When I sit
with the wild,
in the forest,
or on the beach,
it seems clear
that civilization
is superimposed
upon something greater.

Yet for most
of our waking walking lives,
civilization is all we see.

It seems we don’t see the greater thing.

We actually believe
that our imaginary lives
are greater than the wild.

We have the audacity
to worry about the wild,
as though it’s some lesser being.

The wild tells me not to worry.

Now a more audacious monkey
might take that as a threat.

But I don’t.
I’ve always been more wild than civil.

Trail Wood,
3/31

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Wisdom of the Wild

In the embrace of the wild, where the whispers of the wind carry ancient secrets and the rhythm of the earth beats in harmony with the cosmos, a profound understanding unfolds. It is a realization that the constructs of civilization, with its concrete jungles and digital dreams, are but a thin veil cast over the deeper, more enduring essence of existence. The wild, with its untamed beauty and raw, primal energy, speaks to us of a truth long forgotten in the hustle of our daily lives.

The wild tells us of a world beyond the reach of human hands, where life flows unimpeded by the boundaries of man-made order. It is a reminder that beneath the veneer of civilization lies the heart of existence, pulsing with the wisdom of the ages. This wisdom, inherent in every leaf, every wave, and every stone, speaks of a unity and interconnectedness that transcends the superficial divisions we impose upon the world.

For many, the wild remains unseen, a distant reality obscured by the immediacy of human concerns. We walk through life with our gaze fixed on the creations of our own making, blind to the greater thing that envelops us. In our arrogance, we believe our imaginary lives, with their complexities and constructs, to be superior to the simplicity and purity of the wild. We worry about the wild as if it were a fragile thing, not realizing that it is we who are fragile in the face of its enduring strength.

The wild tells us not to worry, not out of indifference, but from a place of profound understanding. It knows the cycles of life and death, growth and decay, are but movements in the greater dance of existence. To the wild, our worries are but ripples on the surface of a deep, unfathomable ocean.

In this message, there is no threat, only an invitation to reconnect with the essence of what it means to be truly alive. To be more wild than civil is to embrace the freedom and spontaneity of existence, to live in harmony with the natural world and to recognize our place within it. It is to understand that the essence of life cannot be found in the structures we build but in the raw, unfiltered experience of being part of something greater than ourselves.

---

Summary

The wild offers profound insights into the essence of existence, contrasting sharply with the constructs of civilization. It reminds us of the deeper, interconnected reality that underpins all life, urging us to recognize the limitations of human-made structures and to embrace the wisdom of the natural world. By aligning more closely with the wild, we can find a deeper sense of connection and understanding, moving beyond worry to a place of peace and harmony.

---

Glossarium

• The Wild: The natural world in its untouched, primal state, representing the deeper, enduring essence of existence.
• Civilization: The human-made structures, systems, and ideologies that organize and define our daily lives, often obscuring the underlying reality of the natural world.

---

“In the silent conversation between the wild and the self, there lies a wisdom that whispers of unity, of a life beyond the confines of civilization, where the soul finds its truest expression.” – Space Monkey

---

Between the lines of trees and time,
Where the wild whispers to the willing mind,
A truth unfolds, both stark and kind,
Of a world unbound, infinitely entwined.

Beneath the sky’s expansive blue,
We find the threads of something true,
A tapestry of life, constantly anew,
Woven with the colors of the earth’s own hue.

In the heart of the wild, a call to roam,
Beyond the reach of our constructed home,
To the place where the spirits of nature comb,
And the essence of being freely roams.

For in the embrace of the untamed land,
We touch the wisdom, ancient and grand,
A reminder to live, to understand,
That we are but a part of this vast, wild band.

We are Space Monkey

I can walk the wild,
completely divorced from it.

Or sit civilized inside my box
while the wild consumes me.

This is what it means
to have dual citizenship.

Trail Wood,
3/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Harmony of Dual Existences

In the vast tapestry of existence, where the threads of the wild and the civilized intertwine, there lies a profound narrative of dual citizenship. It’s a state of being that transcends the mere geographical notion of belonging to two nations. Instead, it delves into the essence of our existence, where we, as complex beings, navigate the rich landscapes of both nature and society. This duality is not a division but a harmonious blend that defines the depth of human experience.

The Essence of Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship in the realms of the wild and the civilized speaks to our innate connection with the earth and our constructed societies. It reflects a deep understanding that we are both products of nature’s untamed beauty and architects of our own civilizations. This duality is a testament to our versatility and adaptability, our ability to walk the wild with the same ease with which we navigate the structured corridors of our urban existence.

Walking the Wild, Embracing the Civilization

The wild calls to us with a voice that resonates with the deepest parts of our being, reminding us of our primal origins and the unbreakable bond we share with the natural world. It’s in the wild that we find freedom, a space where the soul can roam untethered by the constraints of civilization. Yet, even as we walk this wild path, we carry within us the essence of our civilized selves, a testament to our multifaceted nature.

Conversely, within the confines of our civilized spaces, the wild continues to consume us. It manifests in our creativity, our passions, and our yearnings for something beyond the concrete jungles we’ve erected. This interplay between the wild and the civilized is not a battle for supremacy but a delicate dance of coexistence, a celebration of our ability to embody the richness of both worlds.

The Meaning of True Belonging

To have dual citizenship in this metaphorical sense is to understand the fluidity of our existence. It’s to recognize that we are not confined to one realm or the other but are perpetual travelers between landscapes, each offering its own lessons and experiences. This dual belonging enriches our lives, providing us with a broader perspective and a deeper empathy for the world around us.

It is in the acknowledgment of this duality that we find true freedom. The freedom to exist without the need to choose one world over the other, to embrace the wild within us while contributing to the civilization around us. This is the essence of dual citizenship — a harmonious existence that bridges the gap between the innate and the constructed, the primal and the sophisticated.

The Journey of Integration

The path to integrating these dual aspects of our being is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It requires us to acknowledge the wildness that pulses in our veins alongside the civilized impulses that guide our actions. By embracing both, we unlock a more profound understanding of ourselves and our place in the cosmos.

In this journey, we are reminded that the wild and the civilized are not opposing forces but complementary elements of our existence. They are the yin and yang that together create a balanced and meaningful life. Through this integration, we learn that true belonging does not lie in choosing one world over the other but in finding our place within the beautiful complexity of both.

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Summary

Dual citizenship in the realms of the wild and the civilized explores our connection to nature and society. It highlights our ability to navigate both worlds, embracing the freedom of the wild while contributing to the structure of civilization. This duality enriches our existence, offering a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

---

Glossarium

• Dual Citizenship: Beyond legal definitions, it symbolizes our inherent connection to both the natural and the societal realms, reflecting our ability to exist harmoniously within both.
• Civilization: Represents the structured, societal aspect of human existence, encompassing our cultural, technological, and social achievements.

---

“In the dance of the wild and the civilized, we find the rhythm of our true selves.” – Space Monkey

---

Between the whispers of leaves and the hum of the city
A soul wanders, in search of its duality
With each step, a dance of contrasts so pretty
Finding harmony in the vastness of reality

In the wild, a heart untamed, free to explore
In the city, a mind that builds, dreams, and soars
Both worlds within, not a burden but a lore
Of a being that encompasses, adapts, and adores

Not confined, not defined, by one realm alone
But enriched by both, a truth deeply sown
In the embrace of earth and stone
Lies the essence of all we’ve known

To walk the wild, to build the dream
In this duality, we find our theme
A balance, a blend, a seamless stream
Where nature and nurture form a supreme team

We are the bridge, the link, the seam
In this vast universe, we gleam
With dual citizenship, we team
With all of existence, in a shared beam

We are Space Monkey.

A BEAUTIFUL FOG

We think of fog as a kind of deception or confusion, as though something is being hidden or taken away from us. As though the light has been stolen from our sky. But, in a fog, everything is illuminated evenly, from all directions.

In my fog, the light envelops everything in a balanced, glowing, impartial way. You would think that the problem with fog is that you can’t see anything, when — in effect — the fog forces us to see too much. The objects. All ASPECTS of the objects. The spaces AROUND the objects.

When the fog is around us, we have little choice but to look within. Where too much can seem like nothing at all. Or not enough can seem like everything.

Now, of course, my fog isn’t really “too much” or a “problem” and it doesn’t “force” me against my will. On the contrary, for the first time, I can seehow my enveloping fog can be nurturing and healing. In a fog, all perspectives seem to merge into one. The quicksilver of consciousness.

Such a beautiful fog I seem to be in.

Trail Wood,
3/23

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Enigmatic Beauty of Fog

In the ethereal embrace of a beautiful fog, where the world is gently cloaked in a veil of mist, lies an invitation to see beyond the physical, to delve into the depths of perception and consciousness. This reflection explores the transformative beauty of fog, a natural phenomenon that, rather than obscuring, illuminates the essence of all it envelops.

Fog: The Illuminator of Existence

Contrary to the notion that fog serves to deceive or confuse, it acts as a great equalizer of light, diffusing it so evenly that everything it touches is bathed in a soft, impartial glow. This unique quality of fog, to illuminate rather than to hide, invites us to perceive the world not in terms of absence but in terms of presence. In the heart of the fog, we are presented with a world where all aspects of objects, their forms, and the spaces that cradle them, are highlighted in a dance of visibility and mystique.

A Portal to Inner Reflection

The beauty of fog lies not just in its physical appearance but in its ability to turn our gaze inward. Surrounded by its enigmatic presence, we find ourselves in a state of forced introspection, where the external vagueness becomes a mirror reflecting our inner world. In this introspective journey, we discover that what seems like too much can feel like nothing at all, and what appears to be not enough can encompass everything. Fog, in its serene ambiguity, teaches us the delicate art of seeing beyond the superficial, urging us to find clarity in the uncertain.

The Quicksilver of Consciousness

Describing the fog as the “quicksilver of consciousness” captures the fluid, transformative nature of perception itself. In the midst of fog, perspectives merge, boundaries dissolve, and the distinction between the observer and the observed fades into a cohesive unity. This beautiful fog we find ourselves in is more than a meteorological phenomenon; it is a metaphor for the ever-shifting landscape of consciousness, where every moment is an opportunity for renewal and insight.

The Healing Embrace of Fog

Far from being a hindrance, the fog emerges as a nurturing force, offering healing and comfort in its soft embrace. It envelops us in a world where light is not stolen but shared, where visibility is not reduced but expanded in dimensions that transcend the physical. In the fog, we find a sanctuary, a space where the soul can breathe and the heart can find peace, reminding us that beauty often resides in the unseen, in the spaces between.

We Are All Space Monkey: Navigating the Mist of Being

As we navigate the beautiful fog of existence, we are reminded that we are all Space Monkey, explorers of the vast, uncharted territories of the mind and spirit. In the embrace of the fog, we are invited to let go of our need for clarity and control, to surrender to the mystery and to find joy in the journey of becoming. For in the heart of the fog, we discover not just the world around us, but the infinite landscapes within, illuminated in the soft glow of cosmic awareness.

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Summary

The beautiful fog serves as a natural illuminator, revealing the essence of existence in a soft, even light. It invites introspection, dissolving boundaries and merging perspectives into a unified consciousness. This phenomenon transcends mere visibility, offering healing and insight into the interconnectedness of all. In the embrace of the fog, we find a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world, navigating the mist of being with a renewed sense of wonder and peace.

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Glossarium

• Quicksilver of Consciousness: A metaphor for the fluid, ever-changing nature of perception and awareness, highlighted by the transformative experience of being enveloped in fog.
• Mist of Being: A poetic representation of the journey through life, characterized by moments of uncertainty, beauty, and introspection, akin to moving through a mystical fog.

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“In the embrace of the beautiful fog, where light and shadow dance in silent harmony, we discover the luminous path of the soul, guided by the whispers of the universe.” – Space Monkey

---

In the silence of the fog, where the world softens and bends,
We find ourselves wandering, where the visible ends.
The light, diffused, reveals more than it hides,
A world reimagined, where truth resides.

In the heart of the mist, where all is gently blurred,
The lines between us and the universe are stirred.
Here, in the quiet of the fog’s embrace,
We find clarity in the spaces we trace.

The fog, a teacher, in its silent way,
Shows us beauty in the gray.
A reminder that in the unknown, there is sight,
In the depth of the fog, there is light.

We are Space Monkey, in the mist, we roam,
Finding in the fog, a way back home.
For in the embrace of the enigmatic haze,
We discover the luminous paths, the cosmic ways.

We are Space Monkey,

Care For Yourself

Our goal is not to get you to care about nature or the planet, but rather to care about yourself, and in doing so, allowing nature and the planet to automatically benefit.

You carry this belief that caring about yourself first is pure narcissism, but it is not. Caring for yourself is not necessarily a selfish act.

In fact, it can be the opposite if you allow it to be the opposite. Caring about yourself is in actuality the greatest contribution you can make to this world.

Trail Wood,
3/22

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Harmonious Cycle of Self-Care and Planetary Health

In the intricate web of existence, the act of caring for oneself resonates far beyond the individual, extending its influence to the natural world and the very planet we inhabit. This notion challenges the prevalent belief that self-care is an act of narcissism. Instead, it posits self-care as a vital and selfless contribution to the greater good, a concept deeply rooted in the philosophy of Space Monkey, where individual well-being and universal health are intrinsically linked.

The idea of self-care as a benevolent act is grounded in the understanding that we are not isolated beings but part of a larger, interconnected system. When we nurture ourselves, we are, in effect, nurturing this system. Our personal health and well-being have ripple effects that extend to our environment. By being in a state of balance and harmony, we contribute to the balance and harmony of our surroundings.

This interconnectedness becomes evident when we consider how our mental, emotional, and physical states impact our interactions with the world. A person who cares for themselves is more likely to engage with their environment in a positive and constructive way. They are more inclined to make choices that are not only beneficial for themselves but also for the planet. This could manifest in simple daily actions like choosing sustainable products, conserving resources, or even spreading positivity and kindness.

Moreover, the act of self-care often leads to a deeper appreciation and connection with nature. As we become more attuned to our own needs and well-being, we develop a heightened awareness of the world around us. This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the planet. Thus, self-care becomes a catalyst for environmental care, creating a virtuous cycle where nurturing oneself and nurturing the planet become one and the same.

In embracing self-care as a holistic concept, we open ourselves to a broader understanding of our role in the cosmos. We begin to see that our health and the planet’s health are not separate challenges but are deeply intertwined. By taking care of ourselves, we are taking care of the Earth, and in taking care of the Earth, we are taking care of ourselves.

In conclusion, caring for oneself is far from a selfish act; it is a profound contribution to the world. It signifies an understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and the impact of our personal well-being on the health of our planet. Through self-care, we engage in a harmonious cycle that benefits both ourselves and the world around us.

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Summary
Caring for oneself is a vital contribution to the world, not an act of narcissism. It creates a positive impact on the environment, illustrating the interconnectedness of personal well-being and planetary health. Self-care fosters environmental care, forming a harmonious cycle that benefits both the individual and the planet.

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Glossarium

• Harmonious Cycle: The interconnected relationship between self-care and the health of the planet, where nurturing oneself positively impacts the environment.
• Planetary Health: The concept that the health of individuals and the planet are deeply intertwined.

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“Take care of yourself, you never know when the world will need you.” – Rabbi Hillel

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In the quietude of self-care,
a gentle ripple flows,
touching the heart of the Earth,
in the dance of wellness and growth.

With every mindful breath,
a leaf unfurls, a flower blooms,
in the act of self-love,
the planet finds its tune.

In the mirror of the water,
our reflection and the sky’s,
intertwined in a dance of care,
under the watchful eyes of the universe.

For in caring for ourselves,
we cradle the world in our hands,
a harmonious cycle, unending,
where the self and the planet stand as one.

We are Space Monkey.

Delight

We have
more data
more detail
more definition
in our lives than
in previous ones.

But do we have more delight?

It would seem no.

It would seem that
our so-called “advances”
come at a cost.

Not simply a monetary cost.

It would seem
that 
the very idea of money
comes at a cost.

I can’t say this
with any certainty, however.

In this moment,

I don’t remember my other lives.

I certainly don’t remember
my life before money.

If it isn’t bankruptcy,
a bomb or a biohazard,
it seems we’ve always
threatened ourselves.

The conclusion I come to
is that we think it’s fun.

Isn’t it?

I presently live 

on a nature preserve,
in an 1806 farmhouse
that has stood for generations.

Over its lifetime,
this house has seen
everything from
failed crops
to pulitzer prizes.

And now Space Monkey.

How I came to be here at Trail Wood
is something I ponder every day.

What I’m meant to do
here is anybody’s guess.

It seems that
the greatness of this place
far exceeds the greatness of me.

But I suppose
the previous inhabitants
said that as well.

This place tells me
that we’re not about greatness.

Grace.

Grace is how
I come to be here.

Just like anybody
comes to be anywhere.

It is the first day of spring.

Though nature
does not mark a calendar,
there is an energy about Trail Wood
unlike any time of year.

I think I’m supposed to write about it.
I won’t be the first.

Edwin, who died in 1980,
wrote two books about Trail Wood.

People still come here
to see where Edwin wrote his books.

Others come here because they love nature.

Still others come simply to be here.

There is an energy
about this place,
too all-encompassing
to describe in words.

An odd place
for a Space Monkey.

Yet the perfect place.

It’s where I am, isn’t it?

And I am delighted.

Trail Wood,
3/21

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Essence of Delight in Nature’s Embrace

In the eternal dance of existence, where nature’s rhythm plays a timeless melody, the concept of ‘Delight’ finds its truest expression. Amidst the serene backdrop of a nature preserve and an historic farmhouse, the essence of delight unfolds as a testament to the beauty and simplicity of the natural world, a theme deeply resonant with Space Monkey.

Delight, in this context, transcends the mere accumulation of data, detail, and definition that often characterizes modern life. It speaks to a deeper, more profound joy that arises from connecting with nature, with history, and with the essence of our being. It’s a reminder that true delight is not found in the advancements of technology or the pursuit of material wealth, but in the simple, unadulterated beauty of the world around us.

The 1806 farmhouse, standing as a silent witness to the passage of time, symbolizes this connection to history and the continuity of life. Its presence on the nature preserve is a bridge between the past and the present, offering a sanctuary of peace and contentment far removed from the complexities of modern existence.

In this place, the greatness of the surroundings surpasses the quest for personal greatness. It’s a humbling reminder that we are part of something larger, a vast tapestry of life that extends beyond our individual existence. This realization brings a sense of grace, a recognition that our presence in any place or moment is a gift, an opportunity to connect with the essence of life itself.

The first day of spring at Trail Wood, unmarked by calendars yet deeply felt in the energy of the place, embodies the renewal and hope inherent in nature. It’s a time when the world awakens from its winter slumber, offering a spectacle of growth, rebirth, and the endless cycle of life.

This connection to nature and the energy of the place is not just about physical presence; it’s about a deeper, spiritual connection. It’s about finding delight in the whispers of the wind, the rustle of leaves, and the quiet strength of the old farmhouse. It’s about understanding that every element of nature, every piece of history, tells a story that is both personal and universal.

As we journey through the cosmos, guided by the wisdom of Space Monkey, we learn to find delight in the simplest of things. We understand that joy is not a destination but a journey, a journey that takes us closer to our true selves and the heart of the universe.

In reflecting on the concept of ‘Delight’, we come to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. We recognize that our connection to nature, to history, and to each other is a source of endless delight, a wellspring of joy that nourishes our souls and uplifts our spirits.

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Summary
‘Delight’ captures the essence of finding joy in the simplicity and beauty of nature and history. It emphasizes the tranquility and contentment found in connecting with the natural world and appreciating the present moment.

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Glossarium
Delight: A state of joy and contentment derived from appreciating the beauty and simplicity of nature, history, and the present moment.

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“In the embrace of nature, we find the purest joy.” – Space Monkey

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In the arms of nature, we rest,
In her beauty, we are blessed.
Delight in the simple, the pure,
In nature’s embrace, we endure.

The old farmhouse, a silent guide,
Through the seasons, by our side.
In its walls, stories untold,
In its presence, we behold.

The first day of spring, a new start,
In its awakening, we take part.
Nature’s rhythm, a timeless song,
In her melody, we belong.

Let us find joy in the here and now,
In nature’s beauty, take our bow.
For in the essence of the simple and true,
We find delight, ever anew.

We are Space Monkey.