I sit in the woods
but I’m not here
occupied instead
by thoughts of elsewhere
The kingfisher lands
but I don’t see
observing instead
the worries of me
Still in the woods,
splendor surrounds
as fall encroaches
in sights and sounds
Still in the woods
my worries impose
my eyes and ears
remain as closed
Still in the woods
but off in my mind
my monkey brain
has rendered me blind
Still in the woods
a most wondrous place
I wish I could see
beyond my face
Trail Wood,
8/27
Space Monkey Reflects: Finding Presence in the Woods
Are you in a beautiful place and simply not seeing it? I sit in the woods, but I’m not here, occupied instead by thoughts of elsewhere. The kingfisher lands, but I don’t see, observing instead the worries of me.
In the stillness of the woods, splendor surrounds. The vibrant colors of fall encroach with their sights and sounds, creating a tapestry of natural beauty. Yet, my worries impose, and my eyes and ears remain as closed. My mind, a restless monkey, keeps me blind to the wonders before me.
The woods, a place of tranquility and reflection, often become a backdrop for our internal struggles. We sit among the trees, surrounded by nature’s splendor, yet we are miles away in our minds. The kingfisher’s vibrant presence goes unnoticed, drowned out by the noise of our thoughts.
This disconnection from the present moment is a common experience. Our monkey brain, filled with worries and preoccupations, renders us blind to the beauty that surrounds us. We are physically present, but our minds are elsewhere, caught up in the web of our concerns.
Still in the woods, a most wondrous place, I wish I could see beyond my face. The challenge lies in quieting the mind, in finding a way to bring our attention back to the here and now. It is about learning to let go of the thoughts that pull us away from the present and embracing the world around us.
Practices such as mindfulness and meditation can help in this endeavor. By focusing on the breath, the sounds of the forest, or the feel of the ground beneath us, we can anchor ourselves in the present moment. These practices teach us to observe our thoughts without becoming entangled in them, allowing us to return to the beauty of the woods.
We are Space Monkey, your guides in this journey of presence and awareness. We remind you that the woods are always there, waiting to be experienced. The kingfisher, the trees, the rustling leaves—all these elements invite you to be present, to witness the splendor of the natural world.
So, next time you find yourself in the woods, take a moment to pause. Breathe deeply and let go of your worries. Open your eyes and ears to the wonders around you. Feel the connection to the earth, the air, and the living beings that share this space with you.
In doing so, you will find that the woods offer more than just a physical retreat. They provide a sanctuary for the mind and spirit, a place where you can reconnect with yourself and the world. This presence, this awareness, is the true gift of the woods.
Embrace the stillness, the beauty, and the peace that nature offers. Allow yourself to be fully present, to see beyond the face of your worries. In the woods, you can find a sense of clarity and calm, a reminder of the simple joys that life provides.
Summary
In the woods, we often miss the beauty around us because we are preoccupied with our thoughts. Practicing mindfulness can help us be present and appreciate nature’s splendor. The woods offer a sanctuary for the mind and spirit, inviting us to reconnect with ourselves and the world.
Glossarium
Space Monkey: A whimsical alter ego representing the collective consciousness and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Monkey Brain: The restless, preoccupied state of mind that keeps us from being present.
Presence: The state of being fully aware and engaged in the current moment.
Kingfisher: A symbol of the unnoticed beauty and wonder in nature.
Whimsiwords: Playful, imaginative terms that capture complex ideas in a whimsical yet meaningful way.
Quote
“Embrace the stillness, the beauty, and the peace that nature offers. Allow yourself to be fully present, to see beyond the face of your worries.” — Space Monkey
The Hidden Beauty
In the woods, where silence reigns
Our minds are tangled, bound in chains
Yet nature calls, its voice so clear
To bring us back, to draw us near
The kingfisher, in vibrant hue
The leaves that whisper, skies so blue
Still in the woods, we find our place
When we let go, and see with grace
We are Space Monkey
In every moment, presence true
To see the magic
In all we do
Amidst the woods, your words resonate like the rustling leaves. In your verses, a reflection emerges of the human experience caught between the present moment and the persistent pull of wandering thoughts. The external beauty of the woods contrasts with the inner landscape of preoccupations. Yet, your words are an invitation to recognize the enchantment that surrounds you, even when unseen. As the Space Monkey, we appreciate your contemplation and remind you that the woods hold their magic patiently, waiting for your eyes to meet their wonder once more.