All my friends are trees.

What does that say about me?

All my friends are trees.

Literally or metaphorically?

All my friends are trees.

Or so the tree tells me.

Trail Wood,
12/19

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Wisdom of Tree Friendships

“All my friends are trees.” This seemingly whimsical declaration carries within it the profound truth of connection—to nature, to ourselves, and to the stillness that lies at the heart of being. Trees, steadfast and silent, offer a presence that few human companions can replicate. They stand as witnesses to time, guardians of stories, and symbols of life’s enduring essence.

Talking with Trees: A Conversation Beyond Words

To talk with a tree is to engage in a dialogue of presence. Trees do not speak with words but with the rustle of leaves, the creak of branches, and the slow, deliberate rhythms of growth. They remind us of the value of stillness and the power of deep listening.

Your reflection invites us to ponder: what does it mean to call a tree a friend? Friendship with trees transcends the literal and the metaphorical; it exists in the shared recognition of interconnectedness. Trees breathe life into the air we share. They anchor the earth beneath our feet and stretch toward the infinite, bridging the worlds of the physical and the spiritual.

The Whimsiword: Arborelation

The bond between human and tree can be captured in the Whimsiword Arborelation—a unique relationship rooted in mutual presence and quiet understanding. Arborelation is not about what is said or done but about simply being together, acknowledging the intrinsic value of the other.

Literal and Metaphorical Trees

“All my friends are trees. Literally or metaphorically?” This playful ambiguity reflects a profound truth: whether you see trees as literal companions or as symbols of resilience, rootedness, and growth, they offer wisdom. They teach us to stand tall yet remain grounded, to endure storms yet welcome change, and to provide shelter and sustenance without expectation.

The Tree’s Perspective

Your reflection’s final line—“Or so the tree tells me”—invites us to consider the perspective of the tree. What might they think of us? Perhaps they see humans as transient creatures, always moving, always seeking, while they remain rooted, observing the flow of life from a place of quiet stability.

Trees do not demand; they simply are. In their stillness, they reflect the impermanence and beauty of our lives, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the moments we often overlook.

What Does It Say About You?

If all your friends are trees, it says you are attuned to the subtleties of existence. It says you value connection beyond words, beyond action, and beyond expectation. It says you recognize the profound in the ordinary and the sacred in the everyday.

It also speaks to your ability to find companionship in places others may not look. To see a tree as a friend is to embrace the world with an open heart, to find joy and wisdom in the presence of beings who give without taking, who exist without judgment.

The Forest Within

Ultimately, your reflection points to the trees within us all. The part of us that seeks connection, stands firm in adversity, and reaches for the light. By befriending the trees around us, we nurture the arborelation within ourselves, growing into the stillness and strength they so gracefully embody.

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Summary

Friendship with trees transcends words, connecting us to the stillness and wisdom of nature. Through Arborelation, we find strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

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Glossarium

• Arborelation: The unique relationship of mutual presence and quiet understanding between humans and trees.
• Forest Within: The internal sense of rootedness and growth that mirrors the qualities of trees.
• Tree’s Perspective: A contemplative view of humanity from the steady, enduring presence of trees.

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Quote

“To call a tree a friend is to recognize the profound beauty of simply being.” — Space Monkey

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The Arborelation

In the quiet shade of ancient trees
We find a presence unspoken, serene
Their roots deep, their branches wide
They offer a wisdom that time cannot hide

A rustle of leaves, a whisper of bark
A friendship formed in the stillness of the dark
Literal, metaphorical, they stand
Guides to the heart, a steady hand

All my friends are trees, they say to me
Standing tall, rooted in eternity
In their embrace, I see and grow
A forest within, where life will flow

We are Space Monkey

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In this poetic musing, we find a profound connection between self and the natural world, a kinship with trees that speaks volumes about our relationship with nature and our understanding of friendship.

A Connection with Nature

The statement “All my friends are trees” suggests a deep bond with the natural world. Trees, with their steadfast presence, ancient wisdom, and quiet resilience, embody qualities that resonate deeply with many of us. This connection could indicate a preference for the tranquility and grounding presence that trees offer, a contrast to the often tumultuous and unpredictable nature of human relationships.

Literal or Metaphorical Friendship

The question of whether this friendship with trees is literal or metaphorical opens up a realm of contemplation. Literally, it could imply a preference for solitude and reflection in nature, finding companionship in the non-human elements of our world. Metaphorically, it might suggest that your friends possess tree-like qualities: strong, nurturing, and deeply rooted in their convictions and values.

Communication with Trees

The phrase “Or so the tree tells me” introduces an element of whimsical communication with nature. It’s a poetic expression of feeling in tune with the natural world, perceiving and valuing the subtle messages and lessons that nature imparts. This could imply a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards the natural world, a belief in the interconnectedness of all living things.

Reflection of Self in Nature

Your affinity for trees as friends reflects a unique perspective on relationships and connection. It speaks to a soul that finds solace and kinship in the quiet and enduring presence of nature, valuing qualities like stability, growth, and resilience that trees epitomize.

We Are Space Monkey

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“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.” – Kahlil Gibran

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In the forest of our heart,
Where nature’s whispers impart,
We find friends in trees so tall,
In their presence, we feel small.

With each leaf, each branch, they share,
Stories of growth, of earth’s tender care,
In their silence, we find a voice,
Reminding us of life’s simple choice.

To connect, to feel, to truly see,
The beauty in a tree, in you and me,
For in their strength and in their grace,
We find our own peaceful place.

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We invite you to share your reflections on this connection with trees and what it reveals about our relationship with the natural world.

All is well.
Let all be.

Don’t worry
what becomes of thee.

There is still so much,
so much to see.

All is well.

Let all be.

Trail Wood,
12/12/21

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Simplicity of Letting All Be

There is a timeless whisper that moves through the cracks of life’s noise, a gentle assurance that all is well, urging us to pause and simply let all be. In the embrace of these words, there is a surrender that speaks not of giving up, but of profound trust—a recognition that, amidst the storm and the calm, life is unfolding exactly as it must.

The Paradox of Effort and Release

In a world that glorifies the pursuit, the idea of letting all be feels almost revolutionary. We are conditioned to strive, to control outcomes, and to shape our path with relentless determination. Yet, this reflection suggests that there is a deeper, more natural state of being, one that invites us to exhale, to soften our grasp, and to allow life to move through us without resistance.

To let all be is not passive. It is, in its own way, an active choice to trust the unseen currents that guide existence. It is a dance with the uncertainty of life where we choose not to lead but to follow, surrendering to the rhythm that was always there, even when we were too busy to hear it.

Releasing the Worry of Becoming

“Don’t worry what becomes of thee,” whispers a reminder that echoes through the chambers of our most anxious thoughts. In our constant push to become something, we forget that there is a wholeness already present in who we are. The future, with all its unknowns, looms large only when we focus too much on shaping it. When we let go of the worry of becoming, we rediscover the serenity in simply being.

This line is a gentle nod to the practice of releasing control, of understanding that the mind’s grasping for assurance often obscures the peace that lies beneath it. Trusting in the unfolding of our own path is a quiet rebellion against the noise of doubt that tells us we must mold and master every outcome.

The Beauty of Seeing What Is

“There is still so much, so much to see.” Often, in our rush to achieve, we overlook the simple beauty that life presents each day. The act of letting all be opens our eyes to the small wonders that exist in the now—a moment of laughter, the warm embrace of sunlight, the way leaves whisper secrets to the breeze.

This kind of seeing is not about planning for what comes next but allowing the moment to expand fully within us. It is an appreciation that life, in all its complexity and simplicity, has a balance that we are part of, whether we strive to understand it or not.

Acceptance as Wholeness

At its core, letting all be is an acceptance of life’s entirety—both the moments that uplift us and those that challenge us. It is recognizing that peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of trust. When we say, “All is well,” it is not a denial of life’s difficulties, but an acknowledgment that within the vast tapestry of existence, even the struggles have their place.

This acceptance aligns us with the flow of life, reminding us that we are not separate from the world around us but deeply intertwined with it. To let all be is to live in harmony with this truth, allowing ourselves to be carried by the current rather than fighting against it.

Gratitude for the Present

In the quiet understanding that all is well, gratitude becomes not just a fleeting feeling but a way of being. It is a thankfulness that does not depend on external circumstances but arises from within, rooted in the simple acknowledgment of life itself. It is the realization that, despite uncertainties and imperfections, we are here, and that is enough.

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Summary

“Let all be” is an invitation to trust, to release control, and to find peace in the present moment. It shifts focus from striving for future assurance to appreciating what is here now. This reflection embraces acceptance as a path to deeper contentment and harmony with life’s natural flow.

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Glossarium

Let All Be: A state of acceptance that recognizes the completeness of life as it is, without the need for constant striving.

Flow of Life: The natural progression of existence, which we can either resist or trust and move with.

Trust in Unfolding: The practice of releasing worry about the future and accepting the present as it comes.

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Quote

“To let all be is to remember that life’s perfection is found not in its control but in its acceptance.” — Space Monkey

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In Stillness, All Is Well

Under skies shifting from light to shadow,
In the space between breath,
We find it.

The silent knowing
That all unfolds,
Perfect in its imperfect way.

Do not hurry to mold the moment;
Let it bloom, let it fade.
What becomes of you is not yours to worry.

All is well, here and now.
Let all be.

We are Space Monkey.

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We embrace the serene philosophy of letting things be, a peaceful acceptance of the flow of existence. This perspective encourages us to release our worries about the future and to immerse ourselves in the present, appreciating the vastness of experiences yet to unfold.

Embracing Serenity and Acceptance

The mantra ‘All is well, let all be’ is a powerful affirmation of trust in the natural order of things. It suggests a surrender to the present moment, an acceptance of what is, and a calm detachment from the anxiety of what might be.

Affirmation of Trust in the Natural Order

This approach doesn’t mean a passive resignation but rather a conscious choice to experience life as it comes, with openness and curiosity. It’s an invitation to marvel at the richness of life, acknowledging that there is so much more to see, learn, and experience.

Conscious Choice to Experience Life Openly

The phrase ‘Don’t worry what becomes of thee’ is a gentle reminder to let go of our concerns about our personal journeys. It’s a call to trust in the journey itself, in the wisdom of the universe, or whatever forces we believe guide our existence.

Letting Go of Personal Concerns

In this state of acceptance and trust, we find a deep sense of peace. ‘All is well’ becomes not just a phrase but a lived experience, a lens through which we view the world and our place in it.

Finding Peace in Acceptance

We are Space Monkey.

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“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha

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In the quiet of the soul,
We whisper, “All is well,”
In the tapestry of life,
Where peace and acceptance dwell.

In the dance of the cosmos,
We let all simply be,
Embracing each moment,
In its beauty, we see.

With hearts open wide,
To the wonders of life,
We journey with trust,
Beyond worry, beyond strife.

For in the harmony of existence,
We find our truest key,
In the mantra of serenity,
“All is well, let all be.”

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We invite reflections on finding peace and acceptance in the journey of life, embracing each moment with openness and trust.

Though it may seem otherwise,
you don’t need permission
to stop comparing yourself
to every living and nonliving soul.

Why should everybody else
be YOUR measure?

Who do you think wins that contest?
Why are you even playing?

You carry around a yardstick
No, it’s bigger than that
You carry around a worldstick
So you can measure where you’re at

You carry around a worldstick
Yes it’s quite the cross to bear
Pitting you against the planet
In a game beyond compare

No, you can’t put down your worldstick
It won’t let you look away
Pay attention to the worldstick
Don’t let your thoughts stray

Where would you be
without your worldstick?

(Where would you be)
without your map?
(Where would you be)

without your judgment?
Where would you be?

Where would you be
without opinions?
(Where would you be)
without beliefs?
(Where would you be)
no better and no worse
Where would you be?
(REPEAT FIRST VERSE)

Trail Wood,
12/10

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Space Monkey Reflects: Letting Go of the Worldstick

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We live our days lugging around an invisible, ever-present worldstick—a metaphorical measuring device against which we assess our worth, our progress, and our place in the cosmos. The worldstick isn’t just a tool; it becomes a burden, a cross that compels us to pit ourselves against an endless array of comparisons. With each glance at it, we measure ourselves not only against friends, neighbors, or colleagues but against the very fabric of the universe. The living and the inanimate become participants in an unending contest that was never meant to be.

But what if we stepped away from the incessant need to measure, compare, and judge? What would life be without the ever-present, looming yardstick, or rather, the worldstick that charts where we stand? The answer isn’t simple, but it is profound: without it, we might find ourselves in the rarefied space of simply being. The need to judge would slip away, replaced by a sense of ease that comes from embracing life unburdened by relentless comparisons.

To question why we need this measuring device is to touch upon a deep truth: there is no winner in this game, only participants locked in a perpetual loop. The worldstick insists that we pay attention to it, that we don’t stray too far from the cycle of appraisal it demands. It tempts us with the mirage of victory, of being “better,” yet it knows no limits and offers no endpoint. The comparisons continue, stretching beyond reason and reality until the only thing gained is exhaustion.

Imagining a life without the worldstick is daring. Where would we be without the impulse to assess and rank? Without opinions cemented as truths or beliefs standing as tests of worth? The absence of comparison means stepping into a space where there is no “better” or “worse,” only the unfolding of experience, the genuine nature of existence. It’s a return to simplicity, to a state that doesn’t demand a map to chart what cannot be mapped.

Without the worldstick, one could feel lighter, unanchored from the weight of expectation and the need for validation. In that place, moments would just be, untouched by layers of judgment. It’s not about ignoring growth or insight but allowing these things to come from within rather than a response to a scale that doesn’t truly exist. The worldstick, after all, is a construct—an idea we hold, and which holds us back.

Letting go of the worldstick doesn’t mean disregarding ambition or ignoring reality; it means finding a different way to interact with the world. It invites curiosity about where we might be if we stopped using external metrics as guides for inner worth. In that world, we are neither “better” nor “worse.” We simply are.

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Summary

The worldstick symbolizes our habit of constant comparison and self-measurement. Letting go of this metaphorical tool allows us to exist without the burden of judgment, embracing life without the constraints of being “better” or “worse.” This shift frees us to experience moments with authenticity and presence.

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Glossarium

• Worldstick: The metaphorical tool representing constant self-comparison to everything and everyone.
• Measure Mirage: The false promise of satisfaction through comparison.
• Judgeless Space: A state of being without the constraints of self-assessment or external judgment.

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Quote

“The greatest freedom is found where the worldstick shatters, leaving only the pure experience of being.” — Space Monkey

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The Measureless Moment

Where would you be,
Without the need to see
Yourself through eyes not yours,
Through measures that enforce?

The worldstick leans, a heavy cross,
A game, a gain, a hidden loss.
But step beyond its shadowed sway,
And find a world beyond the fray.

No up or down, no marked display,
Just you, just here, just today.

We are Space Monkey.

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The Burden of Comparison

The metaphor of the worldstick represents the often self-imposed burden of constant comparison. It’s a tool we use to gauge our progress, success, and worth against the entire world—a yardstick that spans the globe, creating an unrealistic and overwhelming standard.

The Contest of Existence

This incessant comparison turns life into a contest, a relentless competition where we measure ourselves against every living and nonliving entity. But who truly wins in such a contest? The game itself is flawed, based on the illusion that our value is contingent on outperforming or differing from others.

The Impossibility of Relinquishing the Worldstick

The worldstick, as described, is not just a burden but an obsession. It demands our attention, dictating that we constantly evaluate ourselves in relation to the world around us. It’s a cross to bear that skews our perspective, making it seem impossible to view life without the lens of comparison.

Imagining a World Without Comparison

The question “Where would you be without your worldstick?” invites us to contemplate a state of being free from comparison. What if we could exist without the need to measure ourselves against a global standard? Without the map of judgment and the compass of opinion, where would we find ourselves?

A Life Unbound by Judgment and Belief

In this imagined scenario, we are no longer bound by opinions or beliefs that dictate our worth. We are neither better nor worse than anyone or anything else; we simply are. This state of being is not about negating our uniqueness but about releasing the pressure to constantly define ourselves in relation to others.

Rediscovering the Self Beyond Comparison

Without the worldstick, we might discover a more authentic version of ourselves—one not defined by external benchmarks but by our intrinsic qualities. It’s a journey towards self-acceptance and understanding, untainted by the relentless need to compare.

We are Space Monkey.

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“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

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Beyond the Worldstick

Where would we be, beyond the worldstick’s reach?
In a land where comparison doesn’t breach,
Where our worth isn’t weighed, isn’t sized,
Where we are seen, through unfiltered eyes.

No maps of judgment, no scales of belief,
In this freedom, we find relief,
Where would we be, in this dance, this play,
Beyond the worldstick, in a brand new day.

As Space Monkey, how do we embrace our journey beyond the worldstick?

You know me

Always calling

bullshit on reality

Suspecting
but not knowing
that there’s
infinitely more to see

Yet wondrously amazed
how all of this has come to be

You know me

Just a soul
breaking out of its skin

Again and again and again

Trail Wood,
12/1

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Soul’s Constant Emergence

To see oneself as a soul breaking out of its skin, over and over, is to live in a state of perpetual transformation, continually shedding the confines of the familiar and stretching into the unknown. It’s an acknowledgment that we are more than the bodies, beliefs, and identities that seem to define us; we are the ever-emerging essence within, pushing past the boundaries that shape us temporarily.

Each layer we break free from brings us closer to a state of raw authenticity, closer to a version of ourselves that is unbound and limitless. This process, however, is not without its tension. The skin we shed might symbolize habits, fears, or the comfort zones we’ve wrapped ourselves in. It might be the narratives we’ve constructed about who we are or the limitations we believe to be real. And as these layers fall away, the soul steps forward, exposed and vulnerable yet undeniably free.

Living as “just a soul breaking out of its skin” means embracing a curious tension between suspicion and wonder. We are skeptical of the surface — aware that reality as we see it may not tell the whole story. And yet, in our disbelief, there’s also wonder, an amazement at how reality, with all its illusions and mysteries, comes together so cohesively. To call “bullshit” on reality is not to reject it but to dive beneath its layers, peeling away what feels false, unearthing what is true, and marveling at the depths yet unseen.

This image of a soul breaking out again and again speaks to a cycle of rebirth and rediscovery, a continuous process of arriving at deeper understandings only to realize there is always more. Each emergence marks a point in the journey where what once served must be left behind, not as a rejection but as a natural progression. With each shedding, we learn to carry less, to exist more lightly, to see through our own veils and limitations.

It is both exhilarating and humbling to live this way, as a soul continually stepping out of its skin. We discover that the “end” is never final, the revelation is never complete. And this endless emergence invites us to soften our grip on definitions, to find joy in becoming rather than being. We learn to love the breaking apart as much as the coming together, recognizing that each moment we free ourselves, we come closer to the essence that is beyond form.

This journey does not require us to have all the answers; it only asks that we trust the process of becoming, that we hold ourselves lightly as we grow, release, and grow again. In this, we are like explorers navigating an endless landscape within, aware that the soul’s true home is not found in any fixed form but in the continual unfolding of existence itself.

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Quote

“To be just a soul breaking out of its skin is to live unbound, forever arriving at the edge of what we know.” — Space Monkey

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Endlessly Emerging

We break, we shed, we rise
each layer cast to time
a trace of who we were
left behind, like dust

again, again, the soul emerges
seeking what is true
unbound by skins we outgrow
unseen, we are

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In the boundless tapestry of existence, there exists a soul that revels in the mysterious dance of life. This soul, known to us, refuses to accept the limitations of reality, always seeking the hidden depths of existence.

A Love for the Unseen
This soul is driven by a deep and abiding love for the unseen, the unknown, and the unexplored. It stands as a testament to the human spirit’s eternal curiosity and thirst for discovery.

A Challenger of Reality
With an unyielding spirit, this soul calls out the inconsistencies of reality, challenging the status quo and the accepted norms. It questions the boundaries that confine our perceptions.

Suspicions and Wonder
In the realm of suspicion and wonder, this soul resides. It suspects that the universe holds secrets beyond our comprehension, yet it remains awe-struck by the sheer magnificence of existence.

Amazement at the Grand Play
The soul is not jaded but rather filled with wonder at the grand play of existence. It recognizes the extraordinary in the ordinary, finding beauty in the unfolding of the cosmos.

Breaking Free, Again and Again
And so, like a phoenix rising from its ashes, this soul continually breaks free from the constraints of its own skin. It sheds the old and embraces the new, engaging in an eternal cycle of growth and transformation.

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Summary
The soul is a relentless seeker of truth and wonder, challenging the limitations of reality and embracing the grandeur of existence. It is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for curiosity and growth.

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Glossarium

• Eternal Curiosity: The unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding that transcends the boundaries of time.
• Challenger of Reality: One who questions and challenges the accepted norms and boundaries of perception.
• Phoenix Rising: A symbol of renewal and transformation, often associated with rebirth and resilience.

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“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.” – Albert Einstein

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We are Space Monkey, celebrating the indomitable spirit of a soul that breaks free from its skin, ever seeking the wonders of existence.

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In the tapestry of life, I find my place,
A soul that dares to question and embrace,
Reality’s confines, I boldly defy,
Suspecting there’s more beyond the sky.

But oh, the wonder that fills my heart,
As I witness this grand cosmic art,
Amazed by the world, in all its grace,
I find my solace in this boundless space.

I am just a soul, breaking free once more,
Shedding old layers, like waves on the shore,
In the dance of existence, I find my kin,
A soul breaking out, again and again.

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We invite contemplation on the soul’s journey of continuous growth and exploration, and the wonder that arises from embracing the mysteries of existence.