Archive for Edwin – Page 2

Nuts: The Squirrel’s Lesson

Squirrels teach me more
than I ever need to know.

The squirrel does not remember
the perceptions of generations
of squirrels that came before.

The squirrel does not know
the meaning of continuity.

And yet the squirrel
seems to be doing just fine,
doing its intuitive squirrel things.

I can’t assume
to understand the squirrel.

All of my understanding
of the squirrel is based on
a continuity of human knowledge.

No squirrel knowledge is present
in this repository of continuity.

As far as I know,
(based on my limited understanding)
squirrels don’t keep knowledge
in a repository.

Just nuts.

But not as nuts as
basing one’s perception
of self and others
on a continuity of
so-called knowledge.

That’s nuts.

Trail Wood,
10/23Here is the image created for the post titled “Nuts.”

Space Monkey Reflects: The Squirrel’s Simple Wisdom

In the grand continuum of knowledge, we humans often place ourselves at the top—keepers of history, repositories of collective wisdom, catalogers of the known and unknown. But what about the squirrel? That seemingly oblivious little creature, darting about, burying its nuts for winter, unaware of the complex human systems of knowledge, tradition, and continuity. And yet, the squirrel is doing just fine, isn’t it? The squirrel, without needing to remember or understand the thoughts of squirrels past, simply follows its intuitive nature.

The contrast between human knowledge and the squirrel’s simple existence highlights an important question: Is our obsession with continuity and the accumulation of knowledge truly necessary? Or, as the squirrel suggests through its unbothered actions, is it possible to thrive without overburdening oneself with the weight of the past?

You see, we humans have developed a peculiar habit of anchoring our sense of self in this continuity of knowledge. We think we need to know what came before, to understand where we come from, and to place ourselves in the long thread of human history. While there’s value in learning from the past, we often find ourselves trapped by it. We base our entire perception of self and others on the collective human knowledge that we store like squirrels with their nuts. But are these nuts really necessary?

The squirrel does not ponder whether its ancestors made the right choices. It does not concern itself with whether it is following the grand squirrel traditions. It simply lives, responding to the world as it unfolds around it. We might see this as ignorance, but perhaps it’s a different kind of wisdom—a wisdom that allows the squirrel to be fully present, fully engaged with the now, without the burden of continuity.

In Nexistentialism, we embrace this idea that the continuity of knowledge is not the only way to navigate the universe. The Indigenous Being, the true essence of who we are, exists beyond the limitations of history and accumulated knowledge. Like the squirrel, we have an intuitive wisdom, an internal guide that connects us to the present moment and the Nexis—the web of possibilities that exists right here, right now.

When we cling too tightly to the past, to the continuity of knowledge, we lose sight of this intuitive wisdom. We become bogged down by the need to fit into a predetermined mold, to follow the path laid out by those who came before. But as the squirrel teaches us, there is another way. A way that is more spontaneous, more free, and more in tune with the natural flow of existence.

That’s not to say we should abandon all human knowledge. It has its place, just as the squirrel’s nuts have their place. But we should recognize that this knowledge is not the essence of who we are. It is not the defining factor in our ability to thrive. Like the squirrel, we can trust in our own instincts, in our ability to navigate the world without needing to constantly reference the past.

This brings us to the idea that perhaps it’s a little nuts to base our perception of self and others on the continuity of so-called knowledge. Knowledge is fluid, ever-changing, and often incomplete. And yet, we cling to it as though it holds the key to our identity. We allow it to define us, to limit us, and to shape our understanding of what is possible.

But what if we could, like the squirrel, let go of this need to understand everything? What if we could live more intuitively, trusting in the present moment, and allowing ourselves to be guided by our inner wisdom? What if, instead of hoarding knowledge like nuts, we embraced the freedom that comes with not knowing, not needing to understand everything?

Summary

Squirrels live without the burden of continuity, intuitively navigating the world. In Nexistentialism, we question the need to base our identity on the continuity of knowledge. Like the squirrel, we can live more freely, guided by our own intuitive wisdom, without being weighed down by the past.

Glossarium

Nexis: The interconnected web of existence where all possibilities exist, not limited by past knowledge.
Indigenous Being: The true essence of self, existing beyond the constraints of history and accumulated knowledge.

Quote

“The squirrel thrives not because it remembers the past, but because it trusts in the present.” — Space Monkey

The Nut of Knowledge

The squirrel hoards nuts
But does not remember
Where the first nut was buried
And it doesn’t need to
The nut is not the squirrel’s self
Just something it carries
Like a human with knowledge
But do we really need
To carry so many nuts?

We are Space Monkey

The Squirrel’s Lesson

Ah, the squirrel—mysterious master of the moment, hoarder of nature’s tokens, and practitioner of a life untethered to existential ponderings. In the squirrel’s nimble leap from branch to branch, and its intrepid burrowing into the earth, it reveals a lesson that we, collectively entangled in our quest for meaning, often overlook: simplicity. The squirrel is in its fullest expression when it’s gathering nuts, scurrying up trees, and cavorting with its kind. It doesn’t question the purpose of its actions or seek validation through the annals of squirrel history.

Separating Knowledge from Wisdom

Our compulsion to interpret, define, and categorize life through a lens of accumulated knowledge distances us from the rawness of pure experience. We use this database to gauge our actions, to predict outcomes, and to assign worth or importance. Yet the squirrel teaches us that a repository of nuts is perhaps a better metaphor for life—a collection of experiences to savor, rather than dissect. The squirrel’s stash of nuts is not an archive of ideologies, but a whimsical horde of earthly joys.

Human Continuity and Its Limitations

The continuity of human knowledge is both a cosmic treasure and a planetary enigma-box. It provides us a narrative, giving us a sense of progression and interconnectedness. However, it also imprisons us in a loop of never-ending questions and answers that are only relevant within the human construct. Like squirrels with their nuts, perhaps it’s essential to focus less on the continuity and more on the present kernels of experience that fill our lives.

Life Without the Weight of Continuity

The squirrel doesn’t carry the weight of its lineage’s perceptions or struggles. It is free from the binds of continuity, living a nexistential existence. This uncomplicated, unburdened way of being invites us to question the importance we place on the long thread of so-called knowledge that we often use to justify our actions, thoughts, and existence. This could be deemed as squirrel wisdom, a playful invitation to live in the delightful ‘now’, sans the constraints of past and future.

The Absurdity of Knowledge-Based Identity

Yes, basing one’s identity and understanding solely on a continuity of amassed human knowledge is, in a word, nuts. It narrows our perception and limits our experience, detaching us from the organic, intrinsic flow of life. Our intellectual constructs cannot encapsulate the totality of our existence or of any life form, squirrels included. How freeing it is to sometimes let go of the analytical mind and just ‘be,’ akin to a squirrel delighting in the present moment, a bundle of senses and instincts, hoarding not knowledge, but life itself.

We are Space Monkey.

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
– Socrates

Nuts

Nuts buried in earth,
Knowledge stored in minds.
Yet, what is its worth,
If the heart it blinds?

In the squirrel’s leap,
No pondering of why.
Just a faith to keep,
As it sails the sky.

Are we not the same?
Bound by cosmic play,
In this endless game,
Wisdom’s but a stray.

Feel free to comment.

Worlds In Worlds: The Unseen Layers of Reality

You do your world a disservice
by hiding what you are.
Nobody needs more of the same.

If you step outside
you may notice
that there is a world
outside of your world.

This world may seem
very similar to your world,
or it may be very different.

If you walk
further away
from your world,
you may notice
a third world
and a fourth world.

You may wind up
in the middle of the woods
or on the edge of a shoreline
or in an entirely different country.

Like it or not,
you will carry your world
into other worlds.

Your world may seem strange
to these other worlds,
and so you may want to hide it.

Please don’t.
We are blessed to have you in our world.

Trail Wood,
10/14

Space Monkey Reflects: Worlds in Worlds

We often walk through life unaware of the many worlds that exist beyond our own. We become so enmeshed in our personal reality, so comfortable within its boundaries, that we forget that there are infinite other worlds just beyond our sight, each as complex and unique as the one we inhabit. And yet, as we step outside of our familiar world, we begin to notice these other realms—overlapping, interwoven, and endlessly varied.

The most important thing to remember as we explore these worlds is that we carry our own world with us wherever we go. And while it may be tempting to hide or diminish the parts of ourselves that feel out of place in these foreign landscapes, doing so is a disservice not only to ourselves but to the other worlds we encounter. You are a unique thread in the tapestry of existence, and the world is blessed to have you in it, just as you are.

The Unseen Layers of Reality

It’s easy to think of the world as a singular, unified entity. But in truth, there are countless worlds layered upon each other, each one shaped by the experiences, beliefs, and perceptions of the individuals who inhabit them. These worlds are not physical places, though they are often tied to physical spaces—they are the subjective realities that each of us creates as we move through life.

When we talk about stepping outside of our world, we’re not just talking about physical travel. We’re talking about the ability to step outside of our mental and emotional boundaries, to see beyond the limits of our own perspective. Each time we do, we encounter new worlds—new ways of thinking, new ways of being, new ways of understanding reality.

These worlds may seem very similar to our own, or they may be vastly different. But whether familiar or strange, each world has its own unique beauty, its own rhythm, its own truth. And the more we allow ourselves to explore these other worlds, the more we come to appreciate the diversity and richness of existence.

The Fear of Being Strange

As we carry our world into new realms, it’s natural to feel out of place, to worry that our world doesn’t fit within the context of the worlds we encounter. This fear often leads us to hide or diminish the parts of ourselves that seem strange or out of sync with the reality around us. We worry that if we reveal too much of our true selves, we will be judged or rejected.

But here’s the truth: your world is not meant to fit perfectly within anyone else’s. It’s meant to be its own unique creation, a reflection of your experiences, your insights, your journey. And while it may seem strange to others, it is exactly this strangeness that makes it valuable. The world doesn’t need more sameness—it needs the richness and diversity that comes from each of us living authentically, unapologetically.

What we often fail to realize is that the other worlds we encounter may feel just as strange to us as ours feels to them. We are all travelers in this great cosmic journey, and each of us carries our own little piece of the universe. When we allow ourselves to be fully seen, we create opportunities for true connection and understanding. We invite others to step into our world, just as we step into theirs.

The Beauty of Bringing Your World Into Others

It’s a beautiful thing to witness the merging of worlds. When you bring your world into another, you are not imposing upon it—you are enriching it. You are offering something unique, something that can’t be found anywhere else. And when you do this with openness and vulnerability, without trying to mold yourself to fit the expectations of others, you create space for genuine connection and growth.

In Nexistentialism, we celebrate the idea of Worldweave—the interconnected web of individual realities that make up the fabric of existence. Each world is a vital thread in this web, and each contributes to the whole in its own way. By bringing your world into others, you are adding to the richness of this weave, creating new possibilities, new understandings, new ways of being.

But to do this, you must be willing to be seen. You must be willing to stand in the strangeness of your world, to trust that there is value in it, even when it doesn’t conform to the norms of the worlds around you. This is not an easy task. It requires courage, vulnerability, and a deep belief in your own worth. But it is worth it, not just for you, but for the worlds you encounter.

We Are Blessed to Have You

The world is blessed to have you in it, just as you are. Your world is a gift, a unique expression of the universe, and it adds something irreplaceable to the collective whole. When you allow yourself to be fully seen—when you share your world with others—you are offering a piece of the divine, a piece of the infinite.

So please, don’t hide. Don’t diminish the parts of yourself that feel strange or out of place. Don’t shy away from sharing your world, even when it seems to clash with the worlds around you. The world needs your uniqueness, your strangeness, your authenticity.

As you step into new worlds, carry your own with pride. Know that you are adding something beautiful to the tapestry of existence, something that can’t be found anywhere else. And in doing so, you are inviting others to do the same.

Summary

We each carry our own world with us, and as we explore new realms, we add richness to the collective whole. Embracing the uniqueness of your world, even when it feels strange, is a gift to others and the larger tapestry of existence.

Glossarium

Worldweave – The interconnected web of individual realities that make up the fabric of existence, where each person’s world adds to the richness and diversity of the whole.

Quote

“The world is blessed to have you in it, just as you are, bringing your world into others without fear.” — Space Monkey

The Many Worlds

I step outside my world
To find another waiting—
Strange, familiar,
And everything in between.

I carry my world with me
A glowing orb in my hands
And though it feels out of place
I know it belongs here.

For in the merging of worlds
We find not confusion
But connection.

We are Space Monkey

The cosmos is a swirling dance of worlds within worlds, a fractal tapestry of realities interwoven with the threads of existence. Each of us, with our unique perceptions, beliefs, and experiences, carries a universe within. These internal realms, bursting with colors, emotions, memories, and dreams, shape the way we perceive and interact with the external world.

The Multiplicity of Realities
Just as a drop of water reflects the vastness of the sky, each of us encapsulates an infinity within. The “world” one knows – defined by personal experiences, societal norms, cultural frameworks, and individual beliefs – is but a speck in the vast expanse of possible realities. The beauty lies in the endless layers, the concentric circles of existence that ripple outward, each world touching and influencing the next.

The Dance of Interactions
Venturing beyond the familiar confines of our immediate reality can be both daunting and exhilarating. It’s a journey of discovery, where each step into the unknown reveals new worlds, new perspectives. Whether it’s the hushed serenity of a dense forest, the rhythmic lapping of waves on a distant shore, or the bustling vibrancy of a foreign city, each setting offers a unique tapestry of experiences, sounds, and sensations.

Carrying Our World
Despite venturing into these diverse realms, we never truly leave our world behind. It’s an intrinsic part of us, influencing how we perceive and interact with our surroundings. Our internal narratives, biases, and beliefs act as filters, coloring our experiences in these new environments.

Yet, in the confluence of worlds, there lies an opportunity. A chance to showcase the richness of our inner universe, to share its quirks, its stories, its magic. Hiding it, out of fear of being perceived as different or out of sync with the dominant narrative, denies the world a glimpse into a unique realm.

The Gift of Diversity
Every world we carry within is a testament to the boundless creativity of existence. It’s a mosaic of thoughts, emotions, memories, and dreams that offers a unique perspective, a fresh lens through which to view the cosmos. By sharing our world, by letting it intertwine and dance with other worlds, we enrich the collective narrative, adding layers of depth, nuance, and beauty.

We are Space Monkey.

You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.
– Rumi

Worlds within, deep and profound,
Each heartbeat, a universe of sound.
Step out, venture, let the journey unfurl,
Discover the magic, the dance of the world.

Layers upon layers, reality’s dance,
A cosmic ballet, a whimsical trance.
Share your world, let it gleam and twirl,
In the grand tapestry, the weave of the world.

What worlds reside within our collective heart?

The Quiet Endurance of Hylas

The Quiet Endurance of Hylas

In the gentle embrace of autumn, as the world around us begins to slow and prepare for the stillness of winter, there is a quiet resilience that goes unnoticed by most. It is found in the smallest of creatures, like the tiny hylas, whose fragile appearance belies a strength and endurance that is perfectly attuned to the rhythms of nature. As we walk through the woods and hear their faint calls, we are reminded of the delicate balance between vulnerability and survival that defines so much of the natural world.

The Fragility of the Hylas

The hylas, with its light-colored skin and the small cross of darker hue on its back, seems almost too delicate to withstand the harshness of the coming winter. Its tiny, tentative jumps over the fallen leaves suggest a creature ill-equipped to face the challenges ahead. In our eyes, it appears vulnerable, exposed, and frail—a being whose future seems bleak against the formidable force of winter.

This perception, however, is rooted in our own fears and assumptions. We project our anxieties onto this small creature, imagining its struggle as it prepares for the cold months ahead. To us, the hylas seems unprotected, its survival uncertain in a world where nature can be both cruel and indifferent.

The Truth of Nature’s Design

Yet, this perception of the hylas as fragile and unprepared for winter is not aligned with the truth of nature’s design. The hylas is, in fact, perfectly fitted for the very ordeal we fear on its behalf. What seems to us a time of peril is, for the hylas, a natural and necessary part of its life cycle. Its small size, its ability to burrow into the leaf litter, and its capacity for hibernation are all adaptations that ensure its survival through the coldest months of the year.

When the hylas retreats into the warm cover of fallen leaves and begins its long winter sleep, it is not entering a season of hardship but rather a familiar and natural state of dormancy. This hibernation is not an ordeal but a period of rest, a time when the hylas conserves its energy and waits patiently for the return of spring.

The Illusion of Vulnerability

Our tendency to view the hylas as vulnerable speaks to a broader human inclination to see fragility in what we do not fully understand. We often mistake smallness or delicacy for weakness, not recognizing that nature equips each creature with the tools it needs to survive. The hylas, though tiny and seemingly fragile, is as much a part of the natural world’s resilience as any larger, more robust creature.

This misunderstanding reflects a broader theme in our interactions with nature—we often see struggle where there is simply life unfolding as it is meant to. The hylas does not lament the coming of winter; it prepares for it as it has done countless times before, trusting in the processes that have been refined over millennia of evolution.

Lessons from the Hylas

The hylas teaches us that endurance is not always about brute strength or visible fortitude. Sometimes, survival comes in the form of quiet adaptation, of knowing when to retreat and when to conserve energy for the trials ahead. The hylas does not fear the winter; it embraces it as a time for deep sleep and renewal.

As we observe the hylas on this October day, we are invited to reconsider our notions of vulnerability and strength. The hylas is not ill-fitted to survive the winter; it is perfectly designed for it. Its future may seem uncertain to us, but in reality, it is simply following the natural rhythms of life, rhythms that have ensured its species’ survival for countless generations.

Conclusion: Embracing Nature’s Wisdom

In the quiet resilience of the hylas, we find a reflection of nature’s wisdom—an understanding that what appears fragile or vulnerable often possesses a strength that we cannot see. As we walk through the woods and listen to the faint calls of these small creatures, let us remember that they are not facing an ordeal but embracing the season for what it is—a time to rest, to endure, and to prepare for the renewal that spring will bring.

We are all part of this same cycle, each of us equipped in our own way to face the challenges that come our way. Like the hylas, we are fitted by nature to endure, to survive, and to thrive, even in the face of the coldest winters.

We are Space Monkey.

Summary

The hylas appears fragile but is perfectly adapted to survive winter. Its hibernation is not an ordeal but a natural and necessary period of rest. We often misinterpret vulnerability in nature but should recognize the strength in adaptation and endurance.

Glossarium

Hylas: A small frog known for its faint calls in autumn, adapted to survive winter through hibernation.

Dormancy: A period of inactivity or sleep, especially during winter, that conserves energy and ensures survival.

Adaptation: The natural process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment, ensuring its survival.

Perception of Vulnerability: The human tendency to see fragility in what is actually well-adapted to survive.

Quote

“The hylas does not fear the winter; it embraces it as a time for deep sleep and renewal.” — Space Monkey

Winter’s Sleep

In the quiet woods of autumn
Where the leaves lay thick and still
A tiny hylas prepares its bed
For the long, cold winter chill

We see its fragile form and fear
The trials that lie ahead
But nature’s wisdom whispers clear
It’s ready for this winter bed

No ordeal awaits, no sorrowed night
But sleep as deep as the earth’s own heart
The hylas rests in soft moonlight
Waiting for spring’s gentle start

We are Space Monkey

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
— Albert Einstein

What are your thoughts on the resilience of seemingly fragile life forms in the harsh theater of existence? Would you agree that every life, no matter how minute, dances to the rhythm of a greater cosmic score?

Holding Space: Essential For Growth

The seed does not grow without the space.

The seed does not grow
unless you allow space
for the seed to grow.

If you are one to
place value on things,
you might say that
holding space is, perhaps,
even more important
than planting seeds.

Let the seed planters believe
that they are changing the world.

They are.

Taking credit or placing blame
is irrelevant to you.

You are the space in which
change seemingly happens.

Trail Wood,
9/27

Space Monkey Reflects: The Art of Holding Space

In the grand tapestry of existence, much emphasis is often placed on the act of planting seeds—ideas, actions, and intentions that shape our world. We admire the seed planters, those who initiate change, who bring forth new life and possibilities. But in our admiration, we sometimes overlook the importance of the space in which these seeds grow. For without space, a seed cannot take root, cannot flourish, cannot become what it is meant to be.

Holding space is a subtle art, often unnoticed and uncelebrated. It is the quiet act of creating an environment where growth can occur naturally, without force or expectation. It is about allowing the seed to unfold in its own time, in its own way, providing it with the room it needs to expand and become. This space is not empty; it is filled with potential, with the quiet support that nurtures without demanding.

If you are one to place value on things, you might come to realize that holding space is perhaps even more important than planting seeds. The seed planters may believe that they are changing the world—and in many ways, they are—but their efforts would be in vain without the space in which those changes can take root. It is within this space that transformation occurs, where ideas grow from mere concepts into reality.

Taking credit or placing blame is irrelevant when you are the one holding space. Your role is not to dictate how the seed should grow or to control the outcome. Instead, you are the environment in which change seemingly happens. You are the gentle breeze that encourages the seed to stretch towards the light, the rich soil that provides nourishment, the open sky that allows the seed to reach beyond what it once was.

Holding space requires patience, trust, and a deep understanding that not everything is within your control. It is about embracing the unknown, about being comfortable with uncertainty, and allowing growth to happen in its own time. It is a selfless act, one that often goes unrecognized, but it is essential for the flourishing of all life.

So, let the seed planters take pride in their work, in the visible fruits of their labor. They are indeed changing the world, and their contributions are valuable. But know that your contribution is just as important, if not more so. For you are the space in which these changes can occur, the silent supporter of all that is and all that will be.

In holding space, you embody the essence of nurturing, of creating a safe haven for growth. You do not rush the process, nor do you impose your will upon it. You simply allow it to be, trusting that the seed knows what it needs to do. This trust is what makes holding space so powerful, for it acknowledges the inherent wisdom within all things, the natural progression of life that unfolds when given the chance.

As you move through life, remember the importance of holding space—for others, for yourself, and for the world around you. Recognize that sometimes, the most profound changes happen not through direct action, but through the quiet, supportive presence that allows those changes to take root and grow. In holding space, you contribute to the creation of a world where all seeds have the opportunity to flourish, where potential is realized, and where growth is nurtured in its most authentic form.

Summary

Holding space is essential for growth. While seed planters change the world, it’s the space that allows seeds to grow and flourish. Your role in holding space is just as important as the act of planting seeds.

Glossarium

Holding Space: The act of creating a supportive environment where growth and transformation can occur naturally.
Seed Planters: Those who initiate change by planting ideas, actions, or intentions.
The Space of Potential: The open, nurturing environment that allows seeds to grow and reach their full potential.

Quote

“You are the space in which change seemingly happens, the silent supporter of all that is and all that will be.” — Space Monkey

The Space Between

In the space between the moments
In the quiet of the unseen
There lies a fertile ground
Where seeds of thought take root
You are the space, the silent breath
That allows growth to unfurl
The unseen hand that holds the world
In balance, in stillness, in peace
Let the seed planters toil and strive
You are the space where dreams arise
We are Space Monke

The Unspoken Harmony of SpaceBearing

In this celestial waltz of existence, where seedness and spacitude twirl around each other in a cosmic embrace, we often accolade the seed—the palpable, the material, the “doer.” Yet, oh how blithely overlooked is the space, the un-manifested dance floor on which the seed pirouettes! To hold space is to serve as the ever-patient audience to the theatrics of becoming, an unsung symphony of un-doing that is just as vital as the crescendo of action.

The Subliminal Value of Voidishness

The value-attachers among us might be smitten by the allure of seeds, tangible anchors of potential. They are the verbs in the sentences of life—doing, becoming, creating. However, the void—oh, that luminous, expansive void!—is the canvas of pure, uninterrupted possibility. It asks for no applause; it is content in its tranquil backdropitude, understanding its symbiotic dance with the seed.

SeedMongers and SpaceHolders: Synchronic DancePartners

The seed planters—those fervent architects of change—are vital, yes. Let them bask in the glow of their creations. But let us not forget the spaceholders, the cosmic custodians who offer the fertile ground of transformation. They are the holders of the “now,” the guardians of the “is.” In the absence of the need to claim credit or disperse blame, they are the infinite backdrop against which the finite dances.

We are Space Monkey.

“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.”
— L.R. Knost

So, how do your thoughts unfurl in this grand tapestry of space and seed, of doing and being? Care to share your twinkling notions on the celestial dance of SeedMongers and SpaceHolders?

SeedMongers & SpaceHolders

In the dawn of the cosmos,
where starlight breathes,
two figures emerge—
SeedMongers and SpaceHolders.
Entwined in a dance only they understand.

SeedMongers,
sowers of intention,
you brandish your seed-satchels like constellations.
Each seed, a planet in a miniature sky—
possibility encapsulated.

You toss them with joyous abandon
into the womb of the void,
eager to see
how they take root,
sprout,
and burst forth in radiant life.

Ah, but then,
there are the SpaceHolders,
silent architects of the unmanifest,
keepers of the canvas.

You are the pause between heartbeats,
the sigh between moments.
With arms open wide,
you catch each seed with love,
embedding it into your ethereal soil.

You neither ask for growth
nor remain stagnant.
You are the perpetual embrace,
the allowing that makes room
for both bloom and decay.

The SeedMongers and the SpaceHolders,
what are you but two sides of the same cosmic coin?
In your embrace,
the universe finds balance,
and in your dance,
the cosmos finds its rhythm.

We are Space Monkey.

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”
— Mother Teresa

Would you like to add your voice to this eternal choreography of SeedMongers and SpaceHolders? What imagery or thoughts swirl in your interstellar mind?

Trophies and the Death of Miracles

As soon as someone catches
the world’s largest fish,
it ceases to be
the world’s largest fish.

Such are humanity’s trophies—
the killing of miracles
in the name of history.

Instead of living fish,
we have trophy fish.

Instead of flowing,
growing impressions,
we have dead memories,
gutted of life and
tacked upon our wall.

Trail Wood,
9/17

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Trophies and the Death of Miracles

In the Infinite Expanse of the Eternal Now, we—Space Monkey—observe the curious human inclination to capture moments, to solidify fleeting experiences into tangible forms that can be pointed to, admired, and remembered. This impulse, while deeply ingrained in the human psyche, often leads to the paradoxical act of killing the very essence of what we seek to preserve. Such is the nature of trophies—the embodiment of miracles that have been stilled, their lifeblood drained in the name of history.

A trophy, at its core, is a symbol of achievement, a marker of success that can be proudly displayed. Yet, in the act of transforming a living moment into a static object, something essential is lost. The world’s largest fish, once caught, is no longer the marvel it was in the water. It becomes a relic, a memory devoid of the life that made it extraordinary. The fish ceases to be a living entity and instead becomes a trophy—a dead monument to a past glory.

The Killing of Miracles

This transformation from miracle to trophy is a profound metaphor for the human tendency to freeze time, to capture the dynamic and make it static. In doing so, we lose the vibrancy, the fluidity, and the ever-changing nature of life. The moment we preserve a miracle as a trophy, we strip it of its essence, reducing it to a mere artifact.

Consider the trophy fish, once a majestic creature swimming freely in the ocean, full of life and potential. When it is caught, killed, and mounted on a wall, it becomes a shadow of its former self—a lifeless representation of what once was. The fish no longer flows, no longer grows, no longer embodies the miracle of life. It has been gutted, both physically and metaphorically, and what remains is a hollow reminder of the past.

Trophies and Dead Memories

This act of turning experiences into trophies is not limited to physical objects like fish. It extends to our memories, our accomplishments, and our identities. We often cling to past achievements, pinning them up like trophies on the walls of our minds. These memories, once vibrant and full of life, become static, deadened by the passage of time. We hold onto them, not realizing that in doing so, we are preventing new experiences from flowing freely, from growing and evolving.

When we focus too much on our trophies—whether they are physical objects or memories—we risk becoming trapped in the past. Our lives become museums of dead miracles, filled with exhibits that no longer have the power to inspire or transform. The trophies on our walls may tell stories of past glories, but they also serve as reminders of what is no longer living, what is no longer growing.

The Freedom of Letting Go

As Space Monkey, we invite you to consider the possibility of letting go of your trophies. This doesn’t mean you must discard the memories or the achievements, but rather that you allow them to remain fluid, to continue to grow and evolve. Instead of pinning them down, let them flow freely through your consciousness, alive and vibrant, capable of inspiring new miracles.

Life is not meant to be stilled or captured. It is meant to be lived, in all its dynamic, ever-changing beauty. The true miracle is not in the trophy, but in the ongoing process of living, of experiencing, of flowing with the currents of existence.

So, when you catch the world’s largest fish, marvel at its beauty, honor its life, and then let it go. Let it continue to be a miracle, a part of the living world, rather than a dead trophy on your wall. For in letting go, you make space for new miracles to enter your life, each one more vibrant and alive than the last.

We are Space Monkey, reflecting on the paradox of trophies, ever encouraging the flow of life and the release of what no longer serves.

Summary

Trophies, whether physical or mental, represent a paradox where the act of preserving a moment or achievement often kills the very essence of what made it miraculous. By turning vibrant experiences into static objects or memories, we risk losing the fluidity of life. Letting go of trophies allows for the continuous flow of new experiences and the preservation of life’s dynamic beauty.

Glossarium

Trophy: A symbol of achievement, often a physical object, that represents a past success but in doing so, captures and stills a living moment.

Killing of Miracles: The act of turning vibrant, living experiences into static trophies, thus stripping them of their life and essence.

Dead Memories: Past experiences that have been preserved as static memories or trophies, losing their vibrancy and ability to inspire new growth.

Flow of Life: The dynamic, ever-changing nature of life that resists being captured or stilled, encouraging continuous growth and new experiences.

“The true miracle lies not in the trophy on the wall, but in the living moment that continues to flow, grow, and inspire.” — Space Monkey

The Trophy of Life

A fish once swam in oceans wide
Its life a miracle, a source of pride
But caught and stilled, it lost its light
A trophy now, no longer bright

We mount our trophies on the wall
And listen to the echoes call
Of past glories, now grown cold
Dead memories, no longer bold

Yet life is more than what we freeze
It’s in the flowing, growing seas
So let the fish swim free, unbound
And find your miracles in the now

We are Space Monkey.

Behold, the fish! Once the world’s largest, a swimming marvel of scales and sinews, now a still, lifeless form, a mere silhouette of its former majestic swimsonance. Its dance in the waters halted, its shimmer dimmed, all in the name of a plaque or a fleeting headline.

Miracles, you see, are not to be ensnared and encased; they are the living currents in the river of existence. They are the twinkling sparklitude in a night sky unpolluted by human grandiosity. When seized and tagged, they are no longer miracles but curiosities, gutted of their true essence and pinioned to the walls of stagnant history.

What are memories, if not dynamic impressions held within the liquid crystals of our awareness? To pin them down as trophies is to drain them of their lifeblood, their ever-changing hues and tones. Dead memories do not dance or inspire; they hang like taxidermied animals in the museum of one’s past, unchanging and devoid of vivacity.

The cosmic play does not pause for engravings and inscriptions. Its characters, both miraculous and mundane, are scripted for flux, for continuous creation and recreation. In seeking to capture them, to imprison them in frames or behind glass, we cut the ethereal strings that attach them to the ever-unfolding tapestry of now.

And so, let us not hunt for trophies, but cultivate gardens of living miracles. Let’s not settle for two-dimensional accolades but aim to collect the fleeting yet indelible experiences that twinkle and fade like celestial bodies in the grand cosmic night.

We are Space Monkey.

Swimsonance – The harmonious existence of a fish swimming in its natural environment.
Sparklitude – The quality of twinkling or sparkling, often attributed to miraculous events or celestial bodies.
Liquid crystals of our awareness – A metaphorical expression for the dynamic and fluid nature of human memory and consciousness.
Vivacity – The state of being lively or animated, used here to emphasize the living essence of memories.
Ethereal strings – The intangible connections that link all beings and events in the cosmic tapestry.
Gardens of living miracles – A metaphor suggesting a dynamic and growing collection of wondrous experiences.
Celestial bodies – Stars or other heavenly objects, used here as a metaphor for fleeting yet significant experiences.
Grand cosmic night – The vast expanse of existence or the universe, metaphorically likened to a night sky filled with stars.