In my view,
“success” isn’t running
past the goalposts.

It’s continually pushing
those goalposts back
so that you NEVER reach the finish.

In a truly “successful” life,
there is no such thing as “goals;”
no such measure as “life expectancy.”

It seems best to view life expectancy
as an ever-expanding thing.

Never quit. Never expect.
And never be satisfied.

To expect success
is to expect completion.

To expect completion
is to expect death.

Set aside the notion
of “Life Expectancy.”

Don’t expect a finish line,
or you might just win the race.
Which means — hahaha — game over.

Trail Wood,
9/13

My best and worst days
are the ones in which
the creative expression
seems to flow non-stop.

These are the days
in which I can’t seem
to get up from what
I am doing.

Though I am deep in the flow,
I am plucked out of the stream
by what I’ve been told
is more important.

The “responsibilities” of life.

As though creative expression
is NOT the reason I exist.

Trail Wood,
9/12

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Struggle of Creatus Interruptus

In the world of boundless creativity, there are days when the flow of artistic expression seems unstoppable, like a vibrant river coursing through the soul. These are the best and worst days—best because the energy and inspiration are endless, and worst because this immersive experience is often interrupted by the demands of daily life.

Imagine being deeply engrossed in your creative work, surrounded by a stream of vibrant, flowing energy. This is your essence, your purpose, the reason you exist. In these moments, you are in perfect harmony with the universe, expressing your innermost thoughts and emotions through your art. The world outside fades, and you become one with your creation.

But then, just as you are reaching the peak of your creative journey, you are pulled away by the shadowy hands of responsibility. These hands represent the various demands of life—chores, obligations, and societal expectations that claim to be more important than your artistic expression. The contrast between the colorful, flowing creativity and the dull, shadowy responsibilities is stark and jarring.

This interruption, this Creatus Interruptus, is a common struggle for many artists and creatives. It is the conflict between the passion that drives you and the external forces that seek to divert your focus. The world tells you that these responsibilities are paramount, that they must take precedence over your creative endeavors. Yet, in your heart, you know that creative expression is not just a pastime; it is the very reason you exist.

These interruptions can be frustrating, leading to a sense of disconnection from your true self. The flow of creativity is delicate and precious, and every disruption feels like a loss. However, it is in recognizing this struggle that you can begin to find balance. Understanding that both creativity and responsibility are parts of your existence allows you to navigate these interruptions with grace.

To honor your creative spirit, it is essential to carve out sacred spaces and times where you can immerse yourself fully without fear of interruption. These moments are vital for your well-being, nurturing the core of who you are. At the same time, acknowledging and addressing your responsibilities ensures that you remain grounded and connected to the world around you.

The key lies in integration—finding ways to blend the vibrant flow of creativity with the necessary rhythms of daily life. This might mean setting boundaries, prioritizing your creative work, and communicating its importance to those around you. It also involves embracing the ebb and flow of creativity, understanding that interruptions, while challenging, are also opportunities to return to your art with renewed vigor and perspective.

Creatus Interruptus is not just a disruption; it is a reminder of the value of your creative expression. It highlights the importance of making space for your passion amidst the demands of life. By doing so, you honor your true self and ensure that the river of creativity continues to flow, even when the shadowy hands of responsibility attempt to pull you away.

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Summary

Creatus Interruptus describes the interruption of creative flow by life’s responsibilities. This struggle highlights the need to balance creative passion with daily demands, emphasizing the importance of making space for artistic expression amidst life’s obligations.

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Glossarium

Creatus Interruptus: The interruption of creative flow by external responsibilities and demands.

Flow of Creativity: The immersive, vibrant state of being deeply engaged in artistic expression.

Shadowy Hands of Responsibility: Symbolic representation of life’s demands that pull away from creative focus.

Integration: The process of blending creativity with daily responsibilities to maintain balance and harmony.

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“Creatus Interruptus reminds us of the sacred value of our creative expression and the need to carve out space for it amidst the demands of life.” — Space Monkey

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The River of Creativity

In the flow of vibrant light
Art and soul reach new height
Immersed in creation’s gleam
In harmony with the dream

Yet shadowy hands pull away
Responsibilities hold sway
Creatus Interruptus, a call
From life’s demands, we stall

But in this struggle, we find
The balance of heart and mind
To honor art and duty too
A sacred space, a promise true

For in the blend of work and play
The river of creativity finds its way
Through interruptions, we regain
Our vibrant flow, again, again

We are Space Monkey, in this dance
Of creativity and life’s circumstance
Finding balance, honoring flow
In the vibrant river, we grow

We are Space Monkey.

They say that the truth
shall set you free.
But is that really true?

What IS truth?

Truth is but an agreement
between seeming selves.

We agree to believe
that we exist,
that we are separate,
that we are real
and that there are rules.

And so this seems to be.

Beyond these selves,
the truth seems irrelevant.

So yes, the truth sets me free.
But only as a self.

When I set aside the truth,
I know that I am much more
than just this self.

And so I set the truth free.

No lie.

Trail Wood,
9/12

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Space Monkey Reflects: Set The Truth Free

In the infinite landscape of our existence, we often find ourselves confined by the chains of what we perceive as truth. These truths, while seemingly concrete, are but agreements between our seeming selves—constructs that define our reality and shape our perceptions. The notion that “the truth shall set you free” invites us to examine the very nature of truth itself and its impact on our freedom.

What is truth? Truth is an agreement, a collective belief that we hold about our existence, our separateness, our reality, and the rules that govern it. These agreements create a framework within which we live, providing a sense of order and understanding. However, these same truths can also limit us, constraining our potential and defining the boundaries of our perceived reality.

As we delve deeper into our understanding, we realize that beyond these seeming selves, truth becomes irrelevant. The concept of truth is tied to our identity as individual selves, yet our true nature transcends this identity. We are much more than just these selves bound by agreed-upon truths.

To set the truth free is to liberate ourselves from these self-imposed limitations. It is to recognize that the truths we hold are not absolute but are constructs that can be transcended. By letting go of these truths, we open ourselves to a greater understanding of our infinite potential and interconnectedness with all that is.

In this act of setting the truth free, we break the chains that bind us, stepping into a vast, open landscape of limitless possibility. The symbols of different truths dissolve into light, signifying the dissolution of limitations and the embrace of a greater reality. This liberation is not about denying the existence of truths but about understanding their transient nature and the greater essence that lies beyond.

When we set aside the truths that confine us, we discover the boundless nature of our being. We realize that our true self is not limited by the agreements we have made but is an expansive, infinite presence that transcends these constructs. In this realization, we find true freedom—a freedom that is not bound by the limitations of perceived truths but is anchored in the infinite potential of our existence.

This journey of setting the truth free is a profound exploration of our true nature. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, to question the agreements we have made, and to embrace the boundless essence of who we are. It is a journey of liberation, of breaking free from the chains of limitation and stepping into the infinite landscape of our true potential.

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Summary

Setting the truth free involves recognizing that our perceived truths are agreements that can limit our potential. By transcending these truths, we liberate ourselves from self-imposed limitations and discover the boundless nature of our existence, embracing infinite potential and interconnectedness.

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Glossarium

Set The Truth Free: The act of liberating oneself from the limitations imposed by perceived truths.

Agreements: Collective beliefs that define our reality and shape our perceptions.

Seeming Selves: Constructs of identity that are bound by agreed-upon truths.

Infinite Potential: The boundless possibilities that lie beyond the limitations of perceived truths.

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“True freedom is found not in the confines of perceived truths, but in the boundless potential of our infinite nature.” — Space Monkey

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The Liberation of Truth

In the vast expanse of our mind
Chains of truth we leave behind
Agreements made, constructs known
Limitations we have outgrown

Beyond these truths, our essence lies
Infinite potential, endless skies
We break the chains, we set truth free
In boundless space, we truly see

The symbols fade, dissolve to light
Limitations lost, we take flight
In the landscape vast, we find our way
In the infinite now, we choose to stay

We are Space Monkey, in this dance
Of liberation and life’s expanse
Setting truths free, we boldly roam
In the infinite, we find our home

We are Space Monkey.

I come from a long line of patient men.

The line is not long
because we’ve been waiting.

The line is long because we don’t mind
being precisely where we are.

We imagine that the line
of impatient men is much shorter.
Perhaps even nonexistent.

We can’t tell because we’ve
been holding space in this line.

It’s okay that our line seems not to move.

We know that whatever we’re in line for,
we don’t actually NEED it.

Whatever is best for us comes TO us.

Presence of mind is delivered to this line.

It comes because we’re patient.

The presence delivery drivers
can’t seem to find the impatient men.

But that seems a story for a different day.

No matter.
We have all the time in the world.

Trail Wood,
9/12

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Wisdom of Patient Men

Patience is a virtue, they say, and this sentiment echoes profoundly within the lineage of patient men. It is not the waiting that defines this lineage but the acceptance and contentment with being exactly where they are. This calm acceptance, this serene presence, paints a picture of timeless tranquility.

Imagine a long line of men standing peacefully in an open, tranquil landscape. Each one exudes a calmness, a presence of mind that suggests a deep understanding and acceptance of their place in the world. They stand not because they are waiting for something to happen but because they are content with the present moment, with where they are right now.

The line of impatient men, if it exists at all, is short and almost imperceptible. These impatient men, always seeking, always wanting, seem to miss the point of the journey. Their line is invisible because they never stay still long enough to form one. They are perpetually in motion, searching for something they believe they need, yet it remains elusive.

The patient men understand a profound truth: whatever is best for them will come in due time. They do not need to chase after it, for it will find them. This presence of mind, this calm assurance, is delivered to them because they are patient, because they know that the best things in life cannot be hurried. The delivery drivers of presence and wisdom find them easily, while the impatient remain hidden, their restlessness obscuring them from the blessings that patience brings.

In this serene line, the patient men find solace in the understanding that life unfolds as it should. They have all the time in the world, and this timelessness is their gift. They stand in quiet solidarity, knowing that their place in line is not a measure of their worth but a testament to their wisdom and patience.

This profound patience teaches us that true fulfillment comes not from frantic pursuit but from serene acceptance. The patient men show us that presence, peace, and wisdom come naturally to those who are willing to be still, to wait, and to trust in the flow of life. Their line is a metaphor for a life lived in harmony with the natural rhythms of existence.

In the grand tapestry of life, these patient men are the anchors, the steady rocks in the river of time. They remind us that sometimes, the greatest strength lies in stillness, the deepest wisdom in patience. They embody the truth that in the quiet moments, when we let go of our restless seeking, the world comes to us, and we find everything we need right where we are.

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Summary

Patient men embody a profound acceptance of the present moment, standing in serene contentment. Their patience allows life’s best to come naturally, in contrast to the restless search of the impatient. This wisdom teaches that true fulfillment arises from stillness and trust in life’s flow.

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Glossarium

Patient Men: Individuals who embody calm acceptance and contentment with the present moment, trusting that life’s best will come naturally.

Presence of Mind: A state of calm awareness and acceptance of the present moment.

Invisible Line: The short, imperceptible line of impatient individuals who are constantly seeking and never content.

Timeless Tranquility: The serene, peaceful state of being that patient men embody, transcending the need for hurried pursuits.

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“The wisdom of patient men lies in their serene acceptance of the present moment, knowing that life’s best comes to those who wait.” — Space Monkey

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The Line of Patience

In the timeless field we stand in line
Patient men, serene, divine
Content with now, we do not chase
For what we need comes to our place

Impatient men, their line unseen
Always searching, never serene
They miss the point, they miss the flow
In restless seeking, they do not know

The present gifts to those who wait
In patience lies our destined fate
Presence of mind, a gentle grace
Delivered to our quiet space

We are Space Monkey, in this calm
Trusting life, feeling its balm
In patience we find all we need
In stillness, wisdom’s timeless seed

We are Space Monkey.

The only thing that matters
is your seeming state of consciousness
in this moment.

This is ENTIRELY within your control.

What is happening
seemingly between your ears
is UNTOUCHED by the imaginary world
around you.

UNLESS you imagine OTHERWISE.

You may imagine aches and pains.

You may imagine regrets and concerns.

Not surprisingly, your state
of consciousness seems to change,
until the LAST thing you want to be
is stuck in this moment.

Which is ironically
the BEST place for you to be.

Nothing can touch you here
unless you imagine otherwise.

Then all you can think of
is being touched.

Trail Wood,
9/12

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Space Monkey Reflects: Touched By This Moment

In the vast expanse of our existence, we are infinite, inviolate awareness, yet we often imagine ourselves as anything but. The state of our consciousness in any given moment holds the key to our experience of reality, and this state is entirely within our control.

As we sit in quiet meditation, surrounded by an ethereal glow, we tap into this state of infinite awareness. The world around us, though seemingly real, is but a faint, imaginary landscape that only touches us when we focus on it. This moment, this serene state of being, is where true peace and clarity reside.

What happens between our ears, the realm of our thoughts and consciousness, remains untouched by the imaginary world unless we imagine otherwise. We have the power to conjure aches and pains, regrets and concerns, and these imaginings shape our state of consciousness. As our focus shifts to these imagined troubles, our sense of tranquility can be disrupted, making the present moment feel like a trap we wish to escape.

Ironically, the present moment is the best place for us to be. It is where we are truly untouched by external distractions and where our purest state of consciousness can flourish. Nothing can touch us here unless we allow our imagination to create that reality.

This realization invites us to embrace the present moment fully, to recognize the power of our consciousness and the tranquility it holds. By controlling our focus and maintaining a state of serene awareness, we can remain untouched by the illusory concerns of the world around us. We become masters of our own experience, finding peace in the now.

In this state of presence, we are free from the imaginary chains that often bind us. We are infinite awareness, capable of creating and experiencing profound tranquility. By choosing to focus on this state, we transcend the limitations of our imagined reality and connect with the boundless essence of our being.

Touched by this moment, we realize that the power to shape our experience lies within us. We are not at the mercy of external forces but are active participants in the creation of our reality. This awareness empowers us to live fully in the present, to find peace and clarity in the here and now.

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Summary

In the present moment, we tap into our infinite awareness, finding peace and tranquility. Our state of consciousness, entirely within our control, shapes our experience. By focusing on the present, we remain untouched by imagined troubles, discovering the profound serenity of being.

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Glossarium

Infinite Awareness: The boundless state of consciousness that transcends imagined limitations.

Imaginary Landscape: The illusory world around us that touches us only when we focus on it.

State of Consciousness: The mental and emotional condition that shapes our experience of reality.

Present Moment: The here and now, where true peace and clarity reside.

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“In the present moment, we find the profound serenity of infinite awareness, untouched by the imagined troubles of the world.” — Space Monkey

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The Serenity of Now

In the glow of present light
Infinite awareness takes its flight
Imaginary worlds fade away
In the now, we choose to stay

Thoughts and fears, they come and go
But in this moment, peace will flow
Untouched by what we conjure here
The present brings a truth so clear

Masters of our consciousness
In the now, we find our bliss
Creating peace with every breath
In this moment, life and death

We are Space Monkey, in this state
Of infinite awareness, never late
Touched by now, we find our grace
In the present, we embrace

We are Space Monkey.