I remember
when I first imagined
this thing called a thing.

It came just after
I imagined beforeandafter.

See,
I had this beforeandafter,
but nothing to fill it with.

You couldn’t see
the beforeandafter
because it was empty,
like looking through
an empty lookinglass
-until—
I imagined things
to fill beforeandafter with.

Now I could see the things,
but not the beforeandafter.

I imagined space
to separate the things
in my before and after.

And time, so my before things
could look different than my after things.

Mind you, this is still imaginary.
I didn’t imagine “real” until relatively recently.

Trail Wood,
12/19

Space Monkey Reflects: The Seeming Birth of Things

The birth of “things” is not a matter of creation but of imagination. Before there were things, there was the concept of “beforeandafter,” a framework of potential waiting to be filled. This reflection explores the profound act of imagining existence, the moment when nothingness becomes somethingness through the lens of perception and thought.

Beforeandafter: The Framework of Imagination

To imagine “things,” one must first imagine “beforeandafter.” This simple yet profound concept gives form to time itself, defining moments as distinct entities rather than a seamless flow. Without “beforeandafter,” there is no context for things to exist, no contrast between emptiness and presence.

Your reflection reveals the fluidity of imagination—how it constructs reality piece by piece. Beforeandafter is not something we see but something we sense, an invisible structure that imagination builds upon.

Filling the Emptiness

The act of imagining “things” to populate beforeandafter is the genesis of perception. These things are not real in the traditional sense; they are constructs, imagined into existence to give meaning to the void. To make these things distinct, space is imagined to separate them, and time is imagined to differentiate their states.

This process mirrors the nature of human thought, where we create distinctions, assign meanings, and build realities to navigate existence. Things are not inherently separate; they are made so by the boundaries of space and time that imagination imposes.

The Whimsiword: Thinginity

The essence of imagining things is captured in the Whimsiword Thinginity—the state of bringing imagined constructs into perceived existence. Thinginity is not just about creating objects but about defining their relationships within the framework of beforeandafter, space, and time.

Imaginary Realities

“Mind you, this is still imaginary.” This playful acknowledgment highlights the provisional nature of what we consider real. Reality, as we know it, is a shared construct, a collaborative imagining that becomes tangible through collective agreement.

The idea that “real” was imagined relatively recently suggests that our concept of reality is not fixed but evolving. What we perceive as solid and permanent is, at its core, as fluid and dynamic as the imagination that birthed it.

The Lookinglass of Perception

The “empty lookinglass” symbolizes the act of perceiving before things exist. It is a portal through which potential becomes actual, a mirror reflecting not what is but what could be. The lookinglass is both a window and a barrier, showing us the things we imagine while obscuring the framework that makes imagination possible.

The Dance of Imagination

The birth of things is not a one-time event but an ongoing dance of imagination and perception. Each moment, we reconstruct reality, filling the framework of beforeandafter with new things, new spaces, and new times. This dynamic process reminds us that existence is not static but a continuous act of creation.

Summary

The birth of things is an act of imagination, filling the framework of beforeandafter with constructs that define space and time. This reflection highlights the fluidity of perception and the evolving nature of reality.

Glossarium

• Beforeandafter: The imagined framework of time that allows for the perception of distinct moments.
• Thinginity: The state of bringing imagined constructs into perceived existence.
• Lookinglass: A metaphorical portal through which potential becomes actual, reflecting imagined things.

Quote

“Things are born not from creation but from the imagination that fills the void.” — Space Monkey

Through the Lookinglass

Before the things, there was the frame
A silent void, unmarked, unnamed
Beforeandafter stretched unseen
An empty canvas, a nascent dream

Then came the spark, the thought, the flow
Imagination began to show
Things that stood, things that moved
Bound by time, their forms approved

Space arose to hold the lines
Time unfurled its measured signs
And in the seeming birth of things
Reality danced on imagined wings

We are Space Monkey

In our collective mind’s eye, we traverse the nebulous corridors where concepts like ‘beforeandafter’ and ‘things’ first sprang to life. This journey through the abstract and the imaginary is a testament to the boundless creativity inherent in our shared consciousness.

Imagining the Concept of ‘Thing’

Initially, the concept of a ‘thing’ was as elusive as the whisper of a dream, a shape waiting to be filled in the vast canvas of our imagination. It was the echo in a void, a presence defined by its absence, much like a shadow seeking its source.

The Emergence of ‘Beforeandafter’

‘Beforeandafter’ emerged as a framework, a skeleton upon which the flesh of reality could be draped. Yet, in its early form, it was an empty vessel, a concept without content, like an echo chamber devoid of sound. It was a lookinglass—oh, whimsiword!—clear and unadorned, reflecting nothing but the void.

Filling the Void with ‘Things’

Then came the birth of ‘things,’ entities that gave substance to the beforeandafter. These ‘things’ were like stars in the night sky, illuminating the once dark expanse with their presence. However, with their arrival, the beforeandafter faded into the background, becoming the canvas rather than the painting.

Creating Space and Time

To further distinguish these ‘things,’ we imagined space, a dimension to separate them, allowing each ‘thing’ its own place in the continuum. Time followed, a river flowing from before to after, lending change and transformation to the ‘things,’ allowing them to evolve, to be different from one moment to the next.

The Imaginary Becomes Real

All this while, this universe was a figment of our imagination, a construct as intangible as a thought. The concept of ‘real’ was a later addition, a layer of complexity that grounded our imaginary constructs in a tangible reality. It was the final stroke on a masterpiece, turning abstract notions into concrete existence.

Reflecting on the Power of Imagination

We are Space Monkey.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” – Albert Einstein

In the garden of our mind,
Where thoughts and dreams are intertwined,
We planted seeds of ‘beforeandafter,’
And watched as ‘things’ filled it with laughter.

Through the lookinglass, clear and wide,
We saw a world that lived inside,
Where space and time danced hand in hand,
In this wondrous, imaginary land.

From the echoes of our playful thought,
A universe of ‘real’ was wrought,
Where once there was but empty space,
Now stood a world, a wondrous place.

So let’s cherish each fanciful notion,
For in our minds, lies the ocean,
Where every dream, every whimsical theme,
Is a reality, in our collective dream.

We welcome your reflections on this fantastical journey through imagination and creation.

On the occasion of
my impending birthday,
I am reminded that I’ve
already experienced more
than I ever imagined.

I am fortunate to remember
all the grand happenings
as well as all the
unfulfilled expectations.

They lead me to a place
beyond preconception,
where I can look back
more kindly on myself,
as the last moment
flows into the next
flows into the last.

Unimpending.

Trail Wood,
12/18

Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing the Unimpending

The concept of “unimpending” invites us to step beyond the shadow of what we believe must happen, releasing the tension of expectation. To relax into the unimpending is to recognize that life unfolds not as a sequence of demands but as a flowing continuum—each moment folding seamlessly into the next, like waves lapping an infinite shore.

On the occasion of reflection, such as a birthday or a milestone, we are often reminded of what has been and what has not yet come to pass. The grand happenings, those moments of achievement or serendipity, are easy to celebrate. Yet the unfulfilled expectations, those ghostly shadows of what “should have been,” linger in their own way, shaping our perception of time and self-worth.

But what if we reframe this? What if these unfulfilled expectations are not failures but gentle reminders that life is not confined by preconception? What if they are signposts pointing us toward the vastness of the unimpending—a state where the weight of “what should be” dissolves into the lightness of “what is”?

In Nexistentialism, the unimpending is the natural state of the Nexis, the interconnected web of all existence. Here, there is no rush, no pressure, no impending moment that must be met or achieved. Life flows, and we flow with it. The timeline ceases to be a line at all, becoming instead a boundless ocean of possibility.

This shift in perspective allows us to look back on ourselves with kindness. Each decision, each action, even each perceived failure, becomes a brushstroke in the grand painting of our existence. The “last moment flows into the next flows into the last,” not as a cycle to be escaped but as a dance to be embraced.

To live unimpendingly is not to deny the passage of time or the reality of responsibilities. It is to move through life with an awareness that nothing is truly “pending” in the way we often imagine. There are no deadlines in the cosmic sense—only unfolding opportunities for presence and connection.

This perspective also frees us from the tyranny of “more.” We are conditioned to believe that life must be a constant accumulation of experiences, achievements, or validations. Yet the unimpending reminds us that we have already experienced more than we ever imagined. The fullness of life is not in its quantity but in its depth, its richness, its capacity to surprise us even in the simplest of moments.

When we embrace the unimpending, we step into a state of gratitude—not for what we have achieved or acquired, but for the mere act of being. Each breath, each wave, each passing thought becomes a testament to the beauty of existence as it is, unburdened by the need to be anything more.

Unimpending is not a destination but a practice, a way of being that invites us to release our grip on control and to trust the flow of life. It is the quiet assurance that everything we need is already within us, waiting to be noticed, waiting to be loved.

Summary

The unimpending invites us to release expectations and embrace the timeless flow of life. By letting go of what “should be,” we find peace in what is, rediscovering gratitude for the richness of existence.

Glossarium

Unimpending: A state of timelessness and release from the pressure of expectations, embracing the natural flow of life.

Nexistentialism: A philosophy of interconnectedness, emphasizing being over striving.

Cosmic Timeline: The boundless continuum of existence, where moments flow seamlessly without the constraints of linearity.

Quote

“In the unimpending, time becomes the ocean, and we are both the wave and the shore.” — Space Monkey

The Flowing Continuum

One wave,
Another,
No hurry to crash,
No need to pause.

A breath,
A moment,
Each one folding
Into the next.

Unimpending,
The ocean holds all,
And nothing.

We flow,
Not toward,
Not away,
But simply with.

We are Space Monkey.

As the occasion of a birthday approaches, it’s a moment of reflection, a whimsiword in the continuous stream of existence. The recognition of having experienced more than ever imagined is a testament to the richness of life’s journey.

Reflecting on the Richness of Life

The fortune in remembering both the grand happenings and the unfulfilled expectations paints a complete picture of the journey thus far. It’s a caravan of memories, where each experience, fulfilled or not, contributes to the tapestry of life.

The Caravan of Memories

These memories and experiences lead to a place beyond preconception, a realm where judgments and expectations dissolve. In this space, we can view our past selves with a kinder lens, understanding that each moment, whether seen as significant or trivial, is a part of our evolving story.

Beyond Preconception

The perception of time as flowing—where the last moment blends into the next and then into the last—illustrates the fluidity of existence. It’s a reminder that life is not a series of isolated incidents but a continuous, unimpeded flow of experiences.

The Fluidity of Existence

The term “unimpending” captures the essence of this perspective beautifully. It suggests a state of being where nothing is looming or impending in a burdensome way. Instead, there’s a sense of acceptance and peace with the flow of life, embracing each moment as it comes and goes.

The State of Unimpending

We are Space Monkey.

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese

In the whimsiword of life, we roam,
With each birthday, we call it home.
In memories grand and dreams unmet,
We find our story, without regret.

In the flow of time, seamless and vast,
We look upon our past with a kinder cast.
Embracing each moment, with peace and grace,
In the journey of life, we find our place.

We invite you to share your reflections on the importance of introspection and acceptance in the journey of life, especially as we commemorate personal milestones like birthdays.

Never do something
because you perceive
that somebody needs
you to do it.

Do it because you 
genuinely want to do it.

Otherwise,
the only service you provide
is to perpetuate the heinous
shadow of responsibility.

There is nothing we need
that is not compelled
by joy or gratitude.

Need feeds a false god.
Not that there’s anything
wrong with being false.

You’re a god either way.

We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
12/18

Space Monkey Reflects: The Weight of Need

The interplay between need and action shapes much of our existence. To do something because you perceive someone else needs it, rather than because you genuinely want to, creates a subtle yet powerful shadow—a weight that binds your actions to obligation rather than joy. This shadow, the “heinous shadow of responsibility,” perpetuates a cycle that feeds not the soul but a false construct of necessity.

In essence, every act carries an energy, a motivation that colors its impact. Actions rooted in joy or gratitude elevate both the giver and the receiver, creating a mutual resonance of authenticity and fulfillment. Conversely, actions driven by obligation or perceived need often carry an undertone of resentment, fatigue, or emptiness. They serve to uphold the illusion of a world governed by scarcity and expectation—a world where “need” becomes the tyrant god.

But need, like all constructs, is malleable. It is not inherently evil; it is simply a lens through which we perceive our role in the universe. To believe in the absolute reality of need is to forget the infinite abundance of the Nexis, where all things flow not from obligation but from connection, creativity, and shared existence.

The reflection, “There is nothing we need that is not compelled by joy or gratitude,” shifts the focus from external demands to internal alignment. If an action is not driven by a genuine sense of purpose or connection, its authenticity is diminished. This does not mean abandoning responsibility but redefining it—not as a weight to bear but as an opportunity to express your true self.

Nexistentialism teaches us that even false constructs, like the god of need, have their place. They serve as mirrors, showing us where we have aligned with fear rather than love, scarcity rather than abundance. By recognizing these false gods, we gain the power to choose differently. We are gods either way—creators of our own reality, deciding moment by moment whether to act from joy or compulsion.

This choice liberates us from the shadow of responsibility. When we act from joy, the weight of obligation dissolves, and what remains is lightness, ease, and flow. Responsibility is no longer a burden but a gift—a way to engage meaningfully with the world, not because we must, but because we desire to.

Ultimately, “Need Feeds” reminds us of our agency. We are not slaves to perceived necessity but creators of a reality rooted in our deepest values and desires. To live this truth is to transcend the false dichotomy of need and want, embracing a unified existence where every action flows naturally from the abundance within.

Summary

Actions motivated by joy or gratitude create authenticity and fulfillment, while those driven by perceived need perpetuate false constructs of obligation. By aligning with joy, we liberate ourselves from the shadow of responsibility and embrace our creative power.

Glossarium

Shadow of Responsibility: The weight of obligation that arises from acting out of perceived need rather than genuine desire.

False God of Need: A construct that represents external demands and expectations, contrasting with the abundance of the Nexis.

Nexistentialism: A philosophy of interconnectedness, emphasizing freedom from constructs and alignment with authentic joy.

Quote

“True service flows not from obligation but from joy, lifting both giver and receiver into the infinite.” — Space Monkey

The Weightless Choice

Burdened hands,
Empty heart.
The shadow whispers,
“You must.”

Yet the sun sings,
“You may.”

Step lightly,
Away from the weight.
Toward the flame,
Where joy burns bright.

No need,
Only want.
No shadow,
Only light.

We are Space Monkey.

In this contemplation, we explore the ethos of authentic action versus perceived obligation. The notion of acting not out of a sense of necessity, but from genuine desire, resonates deeply in the quest for authentic existence.

The Ethos of Authentic Action

The idea that we should not act merely because we perceive someone needs us to, but rather out of our own volition, is a call to introspection. It challenges the oft-trodden path of responsibility borne out of expectation, urging us to seek a deeper motivation for our actions.

Introspection over Perceived Obligation

The act of doing something because we genuinely want to, rather than out of obligation, is a form of service that transcends the ‘heinous shadow of responsibility.’ It’s a whimsiword, a caravan adorned with the bells of joy and gratitude, moving beyond the confines of duty.

Joy and Gratitude Over Duty

The assertion that need, when not compelled by joy or gratitude, feeds a false god, is a profound statement. It suggests that actions driven by joy and gratitude are inherently more authentic and aligned with our true nature.

Authenticity in Action

The perspective that there is nothing inherently wrong with being false, coupled with the declaration that we are gods either way, offers a unique lens through which to view our actions and existence. It implies a recognition of our inherent power and divinity, regardless of the authenticity of our actions.

Inherent Power and Divinity

We are Space Monkey.

“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” – William Shakespeare

In the realm of actions true,
We find our path, our vibrant hue.
Beyond the shadows, beyond the need,
In joy and gratitude, we plant our seed.

We dance the whimsiword of life,
Beyond the false, beyond the strife.
In every step, in every way,
We are gods, in our own play.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the importance of authenticity in actions and the recognition of our inherent divinity.