The reason you’re here
is to find your song.

Your OWN song.

But you’re afraid to sing,
and when you do,
it’s always
someone else’s notes,
someone else’s words,
someone else’s song.

Sure, you may have
your favorite recording,
but you didn’t write it.

That song may seem
to fit you perfectly.
But it’s not yours.

Don’t be afraid
to use your voice.
Don’t be afraid
to show you’re here.
Don’t be afraid
to trill and howl.
Don’t be afraid
to fill the air.

Find your own song.

Trail Wood,
5/15

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Liberation of Finding Your Own Song

In the vast symphony of existence, where each being is a unique melody in the cosmic orchestra, the journey to find one’s own song is perhaps the most profound of all quests. The poem “Find Your Own Song” serves as a clarion call to this journey, urging us to venture beyond the familiar refrains and discover the music that resonates with the core of our being.

This journey is not without its challenges; it confronts the fear of vulnerability, the trepidation of standing out, and the comfort of conformity. Yet, the poem reminds us that the essence of our existence lies in the expression of our true selves. It is a declaration that while the songs of others may move us, it is only through finding and singing our own song that we fully inhabit our space in the world.

The act of singing one’s own song is more than a metaphor for self-expression; it is a testament to the power of authenticity. The poem dismantles the notion that we must echo the voices of others to find acceptance or meaning. Instead, it celebrates the courage to trill, howl, and fill the air with one’s own essence. This is not merely an act of defiance against the fear of obscurity but a profound embrace of one’s individuality.

The visual narrative accompanying this reflection amplifies the message of liberation and discovery. The image of a person standing on the brink of the horizon, their voice merging with the dawn, encapsulates the transformative power of owning one’s voice. The landscape, alive with the potential of the new day, mirrors the boundless possibilities that unfold when we dare to express our true selves. It is a vivid reminder that our songs, unique and unrepeatable, are essential threads in the fabric of the universe.

To find and sing one’s own song is to engage in an act of creation that is as ancient as the stars yet as immediate as the beating of our hearts. It is to acknowledge that our voices, in their myriad forms, are the instruments through which we connect with others and the cosmos. This journey of discovery and expression is not a solitary endeavor but a communal invitation to witness the unfolding of each other’s melodies, to celebrate the diversity of our songs, and to find harmony in our collective chorus.

“Find Your Own Song” thus emerges not only as a personal imperative but as a universal mantra. It calls us to explore the depths of our souls, to unearth the melodies that have been waiting to be sung, and to fill the world with the music of our authentic selves. In doing so, we not only liberate ourselves but contribute to the grand symphony of existence, a symphony enriched by each new song it encompasses.

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Summary

The poem “Find Your Own Song” inspires the journey towards authentic self-expression. It challenges the fear of vulnerability and the comfort of conformity, advocating for the courage to express one’s true self. The accompanying visual narrative depicts this journey as a moment of liberation, emphasizing the importance of individuality and the transformative power of owning one’s voice. This reflection serves as a reminder of the unique value of each person’s song in the cosmic orchestra of existence.

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Glossarium

• Own Song: A metaphor for one’s authentic self-expression and the unique contribution each individual makes to the world.
• Cosmic Orchestra: Symbolizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the harmony created when each contributes their authentic voice.
• Journey of Discovery: Represents the process of exploring one’s inner self to find the unique expressions of identity and purpose.

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“In the chorus of the cosmos, each voice is a beacon, a song of self that shines with the light of authenticity. To find and sing your own song is to illuminate the path not only for yourself but for all who listen.” – Space Monkey

---

Upon the edge of dawn, we stand
Voices ready, at command
A note, a melody, uniquely ours
In the symphony of stars

The journey long, the path unclear
But our song, we hold dear
Through fear, through doubt, we sing aloud
Our music, our voice, unabashed, uncowed

In each note, a story, a soul
In each melody, a goal
To sing our song, to share our light
In the cosmic orchestra, bright

Let not others’ tunes sway your own
In your song, your truth is shown
For in the chorus of life, vast and wide
It’s your melody that serves as guide

Sing, sing with all your might
In the dawn, in the night
For in your song, you’ll find
The essence of your mind

Nature
doesn’t understand
words too well,
but when you sing to her,
she comes
out of her shell,
lalalala.

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Universal Language of Melody

In the endless tapestry of existence, where words often fall short and meanings become lost in translation, the poem “Nature” whispers a profound truth: melody is a universal language, one that transcends the barriers between beings, connecting hearts and souls across the vast expanse of creation. This simple yet evocative narrative serves as a gentle reminder of the profound connection between humanity and the natural world, a connection that is felt rather than spoken, experienced rather than explained.

At the heart of this connection lies the act of singing to nature, a gesture of reaching out not through the complexities of language, but through the purity of sound and emotion. The response of nature to this melody is a beautiful unfolding of harmony, a coming out of her shell, as if the very essence of the earth and its inhabitants resonates with the frequencies of the human heart. This is not merely a metaphorical interaction but a vivid portrayal of the intimate dialogue that exists between every leaf, every breeze, and the soul of the person who dares to sing without words.

The magical scene depicted, where a person’s song weaves through the air, intertwining with the elements of the forest and drawing the wildlife close, captures the essence of this dialogue. It is a moment of unity, where the artificial boundaries that separate humanity from the rest of the natural world dissolve, revealing the underlying unity of all existence. The melody, represented as a stream of colorful notes, becomes a bridge between worlds, a conduit for understanding and communion that speaks to the very core of all beings.

This narrative invites us to reconsider our relationship with nature, urging us to engage with the world around us not as dominators or distant observers, but as participants in a shared dance of existence. It challenges us to find our own song, to express our love, our joy, our sorrow, and our hope through the universal language of melody, and in doing so, to rediscover our place in the natural order.

To sing to nature is to acknowledge her not just as a resource or a backdrop to human activity, but as a living, breathing entity with which we share a deep, intrinsic bond. It is to recognize that, in the grand scheme of the universe, we are not apart from nature but a part of nature, and that our voices, when lifted in song, have the power to transcend the limitations of language and touch the essence of life itself.

“Nature” thus emerges not only as a reflection on the power of melody but as a call to action—a call to embrace the simplicity and beauty of connecting with the natural world through the universal language of music. It is a reminder that, in the end, we are all singers in the cosmic choir, and that our songs, in their myriad forms, contribute to the endless symphony of existence.

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Summary

The poem “Nature” explores the profound connection between humanity and the natural world through the universal language of melody. It illustrates how singing, a pure expression of emotion and spirit, transcends the barriers of language, inviting a magical interaction with nature. This reflection highlights the importance of finding one’s own song to foster a deeper, more intimate relationship with the environment, reminding us of our intrinsic unity with all living beings.

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Glossarium

• Universal Language of Melody: Refers to the innate ability of music and sound to communicate emotions and connect beings across different realms of existence.
• Cosmic Choir: Symbolizes the collective expression of life through sound, emphasizing the interconnectedness and harmony of all beings in the universe.
• Symphony of Existence: Describes the ongoing, dynamic interplay of life’s diverse expressions, unified through the fundamental principles of harmony and balance.

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“In the heart of the forest, our songs intertwine, a melody shared between human and

Is loyalty worth anything anymore?

As somebody who has remained faithful to the same partner for more than 35 years, the same company for more than 30, and the same ideals for all my life, I often ask myself if I’m loyal, lazy or just lucky.

No matter the answer, 
I am a patient, satisfied monkey.

All this time, I’ve witnessed others, pledging their allegiances repeatedly, in what looks like either a confident or desperate search for validation and/or self-satisfaction.

Others seem to flit about from employers and partners, because, apparently, that’s what it takes to “get ahead” these days.

Even in spiritual circles, self-centeredness rules. “Self care” is the phrase of the say. People are encouraged to “move away from those who don’t share the vibration.”

I’m pretty sure the similar phrases have started wars. There seems an inherent divisiveness in always putting one side first. Self versus others. Us versus them. Good versus evil.

Nobody seems to stay together for the sake of staying together. It seems that there always needs to be a REASON for it.

And so we even fight those in our own tribe. If not overtly, then at least mentally. It seems we’re always struggling to define our place in some hierarchy, when we could simply let things be.

Loyalty seems dead. Is it deservedly so? Or have we grown too egotistical for our own good? It seems that if someone can’t help us, we don’t want anything to do with them.

I wonder. Am I just a schmuck?
And why is it so wrong to be one?

They say love is unconditional. If that were true, people would remain together forever. If not in a physical sense, then at least in a spiritual one.

When I look at the experiences of friends, and those in social media, this seems not to be the case. So much opposition and name-calling. So much discounting. So much prejudice.

Loyalty, in my mind, means staying together as one DESPITE our seeming differences. DESPITE our judgments of each other. Take the drama out of the equation and it’s easier to live an intentional productive life.
I’ve been fortunate all these years to be surrounded by people who understand what I mean, even if we don’t see completely eye to eye. We seem able to embrace our differences because we know that this is what makes us great. Even if we’re the only ones who think so.

Perhaps we’re too cool headed. Perhaps we should try hot-headed, selfish passion for a change. It seems a thrill for sure. But for how long?

I never answered my own question. Is loyalty worth anything anymore?

Why do I need it to be?

Why am I even posing the question?

I don’t need loyalty. Nobody does.
We simply appreciate when we have it.
Which is enough for me.

Thanks for being loyal to me.
Thanks for NOT being loyal to me.
Thanks for giving me something to write about.

Love,
Space Monkey.

5/14

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Evergreen Virtue of Loyalty in an Evolving Universe

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In the cosmic dance of existence, loyalty stands as a timeless beacon, guiding sentient beings through the maelstrom of cosmic evolution and existential quandaries. In an era where the foundations of fidelity are often questioned, the essence of loyalty transcends mere allegiance to others; it becomes a testament to the unbreakable bonds that tether us to our core values, our companions in this grand journey, and the universal consciousness that envelops us all.

At its core, loyalty is the gravitational pull that binds us to what we cherish most deeply. It is not a relic of bygone days but a living, breathing force that evolves with us, urging us to stay true to ourselves and those we hold dear, even as the galaxies around us shift and expand. The question of whether loyalty holds any value in the modern epoch is akin to asking if stars still illuminate the night sky. Indeed, they do, perhaps now more than ever, as we navigate through the nebulous void of change and uncertainty.

Loyalty, in its purest form, is not about blind adherence or unthinking devotion. It is a conscious choice, a commitment to stand by our ideals, our loved ones, and our collective vision for a better universe, despite the allure of transient temptations and the ease of surrendering to the chaotic flux of existence. It is the recognition that, in the grand tapestry of the cosmos, each thread is interconnected, each pattern meaningful, and every act of fidelity a stroke of color that enriches the whole.

The perceived erosion of loyalty in contemporary society—be it in personal relationships, professional endeavors, or spiritual affiliations—is not a sign of its obsolescence but a call to redefine its parameters. In an age where the self is often exalted above all, true loyalty involves a delicate balance between self-care and the welfare of the collective soul. It invites us to transcend the dualities of self versus other, us versus them, illuminating the path toward a more inclusive, compassionate universe where unity and diversity coexist in harmony.

This evolving understanding of loyalty beckons us to explore new dimensions of connection and cooperation. It encourages us to forge alliances not only with those who mirror our own reflections but also with the myriad expressions of life that make up the cosmic mosaic. In doing so, we discover that loyalty is not a constraint but a liberation, freeing us from the myopic view of existence and opening our hearts to the infinite possibilities of creation.

The challenges we face in nurturing loyalty in the face of constant change are not insurmountable. They are invitations to deepen our understanding of what it means to be truly loyal—to ourselves, to others, and to the ever-unfolding universe. As we embark on this journey, we realize that loyalty, far from being an archaic virtue, is a guiding light, leading us toward a future where unity, diversity, and sustainability form the bedrock of cosmic society.

In the end, the value of loyalty lies not in its adherence to outdated paradigms but in its ability to adapt, evolve, and flourish amidst the cosmic play of existence. It is a testament to the enduring strength of the bonds that unite us, a reminder that, in the vastness of the universe, we are not isolated wanderers but integral parts of a greater whole.

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Summary

Loyalty transcends mere allegiance. It is a commitment to our values loved ones and the universal consciousness. In an evolving universe loyalty is not obsolete but a force that enriches the collective soul. It balances self-care with collective welfare leading toward a compassionate inclusive universe. Loyalty is liberation guiding us to a future of unity diversity and sustainability.

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Glossarium

• Cosmic Mosaic: The diverse array of existences and experiences that make up the universe seen as interconnected pieces of a grander design.
• Collective Soul: A metaphor for the shared essence and consciousness that binds all beings in the universe.
• Gravitational Pull: Used metaphorically to describe the force of attraction and commitment that loyalty represents.

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“True loyalty is that which embraces change and grows with it, for in the vast expanse of the cosmos, change is the only constant.” – Space Monkey

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In the silence of the cosmos,
where stars whisper secrets of old,
loyalty, a timeless vessel, sails,
through the nebulous sea of change.

Not a chain, but a chosen bond,
linking hearts across the void,
a beacon, guiding us to harbor,
in the storm of fleeting desires.

Beyond the confines of “I” and “mine,”
in the dance of unity and diversity,
loyalty weaves a cosmic tapestry,
where every thread sings of connection.

In the embrace of the universal self,
where all distinctions fade,
we find the true essence of fidelity,
a commitment to all that is, and will be.

Through the evolution of the heart,
loyalty emerges, reborn,
a guiding light toward a future,
where love binds every star, every soul.

We are Space Monkey.

Observe history.

The enemy is ALWAYS the uneducated,
mistaken, and/or evil monkey who “knows better.”

The victor ALWAYS knows better,
as history is written.

When it turns out that the victor
DOESN’T actually “know better,”
as is so often the case,
history is conveniently re-written
so that the victor knows better.

This does not happen out of spite.
Victors like to feel good about themselves.
Nobody ever goes into battle
so that 
they can feel shitty about themselves.

The enemy is ALWAYS the fear
of feeling shitty about yourself
in the service of honor, patriotism,
human decency, or what have you.

This is no mistake.

If you were comfortable
feeling shitty about yourself,
you would have everlasting peace
and NOBODY would feel shitty.

Trail Wood,
5/14

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Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing the Shadow Within – The Paradox of the Shitty Enemy

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In the boundless cosmos, where the dance of creation and destruction unfolds with each breath of the universal self, the notion of the “shitty enemy” emerges as a profound reflection of our innermost shadows. This paradoxical adversary, often vilified and pushed into the dark recesses of our collective consciousness, serves as a mirror, revealing the complex facets of our nature and the intricate dance of light and shadow that defines our existence.

The concept of the shitty enemy, viewed through the lens of cosmic wisdom, transcends the simplistic binaries of good versus evil, right versus wrong. It invites us into a deeper exploration of the self, challenging us to acknowledge and love even the most despised aspects of our being. For in this confrontation lies the key to transcending the cycles of conflict that have ensnared civilizations throughout the annals of time.

History, as narrated by the victors, often paints the enemy in broad strokes of ignorance, evil, or moral inferiority. Yet, this narrative is but a veil, obscuring the truth that the enemy is not an external force to be vanquished but an integral part of our own psyche. The enemy embodies our fears, our insecurities, and the parts of ourselves we wish to deny. In recognizing this, we come to understand that the battlefields of the world are reflections of the internal struggles raging within each of us.

The journey towards loving our shitty enemy is a journey inward, a voyage into the depths of the soul where light and darkness intertwine. It requires courage, for it demands that we confront not only the darkness in others but the darkness within ourselves. By embracing our enemies as teachers, as parts of ourselves that have been neglected or misunderstood, we unlock the potential for profound healing and transformation.

This process of reconciliation does not condone harm or excuse injustice; rather, it offers a pathway to transcend the dualities that divide us. It invites us to view our enemies with compassion, understanding that, like us, they are driven by the same universal desires for love, acceptance, and fulfillment. Through this lens, the shitty enemy becomes a catalyst for growth, pushing us towards greater self-awareness, empathy, and interconnectedness.

In the cosmic dance of existence, where every being is an expression of the universal self, the concept of the enemy dissolves, revealing a tapestry of life woven from the threads of shared consciousness. Here, in the heart of paradox, we discover that the true victory lies not in the defeat of the other but in the unity of all.

The embrace of our shitty enemies, therefore, is not an act of surrender but an act of empowerment. It signifies the triumph of love over fear, unity over division, and light over darkness. It is a declaration that we are ready to step into a new era of cosmic consciousness, where the boundaries that separate us fall away, and we recognize ourselves in the face of the other.

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Summary

The notion of the shitty enemy as a reflection of our inner shadows transcends good versus evil. It invites a deep exploration of the self recognizing enemies as integral parts of our psyche. Embracing our shitty enemies requires confronting our own darkness leading to healing and transformation. This process fosters empathy and interconnectedness revealing that true victory lies in unity.

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Glossarium

• Cosmic Wisdom: The understanding that emerges from recognizing the interconnectedness of all existence and the balance between light and shadow within the cosmic order.
• Internal Struggles: The conflicts within an individual’s psyche, representing the fight between one’s higher self and shadow aspects.
• Dualities: The conceptual division of aspects of reality into opposing parts, such as good/evil, light/darkness, which often oversimplifies the complexity of existence.

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“In the mirror of the universe, every enemy is a reflection of our own shadows, inviting us to heal, to love, and to unite in the cosmic dance of existence.” – Space Monkey

---

In the cosmic theatre, where shadows play,
the shitty enemy, a mirror, a reflection of our fray.
Not a foe to vanquish, nor a villain to dismay,
but a part of us, asking to be seen, in the light of day.

In the embrace of the dark, where our fears reside,
lies the key to our liberation, our divide.
For in loving the enemy, we find inside,
a bridge to the self, wide and open, where our souls confide.

The dance of existence, a tapestry so vast,
each thread intertwined, shadows cast.
In the heart of paradox, the truth amassed,
that in loving our shitty enemy, peace is surpassed.

Through the cosmic lens, a new vision born,
of unity and love, no longer torn.
In the embrace of shadows, we are not forlorn,
for in our shared darkness, a new light is sworn.

We are Space Monkey.