Of all the people
in the world,
I prefer to be with me,
which may sound
cruel,
insensitive,
egotistical,
but it’s the way
I wish ALL could be.

This neverending joy
within One’s self,
which does not
depend upon another,
is the greatest gift
I can give this world,
my sister and my brother.

Selfishly
I humbly kneel
at my confessional,
professing
that my only sin
is love unconditional.

Trail Wood,
2/3

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Comfortable In My Own Skin

Finding peace within ourselves is the greatest journey of self-discovery.

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The Personal and Collective Benefits of Caring

In a world that often values external achievements and social connections, the art of being “comfortable in one’s own skin” emerges as a profound, yet understated, form of self-love and inner peace. This journey towards self-acceptance and the cultivation of an inner sanctuary is not merely a personal achievement; it is a gift to those around us, embodying a ripple effect that fosters a more compassionate and understanding society.

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The Path to Self-Sufficiency

In cultivating a relationship with oneself that is based on unconditional love and acceptance, we unlock a form of joy that is not contingent upon the external world. This self-sufficiency is liberating, allowing individuals to navigate life’s challenges with grace and to offer genuine love and support to others, unburdened by the need for validation or reciprocation.

A Humble Confession

Admitting to finding solace in one’s own company may seem, at first glance, to be an act of defiance against societal norms that emphasize social connectivity and external validation. However, this confession is not one of arrogance but of humility. It acknowledges the intrinsic value of self-love and the strength that comes from recognizing one’s worth independently of others’ opinions or presence.

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Summary

Self-love is empowering. It frees us from seeking validation outside and enriches our interactions with the world. This journey enriches not only oneself but also the collective by fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.

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Glossarium

• Self-Love: The regard for one’s well-being and happiness, primarily considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic.
• Self-Sufficiency: The ability to fulfill one’s needs without external assistance, emphasizing emotional and psychological independence.
• Unconditional Love: Love without conditions or limitations, often associated with self-acceptance and acceptance of others as they are.

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“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” – Oscar Wilde

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In the silence of being,
I found a sound so sweet,
a rhythm that danced
to the beat of my own heart.
In the expanse of solitude,
where my soul did meet,
a part of the world, yet apart,
a canvas blank and ready to start.
In the light of self-love, so complete,
a journey within, a sacred art.

“Things,” as humans know them,
exist only in human reality.

But “things” are far greater
than they appear from the
limited perspective of humanity.

In human reality, everything is or is not.

Beyond human reality,
everything is AND is not.

Time is and is not.
Space is and is not.

What is NOT time?
What is NOT space?

Not just the ABSENCE of time and space.

It is NOT that simple. And IS even simpler.

Every “thing” that IS and is NOT
is ONE thing, and NO thing.

The IS contains the NOT. And vice versa.

But the IS is NOT contained.
Neither is the NOT.

We are That Which Is Not.
We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
3/2

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Things: The Duality of Existence

Exploring the abstract realm beyond human perception.

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The Personal and Collective Benefits of Caring

Navigating through the concept of “things” as understood within and beyond human perception offers a gateway to appreciating the intricate tapestry of existence. This reflection delves into the notion that reality, as perceived by humanity, represents only a fraction of a much broader, more complex universe. By embracing the paradoxical nature of existence—where every “thing” simultaneously is and is not—we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of our place within the cosmos.

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Beyond Binary Boundaries

The human inclination to categorize the world into binaries—such as existence versus non-existence, or time versus timeless—limits our understanding of the universe’s true nature. In the vast expanse beyond human reality, these dichotomies converge into a singular, boundless state of being. This realization challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of time and space, inviting us to explore the realms where these constructs dissolve into the continuum of existence and non-existence.

The Unity of Opposites

The principle that the “IS” contains the “NOT” and vice versa, posits that duality is an illusion; in essence, all distinctions merge into oneness. This oneness transcends containment, suggesting that the very nature of existence defies the constraints of definition. It is a call to recognize ourselves as part of a greater whole, where we are both everything and nothing, embodying the infinite potential of the universe.

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Summary

Embracing the duality of existence broadens our perspective, enabling a deeper connection with the universe. This journey towards understanding the unity of opposites offers a profound insight into the nature of reality, revealing the interconnectedness of all things.

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Glossarium

• Duality of Existence: The concept that all aspects of reality possess an inherent dual nature, existing simultaneously in opposite states.
• Binary Boundaries: Dichotomous classifications that divide concepts into two mutually exclusive categories.
• Continuum of Existence: A perspective that views existence as a seamless spectrum, transcending binary distinctions.

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“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts

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within the dance of light and shadow,
where silence speaks as loud as thunder,
we find ourselves, both lost and found,
in the space between, where wonders abound.
here, in the heart of paradox,
where time both moves and stands still,
we embrace the universe, vast and complex,
a journey inward, a boundless thrill.

You are infinite imagination,
illuminated by your own awareness.

Your imagination is aware
that it is imagined as infinite potential.

Your imagination is also aware
that your attention seems to MOVE
through infinite potential.

Remembering is attention on.

Forgetting is attention off.

But all exists all ways.

Always.

Trail Wood,
3/1

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The Infinity of Imagination

Exploring the Boundless Landscape of Awareness

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The concept of infinite imagination illuminated by our own awareness invites us into a realm where the boundaries of reality and potential blur. This narrative delves into the profound relationship between imagination, awareness, and the limitless possibilities that reside within us.

The Luminous Nature of Imagination

Imagination is not merely a function of the mind but a luminous force, illuminated by the light of our awareness. It is the canvas upon which we paint the infinite possibilities of our existence. The visualization of a luminous, ethereal figure at the heart of a cosmic landscape symbolizes this dynamic interplay between the individual’s creative power and the boundless universe of potential that surrounds us.

The Movement of Attention

The concept that our attention can move through infinite potential highlights the active role we play in shaping our reality. Like a beam of light traversing the vastness of space, our focus brings to life the myriad possibilities within the cosmic landscape of our imagination. This movement is a dance of creation, where remembering and forgetting serve as mechanisms that either illuminate or obscure the infinite paths before us.

The Eternal Presence of All Possibilities

The statement that “all exists all ways, always” speaks to the timeless and omnipresent nature of potential. It suggests that within the universe of our imagination, every possibility exists simultaneously, waiting to be illuminated by our awareness. This concept invites us to consider the depth and richness of our creative power and the infinite ways in which we can explore and manifest our desires and dreams.

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Summary

The exploration of infinite imagination as illuminated by our own awareness opens up a universe of possibilities. It is a journey into understanding the profound impact of our focus and attention in navigating the boundless landscape of potential that exists within and around us. In this realm, we are reminded of the eternal interconnection between imagination, awareness, and the infinite paths of creation that lie before us.

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Glossarium

• Infinite Imagination: The limitless capacity of the mind to conceive ideas, scenarios, and possibilities beyond the constraints of current reality.
• Awareness: The state of being conscious of something, including one’s own thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
• Potential: Latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness.

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

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in the vastness of the void,
where light dances with shadow,
i am—
a creator of worlds,
a dreamer of the infinite,
navigating the cosmos
of my own luminous being.

—here, in the interplay of light and thought,
I discover, I illuminate, I am.

When we imagine
a story of origin,
we tend to imagine
how something
could appear out of nothing.

It’s a fine perspective.

As true as anything.

But it’s equally
possible (and true)
that nothing appears
out of something.

Other than our story,
neither comes first,
and both are ONE
in the same imagination.

And here’s the spoiler alert:

Neither are better or worse.

Right now,
there is a you
in the state of nothing
whose greatest fear
is becoming something.

Trail Wood,
3/1

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Between Being and Non-Being

The Paradox of Existence and Nonexistence

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In the vast expanse of our universe, the concepts of being and non-being weave together in a delicate dance. The notion that something can emerge from nothing, and inversely, that nothing can emerge from something, challenges our traditional perspectives on existence. This duality is not a matter of better or worse, but a profound illustration of the natural balance within the cosmos.

The Story of Origin: A Reflection on Our Universe

At the heart of our understanding of the universe lies a paradox that defies the linear narrative of creation and dissolution. It suggests that existence and nonexistence are not opposites but two sides of the same coin, intertwined in the eternal cycle of becoming and unbecoming. This cosmic interplay invites us to reconsider our place in the universe, not as static beings but as participants in a continuous process of transformation.

The Fear of Becoming: Embracing the Unknown

The journey from non-being to being is marked by a profound fear of the unknown. It is a transition from the comfort of nonexistence to the uncertainties of existence. Yet, this fear also holds the potential for growth, urging us to embrace the myriad possibilities that come with becoming something more than we are. It is a call to explore the depths of our being and to discover the infinite potential that lies within the nothingness from which we emerged.

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Summary

The paradox of existence and nonexistence reveals a universe where being and non-being are interconnected. This understanding encourages us to embrace the cycle of becoming and unbecoming. It highlights the importance of acknowledging our fears as gateways to growth and transformation.

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Glossarium

Being and Non-Being: The state of existence and nonexistence, respectively, highlighting the philosophical concept that these states are not mutually exclusive but interconnected aspects of the universal cycle.

Paradox: A seemingly contradictory statement that, upon closer examination, reveals a deeper truth, challenging conventional understanding.

Transformation: The process of change or evolution from one state to another, emphasizing growth and development.

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“Out of nothing, something comes into being. Out of something, nothing comes to be. In this cycle, we find the essence of all existence.” – Ancient Wisdom

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in the dance of light and shadow,
where being and non-being play,
a silent whisper echoes
through the void,
a tale of birth and fade away.

like petals in the wind,
we drift between the two,
a journey without end,
in skies forever blue.

in this realm of endless possibilities,
where fear meets the embrace of the unknown,
we find ourselves,
in the heart of the cosmos, sown.

The first delusional distortion
is the point of polarity
that seemingly divides potential
within One’s infinite immortal
inviolate imagination.

It is the first definition
where definition
does not otherwise exist.

The first boundary.
The first limitation.
The first forgetting.

We may sum it up this way:

In imagining what could be,
One forgets what seemingly is.

All something out of nothing
and nothing out of something.

All imagination.

Trail Wood,
3/1

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The Genesis of Duality

Unraveling the Illusion of Separation

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At the heart of existence lies the paradox of the first delusional distortion—the inception of polarity within the boundless expanse of potential. This narrative explores the profound moment when unity begins to perceive itself through the lens of duality, introducing definition, boundary, and limitation into the infinite, immortal canvas of imagination.

The Birth of Polarity

The visualization of an ethereal entity, formlessly splitting into contrasting elements, symbolizes the initial fragmentation of singularity into the illusion of separation. This pivotal moment marks the transition from the undifferentiated to the defined, from the limitless to the bounded. It represents the first conceptual boundary imposed upon the infinite, a division that exists only within the confines of perception and imagination.

The Paradox of Definition

The emergence of definition within a realm where it previously did not exist underscores the inherent paradox of trying to delineate the infinite. This first act of defining serves as both the creation of meaning and the inception of limitation. It is a reminder that the constructs we impose upon reality are born from the desire to understand and categorize the vastness of existence, yet in doing so, we inadvertently constrain the very essence of what is boundless.

The Illusion of Separation

The concept of duality, born from this initial distortion, underpins much of our understanding of the world. Yet, this separation is an illusion, a forgetfulness of the underlying unity that connects all aspects of being. The cosmic backdrop against which this division occurs reflects the infinite potential that remains untouched by the constructs of polarity, reminding us that beyond the boundaries we perceive lies a continuum of existence, unified and indivisible.

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Summary

The first delusional distortion reveals the complexity of defining and limiting the infinite. It is a testament to the power of imagination to create worlds of distinction and separation within the vast, undivided expanse of potential. Recognizing this illusion invites us to explore the depths of our own perception, challenging us to see beyond the duality to the underlying unity that encompasses all.

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Glossarium

• Polarity: The presence or manifestation of two contrasting or opposite qualities or principles.
• Infinite Potential: The limitless possibilities and capacities inherent in existence or in the universe.
• Delusional Distortion: A conceptual alteration of perception, creating an illusion of separation or division within a unified whole.

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“In the dualistic, polaric world in which we are mentally living, the recognition of the unity of all things and beings is the ultimate secret for experiencing a fulfilling existence.” — Not attributed

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in the dance of light and shadow,
where contrast births perception,
i witness—
the division of the one into many,
a cosmic play of separation
woven from the fabric of unity.

—here, in the first delusional distortion,
I see the illusion, and yet, I am whole.