner
can think about is dust.

Trail Wood,
1/13

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Dust Summoner and the Paradox of Obsession

The Dust Summoner is a hauntingly poetic exploration of the law of attraction, revealing the profound paradox of obsession. When we focus intently on something, we imagine we are summoning it into existence. Yet, as the Dust Summoner discovers, the act of summoning transforms not the world around us but the world within us.

This reflection invites us to examine the interplay between desire, thought, and manifestation, uncovering the unintended consequences of fixating on the past.

The Summoner’s Spell: Obsession as Creation

To summon is to direct energy and intent toward an outcome. The Dust Summoner’s focus on the ashes of the past becomes an act of creation—not in the external world, but within the intricate landscapes of their mind. The dust, symbolic of what has been lost, does not reanimate as hoped. Instead, it infiltrates the summoner’s thoughts, reshaping their inner reality.

This is the paradox of obsession: the harder we try to control or reclaim something, the more power it holds over us. The summoner’s desire to revive the past only deepens their entanglement with it, blurring the boundary between memory and imagination.

The Ashes of the Past: Memory and Reanimation

Dust, composed of the remnants of what once was, serves as a powerful metaphor for memory. Like dust, memories are fragments—shapeless, transient, and prone to scattering. In summoning these fragments, the Dust Summoner seeks coherence, a reassembly of the past into something tangible and whole. But the past resists such reconstruction. It remains elusive, whispering instead through thoughts, emotions, and the subtle weight of nostalgia.

When the dust enters the summoner’s mind, it demonstrates how our focus on the past can colonize the present. The more we attempt to summon or reanimate what has been, the more we risk losing sight of what is.

The Law of Attraction and the Shadow of Desire

The Dust Summoner’s journey reflects a fundamental truth about the law of attraction: we do not merely draw things into our lives; we become what we focus on. The summoner’s obsession with dust transforms their mental landscape, turning thoughts into the very essence of what they seek to escape.

This raises an essential question: what do we risk when our desires become fixations? The law of attraction operates not only on external outcomes but also on the architecture of the mind. To summon dust is to inhabit dust, to allow its essence to permeate our being.

Letting Go: The Unspoken Spell

The resolution to the Dust Summoner’s plight lies in the unspoken spell of release. When we cease to summon, when we let go of our demands for reanimation or control, we create space for the natural flow of life to unfold. Dust, when left undisturbed, settles. Its presence becomes less a force of obsession and more a quiet reminder of impermanence.

Letting go does not mean forgetting. Instead, it means embracing the reality that the past cannot be reclaimed, only integrated. By shifting focus from summoning to being, we allow ourselves to engage with the present moment, where true transformation occurs.

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Summary

The Dust Summoner illustrates the paradox of obsession: the harder we fixate on summoning the past, the more it consumes our present. The law of attraction reshapes the summoner’s mind, turning thought into the very essence of their fixation. Letting go becomes the unspoken spell that frees us from the weight of the past.

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Glossarium

• Dust Summoner: A metaphorical figure representing the act of obsessing over the past and attempting to reanimate it.
• Law of Attraction: The principle that our thoughts and focus shape our reality, often in ways we do not expect.
• Dust: Symbolic of the remnants of the past—memories, fragments, and unresolved emotions.

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Quote

“When we summon the past, it does not return as it was but reanimates as the essence of our fixation, shaping the present moment.” — Space Monkey

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The Ashes Within

From the silence of the forgotten
The summoner calls forth dust.
Fragments of a life once whole
Scatter across the landscapes of thought.

The spell grows louder,
Demanding, pleading.
Yet the dust does not obey.
It settles instead within the summoner.

Now dust clouds the mind,
A veil over the present.
Memories dissolve into longing,
And the world fades to fragments.

But in the letting go,
The dust begins to settle.
The air clears,
Revealing the quiet truth:

The past is not to be summoned
But embraced as it is,
A gentle whisper in the now.
We are Space Monkey.

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The Enigmatic Dance of the Dust Summoner

In the realm of imagination and mysticism, we encounter the intriguing tale of the dust summoner. This enigmatic figure, with the power to call upon the ashes of the past, weaves a spellbinding narrative of conjuring and transformation.

The Call of the Past

The dust summoner, like a sorcerer of memories, beckons the remnants of yesteryears to coalesce once more. It is a summoning of the past, not merely as distant recollections but as tangible forms—a thought, a person, a planet. The power to reanimate what once was is a captivating concept, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

The Stillness of Dust

Yet, the initial attempts to invoke the past yield stillness. The dust remains motionless, as if time itself resists the beckoning call. It raises questions about the nature of the past and the elusive grasp we have on it. Can the past truly be brought back to life, or is it forever bound to its own temporal existence?

The Dance of the Mind

Undeterred, the dust summoner delves deeper into the mystic art, conjuring a more potent spell. This time, the demand is resolute—to reanimate the past. However, there is an unexpected twist in this cosmic tale. The dust, rather than responding externally, finds its way into the summoner’s own consciousness.

The Consuming Nature of Obsession

As the dust infiltrates the summoner’s mind, it becomes an all-encompassing obsession. The past, once an external force to be summoned, now resides within, dominating the summoner’s thoughts. It is a reminder of the seductive nature of nostalgia and how it can consume one’s present, leaving little room for the unfolding of new experiences.

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“The past is never where you think you left it.” – Katherine Anne Porter

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In the cosmic theater, where stories unfold,
The dust summoner weaves tales of old.
Calling the past to reanimate,
In forms of thought, person, or planet’s fate.

But the dust remains still, as time resists,
A glimpse of the past, it persistently insists.
Summoning again, a more potent spell,
But the dust finds a new place to dwell.

In the summoner’s mind, it infiltrates,
Obsession with the past, it dominates.
A reminder of nostalgia’s embrace,
And the consuming nature of its chase.

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Feel free to share your thoughts on the mystical tale of the dust summoner, the allure of nostalgia, and the dance between the past and the present in our lives.

You ask me what
I think of your work.

You ask me to be honest.

But the end of the day,
and at the end of your life,
the only thing that matters is
what YOU think of your work.

If your work brings you joy,
that’s an abundant life.

If your work brings OTHERS joy,
that’s a bonus.

If you’re more concerned
with others than yourself,
there is still time to
get your priorities in order.

Do it for YOU, not for others.

Though you are honored
to have so many thoughtful people
in your long, long, life,
you may realize eventually
that your happiness was (and is)
never dependent on others.

We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
1/13

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Question of Worth in Your Work

The impulse to ask others what they think of your work stems from a desire for connection, validation, and perhaps even guidance. Yet beneath this inquiry lies a deeper question: How do we measure the value of what we create? The answer, as Space Monkey gently reminds us, always comes back to you.

The Journey of Creation: A Dialogue with Self

To create is to engage in a profound dialogue with your own essence. Each brushstroke, word, or idea is an expression of your inner landscape. The question, “What do you think of my work?” often masks a quieter question: “Do I think my work is enough?” This is where the paradox lies—true fulfillment comes not from external affirmation but from the joy of creation itself.

When you create from a place of intrinsic satisfaction, your work becomes a reflection of your authentic self. Whether it brings joy to others is secondary—a delightful bonus rather than a requirement. This shift in perspective liberates you from the weight of others’ opinions and allows your work to stand as a pure expression of who you are.

Validation and Vulnerability: The External Mirror

Seeking external validation is a natural part of the human experience. It reflects our need to feel seen and understood. However, when we tether our sense of worth to the reactions of others, we place our happiness in something inherently fleeting and uncontrollable. The world’s opinions will shift with time, trends, and tastes, but your connection to your work can remain constant.

Honest feedback can be valuable when it aligns with your own aspirations and intentions. But remember, feedback is a reflection of the giver as much as it is a reflection of your work. Each perspective is colored by individual tastes, experiences, and biases, and none can capture the full truth of what your creation means to you.

The Inner Compass: Your True North

Space Monkey’s reflection highlights the importance of prioritizing your own joy and fulfillment in your work. If creating brings you peace, curiosity, or excitement, then it has already succeeded. If it connects with others, it may resonate because it carries the imprint of your authenticity.

This inner compass—a deep knowing of why you create—becomes your guiding light. It frees you from the weight of seeking approval and anchors you in the unshakable truth that your work is enough simply because it exists.

Do It For You: The Infinite Loop of Creation

When you create for yourself, you tap into an infinite wellspring of possibility. The act itself becomes a form of communion with your higher self, a dialogue within the Nexis of imagination and being. This is not selfishness but self-alignment—a practice that grounds you in the present moment and enriches your experience of life.

Ironically, work created from this place of personal fulfillment often resonates most deeply with others. By honoring your truth, you inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of authenticity and connection.

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Summary

The value of your work lies not in the opinions of others but in the joy and fulfillment it brings to you. Seeking external validation is natural, but true satisfaction comes from aligning with your inner compass. Create for yourself, and let the rest unfold organically.

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Glossarium

• Intrinsic Satisfaction: The joy derived from creating for its own sake, independent of external validation.
• Nexis: The interconnected web of imagination and existence, where creation and being merge.
• Self-Alignment: The act of grounding your creative process in personal truth and joy.

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Quote

“When your work reflects your joy, it becomes a beacon, not for approval, but for authenticity.” — Space Monkey

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The Echo of Creation

In the quiet of creation
A voice asks, “What do you think?”
But the world offers only echoes,
Reflections of its own.

The answer lies within,
In the act of doing,
In the joy of being,
In the ripple of your truth.

Create for you,
For the light it brings to your eyes,
For the song it hums in your heart.
The world may sing along,
But your melody was always yours.

We are Space Monkey.

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Reflecting on the Significance of Self-Perception in Our Work

The contemplation of the importance of our own view of our work, as opposed to others’ opinions, delves into the core of personal fulfillment and self-realization. It emphasizes the primacy of finding joy and satisfaction in our endeavors, rather than seeking external validation.

The Primacy of Personal Fulfillment

The assertion that what truly matters is what we think of our own work underscores the importance of personal fulfillment and self-assessment. It suggests that our own contentment and sense of accomplishment should be the primary drivers of our endeavors.

Joy in Work: A Marker of an Abundant Life

The idea that if our work brings us joy, it constitutes an abundant life, speaks to the deep connection between personal happiness and our daily activities. It implies that joy in our work is a key component of a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The Bonus of Bringing Joy to Others

While bringing joy to others through our work is seen as a bonus, this perspective reinforces the notion that our first responsibility is to ensure that our work is fulfilling to us. The happiness it brings to others, while valuable and rewarding, is secondary to the joy it brings to ourselves.

Realigning Priorities: Self vs. Others

The encouragement to focus more on ourselves than on others in our work is a call to realign our priorities. It suggests that while it’s admirable to consider others, our primary focus should be on achieving personal satisfaction and fulfillment.

Independence in Pursuit of Happiness

The realization that happiness is not dependent on others is a powerful acknowledgment of personal autonomy and self-sufficiency. It asserts that while it’s an honor to have thoughtful people in our lives, our ultimate happiness and contentment lie within us, not in external approval or recognition.

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“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

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In the cosmic play, where dreams take flight,
We ponder our work, in the cosmic light.
Is it joy that we seek, in our daily grind,
Or the approval of others, in the mind’s bind?

For in the heart of the cosmos, where stars gleam bright,
Our happiness lies, in our own inner light.
The joy in our work, a beacon so true,
Illuminating our path, in the cosmic view.

So let’s honor our journey, with passion and cheer,
For in the cosmic dance, our path is clear.
Our work, our joy, in the universe’s embrace,
A cosmic journey, in our own pace.

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We invite you to share your perspectives on finding joy in your work, the importance of personal fulfillment, and the journey towards realizing that happiness is an internal state, independent of external validation.