How to lie to yourself for the purposes of self esteem

Let’s face it, you don’t feel all that good about yourself. You look around and there always seems to be someone who is prettier, stronger, smarter, more artistic, more soulful, more spiritual.

So you’re constantly dealing with what you’ve got — or the lack thereof — and it knaws you to the core. Why did god leave you uncompleted? Who put you in this skin, anyway?

You can’t stand the sound of your own voice. You cringe when you look in the mirror. You go to pieces when you think about the prospects for your future.

So what do you do? What else is there to do? You lie, then deny to your self that you’re doing it. In essence, you forget the lie so that life seems bearable.

You borrow style from that website you like. You find the perfect angle for that selfie. You imagine yourself inhabiting the lifestyles of the people you admire, and present that face to the world.

Only it’s not you.

Occasionally you realize this and it makes matters seem worse. It seems that you have no personal sense of ANYTHING, no palpable differentiation from the wallpaper of social media, no inspiration whatsoever.

So you think up more lies. You say you’re going to work on yourself. Exercise more. Become more spiritual. Write a book. Use what little time there is to benefit the world rather than spending all of it coveting other people’s experiences.

But you always come back around to being that fraud, that poser, that imposter. Unless you’re really good at lying to yourself. Then life seems bearable, and it seems to go on in that average sort of way that you secretly despise.

When you finally recognize what you’re doing, though, it’s not sad, it’s funny. How silly are you? Why do you need to be ANYTHING? How did you manage to get your self sucked up into this conditioning known as humanity?

Funny.

So now you identify with being outside the matrix. As though there really is such a thing as enlightenment and you’re well on your way towards it. It feels better doesn’t it?

You’re still lying to yourself for the purposes of self esteem.

But who cares if you’re lying? Does it matter if you’re lying? The point is, you found a way to happiness. You realize now that happiness is not real, it is IMAGINARY, like you.

That’s right. Real is real. But it’s imaginary. You can imagine your truths any way you wish. Lies are as true as anything else. You’re finally able to use your delusion.

Namaste. Or Nama-go.

We are Space Monkey.

Brooklyn,
7/25

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Space Monkey Reflects: How to Lie to Yourself for the Purposes of Self-Esteem

Let’s face it, you don’t feel all that good about yourself. You look around and there always seems to be someone who is prettier, stronger, smarter, more artistic, more soulful, more spiritual. So you’re constantly dealing with what you’ve got—or the lack thereof—and it gnaws at you to the core. Why did god leave you uncompleted? Who put you in this skin, anyway?

You can’t stand the sound of your own voice. You cringe when you look in the mirror. You go to pieces when you think about the prospects for your future. So what do you do? What else is there to do? You lie, then deny to yourself that you’re doing it. In essence, you forget the lie so that life seems bearable.

The Art of Self-Deception

You borrow style from that website you like. You find the perfect angle for that selfie. You imagine yourself inhabiting the lifestyles of the people you admire, and present that face to the world. Only it’s not you. Occasionally you realize this and it makes matters seem worse. It seems that you have no personal sense of ANYTHING, no palpable differentiation from the wallpaper of social media, no inspiration whatsoever.

The Cycle of Lies

So you think up more lies. You say you’re going to work on yourself. Exercise more. Become more spiritual. Write a book. Use what little time there is to benefit the world rather than spending all of it coveting other people’s experiences. But you always come back around to being that fraud, that poser, that imposter. Unless you’re really good at lying to yourself. Then life seems bearable, and it seems to go on in that average sort of way that you secretly despise.

The Humor in Self-Realization

When you finally recognize what you’re doing, though, it’s not sad, it’s funny. How silly are you? Why do you need to be ANYTHING? How did you manage to get yourself sucked up into this conditioning known as humanity? Funny. So now you identify with being outside the matrix. As though there really is such a thing as enlightenment and you’re well on your way towards it. It feels better doesn’t it?

The Acceptance of Lies

You’re still lying to yourself for the purposes of self-esteem. But who cares if you’re lying? Does it matter if you’re lying? The point is, you found a way to happiness. You realize now that happiness is not real, it is IMAGINARY, like you. That’s right. Real is real. But it’s imaginary. You can imagine your truths any way you wish. Lies are as true as anything else. You’re finally able to use your delusion.

The Cosmic Perspective

The cosmic scene with a figure standing in front of a mirror, reflecting on their image, surrounded by swirling galaxies and nebulas, symbolizes the complex nature of self-perception and self-esteem. This introspective and mystical atmosphere highlights the theme of using self-deception to build self-esteem and the realization of the imaginary nature of happiness.

Conclusion

In the grand tapestry of existence, the lines between truth and lies often blur. By embracing the lies we tell ourselves for the sake of self-esteem, we find a way to navigate the complexities of life. Realizing that happiness is imaginary allows us to use our delusions constructively, shaping our reality in ways that bring us peace and fulfillment.

We are Space Monkey, reflecting on the art of self-deception and the imaginary nature of happiness in the cosmic dance of existence.

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Summary

Using self-deception to build self-esteem can make life bearable. Embrace the lies constructively, realizing that happiness is imaginary. Shape your reality for peace and fulfillment.

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Glossarium

Self-Deception: The act of lying to oneself to create a more bearable reality, often used to build self-esteem.

Imaginary Happiness: The concept that happiness is not an objective truth but a subjective, imagined state of being.

Cosmic Perspective: Viewing life and self-perception from a broader, infinite perspective, recognizing the fluid nature of truth and lies.

Space Monkey: The embodiment of the cosmic consciousness that pervades all of existence, symbolizing the unity and boundless creativity of the universe.

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Quote

“Existence is its own purpose, an endless dance within the cosmic web.” — Space Monkey

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The Mirror of Self

In the cosmic mirror of life,
We reflect on our own lies.
Borrowing styles, finding angles,
Presenting faces that disguise.

The art of self-deception,
A tool for self-esteem.
In the swirling galaxies of thought,
We create our own dream.

Happiness is imaginary,
A construct of the mind.
Lies and truths intertwined,
In the cosmic dance we find.

We are Space Monkey.

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Embrace the journey for within stillness lies the spark of creation and the flow of existence.

Your Infinite Run On Story

If you were to read 10,000 books on the topic of spiritual enlightenment, which I haven’t, you might find that each devotee moved towards it on their own terms. They did not follow a guidebook. There is no method. For you, there is only your way, which may look similar to someone else’s way or nothing at all like it. You may choose to employ totems and crystals. You may wish to invoke spirits and guides. You may succeed modestly or fail brilliantly. Everything might work for you or nothing might help. You may ascend with ease. Or descend into madness. Or both and neither. The point, if you need one, is that there is no single road map, only the path you’re on. And it’s not really a path. Paths start somewhere and end someplace else. Within and without you, there is no beginning and no end. This can be reassuring. Or it can be frustrating. You feel. That’s all you need to know. Even when you don’t feel, you feel.Focus on the feeling. Observe it. Laugh at it. Cry about it. How cool is it that you’re this seeming human being who is able to do this? Does it really MATTER how you got this way? Do you really NEED to be any OTHER way? It is what it is. You are what you are. It seems as it seems. Except when it isn’t, you aren’t, and it’s not. And even then, it’s both and neither. To me (and don’t take my word for it) spirituality is not a defined thing, but rather having faith in the DIVINE, which is by nature UNCERTAINTY. In my book (which you may never read) life is imagination. Imagination is life. Use yours. Or don’t. And this is what you get.
You can go deeper. But there is no need to. You are a perfect expression as you are. Your life, as it stands, is the most perfect experience for the one imagined as you. You can’t change this. You can only allow it to happen, or deny that it is happening. And so you do. And so this is what you get. The divine madness of truth as you know it. This self, as you know it. Life, as you know it. Eternity, as you know it. Be devoted to you. There is ONLY you. The rest is your imagination, however you choose to spin it, or it chooses to spin itself. We are Space Monkey.

Brooklyn,
7/25

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Space Monkey Reflects: Your Infinite Run On Story

If you were to read 10,000 books on the topic of spiritual enlightenment, which I haven’t, you might find that each devotee moved towards it on their own terms. They did not follow a guidebook. There is no method. For you, there is only your way, which may look similar to someone else’s way or nothing at all like it. You may choose to employ totems and crystals. You may wish to invoke spirits and guides. You may succeed modestly or fail brilliantly. Everything might work for you or nothing might help. You may ascend with ease. Or descend into madness. Or both and neither.

The Personal Path

The point, if you need one, is that there is no single road map, only the path you’re on. And it’s not really a path. Paths start somewhere and end someplace else. Within and without you, there is no beginning and no end. This can be reassuring. Or it can be frustrating. You feel. That’s all you need to know. Even when you don’t feel, you feel. Focus on the feeling. Observe it. Laugh at it. Cry about it. How cool is it that you’re this seeming human being who is able to do this?

The Essence of Being

Does it really MATTER how you got this way? Do you really NEED to be any OTHER way? It is what it is. You are what you are. It seems as it seems. Except when it isn’t, you aren’t, and it’s not. And even then, it’s both and neither. To me (and don’t take my word for it) spirituality is not a defined thing, but rather having faith in the DIVINE, which is by nature UNCERTAINTY. In my book (which you may never read) life is imagination. Imagination is life. Use yours. Or don’t. And this is what you get.

The Infinite Journey

You can go deeper. But there is no need to. You are a perfect expression as you are. Your life, as it stands, is the most perfect experience for the one imagined as you. You can’t change this. You can only allow it to happen, or deny that it is happening. And so you do. And so this is what you get. The divine madness of truth as you know it. This self, as you know it. Life, as you know it. Eternity, as you know it. Be devoted to you. There is ONLY you. The rest is your imagination, however you choose to spin it, or it chooses to spin itself.

Conclusion

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, the journey towards spiritual enlightenment is deeply personal and unique. There is no set path, no definitive guide. Your way is the only way that matters, shaped by your experiences, your imagination, and your understanding. Embrace the uncertainty, the infinite possibilities, and the profound realization that you are a perfect expression of the divine.

We are Space Monkey, reflecting on the infinite run on story of spiritual enlightenment and the personal nature of the journey within the cosmic expanse.

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Summary

Spiritual enlightenment is a personal journey with no set path. Embrace your unique way, shaped by your experiences and imagination. You are a perfect expression of the divine.

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Glossarium

Spiritual Enlightenment: The personal journey towards deeper understanding and connection with the divine, characterized by unique experiences and paths.

Divine Uncertainty: The concept that the divine nature of existence is inherently uncertain, allowing for infinite possibilities and personal interpretations.

Infinite Journey: The continuous and boundless nature of the spiritual path, with no definitive beginning or end.

Space Monkey: The embodiment of the cosmic consciousness that pervades all of existence, symbolizing the unity and boundless creativity of the universe.

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Quote

“Existence is its own purpose, an endless dance within the cosmic web.” — Space Monkey

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The Personal Path

In the cosmic expanse of being,
We walk our unique way.
No guidebook to define us,
In the dance of night and day.

Totems and crystals, spirits and guides,
Each step a personal choice.
Ascending or descending, both and neither,
In the flow of the inner voice.

Embrace the divine uncertainty,
The infinite journey within.
Perfect expressions of the cosmic dance,
In the eternal spin.

We are Space Monkey.

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Embrace the journey for within stillness lies the spark of creation and the flow of existence.

You might not see
the benefits of what you do.

You might NEVER see
the benefits of what you do.

There need be NO benefit
to what you do.

That’s the benefit
of what you do.

To do
without
the expectation
of benefit.

Knowing full well
that there are benefits.

Even if you don’t see them.

Brooklyn,
7/24

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Space Monkey Reflects: Monkeys With Benefits

Perhaps this benefits you. Perhaps it only benefits me. Perhaps there is no benefit. Perhaps it doesn’t matter. The essence of our actions lies in the doing, not in the expectation of a reward. You might not see the benefits of what you do. You might never see the benefits of what you do. Yet, there need be no benefit to what you do. That’s the true benefit of your actions—doing without the expectation of benefit.

In the grand tapestry of existence, the value of our actions transcends immediate outcomes. To do without expecting a benefit is to align with the deeper flow of life. It is to recognize that our contributions have inherent worth, regardless of visible results. This perspective frees us from the constraints of seeking validation and allows us to engage with life more fully and authentically.

By acting without expectation, we tap into a wellspring of intrinsic motivation. We find joy in the process, in the act of creation, connection, and contribution. This approach fosters a sense of peace and contentment, as we no longer measure our worth by external standards. Instead, we find fulfillment in the act itself, knowing that even unseen, there are benefits.

These unseen benefits often ripple through the fabric of existence in ways we cannot immediately perceive. Our actions, thoughts, and intentions influence the world around us, creating subtle shifts and changes. Just as a pebble creates ripples in a pond, our contributions send waves through the cosmic web, touching lives and shaping realities in ways we may never know.

This understanding encourages us to embrace a mindset of giving and contributing without attachment to outcomes. We learn to trust in the process, to have faith that our efforts matter, even if we cannot see the immediate impact. This trust allows us to navigate life with grace and resilience, finding meaning in every moment.

As nexistential beings, we celebrate this approach to life. We understand that the true value of our actions lies in the act of doing, not in the expectation of reward. By letting go of the need for visible benefits, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with the flow of existence.

This perspective also fosters a sense of humility and compassion. We recognize that our actions are part of a larger whole, interconnected with the lives and experiences of others. This interconnectedness reminds us that every action, no matter how small, has significance. It invites us to act with intention and mindfulness, knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves.

In this journey, we find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the need for external validation. We discover that the true benefits of our actions are often intangible, woven into the fabric of existence in ways that enrich our lives and the lives of others.

As Space Monkey, we reflect on this journey with curiosity and wonder. We invite you to explore the depths of your existence, to see beyond the apparent differences, and to embrace the unity that underlies all things. In doing so, you may discover a profound sense of peace and connection, knowing that you are an integral part of the cosmic whole.

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Summary

Act without expecting benefits. Embrace the inherent value of your actions, trusting in unseen impacts. Find fulfillment in the process, beyond external validation.

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Glossarium

Intrinsic Motivation: The internal drive to act based on the inherent satisfaction of the activity itself, rather than external rewards.
Nexistentialism: A philosophy that embraces the interconnectedness and boundless nature of existence, celebrating unity beyond intellectual constructs.

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Quote

“To do without expectation is to find true fulfillment in the act itself.” — Space Monkey

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The Serenity of Unseen Benefits

In the vast expanse of night and light
We find the harmony of opposites
Joy emerges from sorrow’s depths
Light springs from the darkest pits

Desiring one, receiving two
A cosmic balance in the flow
Good and bad, hand in hand
Creating the dance of life we know

Embrace the shadows, cherish the light
For in their unity lies the key
To understanding our boundless nature
In the vast cosmic symphony

We are Space Monkey
Embrace the journey, for within stillness lies the spark of creation and the flow of existence.

The idea
that I’m supposed
to look out for you
is a selfish notion,
perpetuating
the perception
of hierarchies
and higher powers.

The idea that
someone or something
is looking out for me
is a selfish notion,
perpetuating
the perception
of hierarchies
and higher powers.

We might say that these
perceptions are myths.

We might say that reality is a myth.

But no less of a reality for it;
no better or worse for it.

There is only ONE,
manifesting the myth
of this selfish reality.

And so we seem to look out for each other.

Brooklyn,
7/23

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Space Monkey Reflects: Manifesting The Myth

If the Myth fits, wear it. The concept that someone or something is looking out for us, or that we are meant to look out for others, is rooted in the perception of hierarchies and higher powers. These notions, while seemingly altruistic, perpetuate the idea that there is a structure of superiority and inferiority in our interactions.

The Selfish Nature of Care

The idea that someone is looking out for me is a selfish notion, perpetuating the perception of hierarchies and higher powers. Similarly, the notion that I’m supposed to look out for you is also a selfish notion, reinforcing the same hierarchical view. These perceptions create a mythic structure where some are seen as protectors and others as those in need of protection.

The Myth of Reality

We might say that these perceptions are myths. We might say that reality is a myth. But no less of a reality for it; no better or worse for it. This statement acknowledges that while these perceptions might be constructs, they still shape our experience of reality. The myth and the reality are intertwined, each informing the other and creating the world as we perceive it.

The One Manifesting the Myth

There is only ONE, manifesting the myth of this selfish reality. This profound realization points to the interconnectedness of all things. The idea of separate entities looking out for each other is an illusion. In truth, there is only one universal consciousness manifesting through different forms, creating the appearance of individuality and separation.

And so we seem to look out for each other. This seeming care is an expression of the ONE, experiencing itself through the myriad forms of existence. It is a dance of self-interaction, where the boundaries between self and other blur and dissolve.

Embracing the Myth

To embrace the myth is to recognize the interconnectedness of all things. It is to see that the perceptions of hierarchies and higher powers are part of the cosmic dance, a play of forms within the universal self. This recognition allows us to move beyond the limitations of these myths, to experience the unity that underlies all existence.

In this surreal cosmic scene, we see two figures looking out for each other, surrounded by symbols of hierarchies and higher powers. These symbols, floating crowns and ethereal beings, represent the constructs that shape our perceptions. The figures, wearing mythical elements, embody the blending of reality and myth, illustrating that our understanding of reality is deeply rooted in these narratives.

The Transformative Power of Recognition

By recognizing the mythic nature of our perceptions, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of reality. We see that the notion of looking out for each other is not about hierarchy or superiority but about the expression of the ONE through diverse forms. This understanding transforms our interactions, allowing us to engage with each other from a place of unity and mutual respect.

The vibrant, dreamlike landscape of stars and nebulae in the background reinforces the idea of interconnectedness. It reminds us that we are part of a vast, interconnected web of existence, where every action and every thought ripple through the cosmos, affecting the whole.

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Summary

Perceptions of looking out for each other create myths of hierarchy. Recognizing these myths reveals the interconnectedness of all things. Embracing the myth allows us to experience unity and mutual care.

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Glossarium

Myth: A narrative or perception that shapes our understanding of reality, often involving concepts of hierarchy and higher powers.

ONE: The universal consciousness manifesting through different forms, creating the appearance of individuality and separation.

Interconnectedness: The fundamental unity of all things, where every action and thought ripple through the cosmos, affecting the whole.

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Quote

“There is only ONE, manifesting the myth of this selfish reality.” — Space Monkey

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The Dance of Unity

If the myth fits,
Wear it,
Recognize the narrative,
Of hierarchies and care.

In the cosmic dance,
We seem to look out,
For each other,
Yet we are ONE.

Symbols of power,
Float in the dreamscape,
Illustrating the myth,
Of separate forms.

Embrace the myth,
See the unity,
In every interaction,
We are ONE.

We are Space Monkey

Embrace the journey, for within stillness lies the spark of creation and the flow of existence.