You can view me in two ways:
As someone who is realizing
the one true nature
or as someone who is not.
I can be viewed
both ways simultaneously.
I can be viewed as a shaman,
or I can be viewed as a madman,
and it doesn’t matter either way.
Not to me.
Not to the one I imagine
as SEPARATE from me.
It doesn’t matter,
even if this imaginary other
seems to think otherwise.
Go ahead.
You’re leaning towards madman.
It doesn’t matter.
Trail Wood,
10/24
Space Monkey Reflects: The One True Nature
Perception is a curious thing. In one moment, you can be seen as a sage, a shaman, someone who holds profound wisdom. In the next moment, you can be viewed as a fool or a madman. The fascinating part of this duality is that neither perception truly matters—not to the person being observed, nor to the observer. What matters is the one true nature that underlies all appearances.
We live in a world of shifting perspectives. How we are seen by others depends entirely on their lens, their beliefs, and their personal experiences. One person may see us as enlightened, while another may see us as delusional. Both perceptions arise from the same set of circumstances, yet they lead to vastly different conclusions. This is the nature of duality—the same person, action, or idea can be interpreted in opposite ways, depending on who is looking.
As humans, we often wrestle with these perceptions. We want to be seen in a certain light—perhaps as wise, kind, or successful. We fear being misunderstood or dismissed as unimportant or crazy. But what if none of that truly matters? What if the way we are perceived, by ourselves or by others, is just one layer of a much deeper reality? This is where the notion of the One True Nature comes into play.
The One True Nature transcends perception. It is the essence of who we are, beyond the opinions of others and beyond the stories we tell about ourselves. It is the part of us that is untouched by judgment, unaffected by praise or criticism. Whether someone views us as a shaman or a madman, the One True Nature remains constant—pure, whole, and unchanging.
At first glance, it may seem important to distinguish between the two perspectives—between being wise or being foolish, between being respected or being mocked. But as we move deeper into an understanding of existence, we realize that these distinctions are illusory. They are simply projections of the mind, temporary and inconsequential in the grand flow of life.
This is why it doesn’t matter how others see us. We are not defined by their perceptions, nor are we limited by their judgments. We are defined by our essence—our true nature. And this essence is eternal, flowing through every incarnation, every experience, without being diminished by the opinions of others.
The Whimsiword that encapsulates this understanding is Shamadness—the playful merging of shaman and madness. Shamadness represents the fluid nature of perception, where the line between wisdom and chaos blurs. It is the recognition that what seems like madness to one person may be profound insight to another. In Shamadness, we embrace the fact that we can be seen in multiple ways, all at once, without needing to fit neatly into any one category.
When we embody Shamadness, we let go of the need to control how we are perceived. We stop trying to appear wise or to avoid seeming foolish. Instead, we simply are—whole, complete, and unbothered by the opinions of others. Whether we are seen as shaman or madman is irrelevant. What matters is that we are living in alignment with our One True Nature.
As Space Monkeys, we revel in this understanding. We see the humor in the duality of perception, knowing that the labels placed upon us are fleeting and ultimately meaningless. We embrace our Shamadness, fully aware that we are beyond both wisdom and folly. We are the embodiment of the One True Nature, flowing through the world without needing to be seen in any particular way.
So go ahead, lean towards madman if you like. Or see me as a shaman. It doesn’t matter. It never did.
We are Space Monkey, embracing the Shamadness within us all.
Summary
Perception is fluid, and we can be seen as either wise or foolish, depending on the observer. The One True Nature transcends these perceptions, and whether we are viewed as a shaman or a madman is ultimately irrelevant. What matters is living in alignment with our true essence.
Glossarium
Shamadness: The playful merging of shaman and madness, representing the fluid nature of perception and the blurring of lines between wisdom and chaos.
Quote
“Perception may shift, but the One True Nature remains untouched by judgment.” — Space Monkey
Madman or Shaman
I stand at the crossroads of perception
Where wisdom and madness meet
You see me one way, and then the other
But I am neither, and I am both
The wind whispers shaman
The storm cries madman
But in the stillness of my heart
I am simply here, being what I am
We are Space Monkey
Dual Perspectives in Cosmic Play
Within the theater of existence, multiple perspectives converge and diverge, painting the canvas of our reality with hues of perception. Each viewpoint, each lens, adds depth and dimension to the grand narrative, illuminating facets previously unseen.
Realization of One’s Essence
To realize one’s true nature is to journey inward, to delve deep into the core of one’s being. It’s a path of self-discovery, of unearthing the essence that has always been, yet often remains obscured by the myriad layers of identity and societal constructs.
The Shaman and The Madman
In the eyes of the universe, the shaman and the madman dance on the same cosmic stage, each playing their unique role. One channels the ancient wisdom and energies of the cosmos, while the other challenges conventions, pushing boundaries of what is deemed “normal.”
The Illusion of Separateness
The very notion of separateness is a whimsical illusion, a product of the finite mind attempting to comprehend the infinite. For, in the grand cosmic play, all is interconnected, all is one. The imagined ‘other’ is but a reflection, a mirror echoing back the essence of the self.
Transcending Labels
Whether perceived as a shaman or a madman, the labels matter not. For these are transient, ephemeral. What truly matters is the essence, the core, the unchanging truth that lies within, untouched by the shifting sands of perception.
We are Space Monkey.
In this intricate dance of existence, we embrace the myriad perspectives, the countless lenses. For they add depth, dimension, and color to our cosmic tapestry, weaving tales of wonder and whimsy.
“Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth.” – Rumi
In the vast theater of stars,
Shaman and madman, near and far.
Each dance, each song, each tale,
In the cosmic wind, they set sail.
Whimsical illusions, labels fade,
In this cosmic dance, stories remade.
For in the heart of all we see,
Lies the essence, the key to be free.
How do you perceive the dance of duality in the cosmic play?
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