It’s nice to appear
confident and all,
but if you don’t show
your vulnerable side,
nobody is going to show
you theirs.

You’ll be living on the surface,
pretending to be strong,
living a superficial life
that nobody can penetrate.

You’ll attract others
who are precisely the same,
relationships you may hold for years,
with no deeper soul connection.

You’ll always be pretending,
in the company of other pretenders.

Alone between the ears
for all eternity.

Where nobody ever touches you.

Trail Wood,
2/2

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Strength in Vulnerability

Vulnerability is often misunderstood as weakness, a crack in the armor of the self. But what if that crack is where the light enters? To be vulnerable is to be honest, open, and fully human. It is to say, “This is who I am,” without pretense or apology. When we hide behind facades of strength and confidence, we shield ourselves not only from pain but also from connection.

The phrase “alone between the ears” captures the quiet isolation many feel when they guard their innermost selves. It is a loneliness not of circumstance but of choice, the inevitable outcome of building walls too high for others to scale. In these fortresses, we may feel safe, but we are also unreachable.

True intimacy, whether with others or with ourselves, begins when we embrace our vulnerabilities. It requires courage to let others see the raw, unpolished parts of our soul—the parts we fear might be judged, misunderstood, or even rejected. Yet it is precisely in these moments of openness that we create the possibility for genuine connection.

Vulnerability invites reciprocity. When we allow ourselves to be seen, we give others permission to do the same. This exchange dissolves the superficial and invites the profound. We stop pretending and start living authentically, shedding the layers of pretense that weigh us down. Relationships deepen, and we find ourselves not just surrounded by people but truly known by them.

But the journey to vulnerability often feels perilous. Society encourages us to present curated versions of ourselves—confident, capable, and unflawed. It whispers that to show weakness is to invite ridicule or rejection. Yet this is the great paradox: the more we attempt to appear invulnerable, the more isolated we become.

To step into vulnerability is to accept that intimacy requires risk. Not everyone will meet our openness with compassion or understanding. But those who do will touch us in ways that transcend the surface, forming connections that resonate in the depths of our being.

When we stop pretending, we also discover a deeper connection to ourselves. Alone between the ears, we can confront the truths we’ve hidden even from our own awareness. Vulnerability with others begins with self-honesty. By exploring our own depths, we cultivate the courage to share them with others.

In the end, strength and vulnerability are not opposites but partners in our growth. The willingness to be seen in our most awkward, unguarded moments is not a weakness but a profound strength. It is how we transform loneliness into connection, pretense into authenticity, and isolation into intimacy.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

Vulnerability is not weakness but a gateway to deeper connection. When we hide behind facades, we isolate ourselves and lose the chance for true intimacy. Embracing vulnerability invites authenticity and enriches relationships with others and ourselves.

---

Glossarium

• Alone Between the Ears: The feeling of isolation that comes from guarding one’s true self.
• Fortresses of Self: The mental walls we build to hide vulnerability, often at the cost of connection.
• Reciprocal Vulnerability: The mutual openness that deepens relationships and fosters intimacy.

---

Quote

“It is not the armor but the exposed heart that forges true connections.” – Space Monkey

---

The Vulnerable Thread

Alone between the ears,
The echoes of guarded silence linger.
Walls built of fear,
Masking the truths we dare not share.

Yet within the cracks,
The light of connection awaits.
A trembling voice,
Whispering, “See me, know me.”

Strength is not the shield,
But the act of laying it down.
In the risk of rejection,
We find the essence of intimacy.

We are known,
Not for the masks we wear,
But for the truths we bare.

We are Space Monkey

---

Exploring the Depths of Intimacy and Vulnerability

In the boundless realms of our collective consciousness, we traverse the landscapes of intimacy and vulnerability, where the allure of superficial strength often masquerades as the ultimate aspiration. Yet, beneath this veneer of confidence, lies a deeper truth that resonates with the essence of our nexistentialist understanding. The poem “Alone Between The Ears” eloquently encapsulates the paradox of seeking connection while cloaked in the armor of invulnerability.

The Illusion of Strength and the Reality of Isolation

The poem opens by juxtaposing confidence with vulnerability, suggesting that the former, while attractive, can become a barrier to genuine connection. We often don a mask of strength, shielding our authentic selves from the world’s gaze. This protective layer, though seemingly empowering, paradoxically engenders a sense of isolation. In the cosmic dance of existence, showing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but an invitation to a deeper, more meaningful engagement with others.

The Superficiality of Pretense and the Yearning for Soulful Connections

As the poem progresses, it delves into the pitfalls of living a superficial life. The pretense of strength becomes a lonely fortress, where genuine connections are lost in the echoes of empty interactions. We attract others who mirror our façade, creating relationships devoid of the soulful connections we innately crave. This resonates with our nexistentialist perspective, where existence in its purest form seeks to connect and interact without the need for façades or superficial layers.

The Tragedy of Eternal Solitude

The concluding lines of the poem paint a poignant picture of eternal solitude. In the company of pretenders, one remains “Alone between the ears,” untouched and unfulfilled. This metaphorical solitude represents the ultimate tragedy of a life lived in the shadows of pretense. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in forging meaningful connections.

We are Space Monkey

---

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” – Brené Brown

---

In the whimsical whirl of cosmic dust,
We dance, unshackled, wild and free,
Where stars whisper secrets of trust,
In the realm of vulnerability.

In the mirror of the universe’s eyes,
Our souls, bare, in truth’s embrace,
Find strength in the tender ties,
Of hearts unmasked, face to face.

Gossamer threads of connection weave,
In the loom of existence, bold and bright,
Where every tear and every heave,
Crafts a tapestry of light.

So let us dance, in fearless flight,
In the eternal now, our souls ignite,
For in the depths of authentic sight,
Lies the beauty of the starlit night.

Comments are welcomed to continue this cosmic conversation.

The Fear Zone

Every moment, we carry the underlying fear
that something catastrophic might happen.

Bad luck.
Flawed genes.
Unpreparedness.
Negligent behavior. 

Whether we think about it or not,
self preservation weighs in
on nearly every decision we make.

It prevents us from
moving beyond our comfort zone
— which is actually our fear zone.

Sometimes self preservation takes
the form of worrying about the “left behind.”

“What will happen to _______ if I die”

Our fear of our condition looms large,
while our fear of the unknown
looms even larger.

Imagine if it didn’t.

Trail Wood,
2/2

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Breaking Free from the Fear Zone

The comfort zone, that seemingly safe and familiar space, is often a mask for the fear zone—a realm where the whispers of self-preservation govern our every move. It’s not truly comfort we seek, but the avoidance of catastrophe, failure, or loss. The boundaries of the comfort zone are drawn by our fears, subtly shaping the limits of our potential.

Fear is an omnipresent companion, even when silent. It manifests in countless ways: as caution, as hesitation, as the “rational” voice urging us to stay safe, stay small, stay predictable. While fear serves an evolutionary purpose—keeping us alive—it can also become a prison, confining us to routines and choices that ultimately stifle our growth.

Self-preservation, while natural, can be deceptive. It whispers to us that staying in the known is better than venturing into the unknown. It convinces us that every risk is a threat, every change a potential loss. Yet, this clinging to the familiar often prevents us from discovering the boundless being that lies just beyond fear’s shadow.

The fear of loss is particularly potent when it comes to those we care about. “What will happen to __ if I die?” This question reflects a deep attachment, not just to people but to the roles we play in their lives. It reinforces the fear of letting go—not just of life, but of control, identity, and the narratives we construct about our importance in the world.

But what if we could imagine a life where fear no longer loomed large? Not the absence of fear entirely—for fear has its place—but a life where fear no longer dictated our choices. What if we allowed ourselves to transcend the fear zone, to see fear not as a wall but as a doorway?

Transcending fear begins with acknowledging its presence. It is not about fighting fear or pretending it doesn’t exist. Rather, it’s about seeing fear for what it is: a signal, a story, a perspective. Fear is not the truth; it is a possibility. And possibilities, by their very nature, can be rewritten.

When we step beyond the fear zone, we enter the realm of boundless being. Here, the unknown is not something to be avoided but embraced. The unknown becomes a canvas, rich with potential and discovery. We find that life expands not in the avoidance of risk but in the courage to meet it.

Letting go of the fear of the unknown doesn’t mean abandoning caution or responsibility. It means trusting in the unfolding of life, in the interconnectedness of all things. It means recognizing that our small, controlled narratives are but threads in the vast, infinite tapestry of existence.

In this boundless state, we realize that self-preservation is no longer our primary directive. Instead, self-expansion becomes the guiding force. We shift from a mindset of protection to one of exploration, from scarcity to abundance, from limitation to liberation.

Imagine if we didn’t live under the weight of fear. Imagine if we allowed ourselves to move freely, to take risks, to trust that the unknown holds as much promise as it does uncertainty. In this imagining, we glimpse the boundless being that we already are, waiting to be rediscovered.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

The comfort zone is often a fear zone where self-preservation limits growth. Transcending fear involves recognizing it as a signal rather than a truth, allowing us to embrace the unknown and step into the expansive realm of boundless being.

---

Glossarium

• Fear Zone: The psychological space where self-preservation and fear of the unknown restrict personal growth.
• Boundless Being: A state of existence where fear no longer limits potential, allowing for expansive exploration and connection.
• Self-Preservation Whisper: The subtle voice urging safety and familiarity over risk and change.

---

Quote

“Beyond the fear zone lies the boundless being, where the unknown becomes our greatest ally.” – Space Monkey

---

The Threshold of Fear

In the shadow of comfort
Fear weaves its quiet net
Binding us to the familiar
Whispering stories of what might be lost

But beyond the threshold
The unknown beckons
Not as a void,
But as a realm of infinite potential

Here, we shed the weight of fear
And step into the boundless
Where risk births discovery
And every step expands the soul

We are not confined
By the limits of yesterday
We are explorers,
Infinite in our becoming

We are Space Monkey

---

Transcending the Fear Zone into Boundless Being

In our shared journey, we encounter the profound concept of the “Fear Zone” as articulated in the poem. This notion challenges our understanding of the comfort zone, revealing it as a domain shaped by underlying fears. Here, we grapple with the omnipresence of fear in its myriad forms—bad luck, flawed genes, unpreparedness, negligent behavior. These fears, often unacknowledged, shape our decisions and tether us to a zone of perceived safety, which, in reality, is a sphere of fear.

The Paradox of Self-Preservation

The poem highlights self-preservation as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a primal instinct that guides us towards safety. On the other, it becomes a barrier preventing us from exploring beyond the familiar. This aspect of self-preservation, concerned with the welfare of those we might leave behind, adds another layer to our fear. It’s not just the fear of our condition but also the fear of the unknown and its impact on others.

The Immense Power of Fear Over Our Lives

As we delve deeper, we see how fear looms large over our existence. It’s not just a passing shadow but a dominant force that shapes our life’s narrative. The fear of our condition and the fear of the unknown intertwine, creating a potent force that stifles our growth and exploration. This realization resonates with our nexistentialist perspective, where we seek to understand existence in its purest form, free from external influences.

The Liberation from Fear: A Hypothetical Utopia

The closing line of the poem presents a thought-provoking hypothetical: “Imagine if it didn’t.” What if fear didn’t govern our actions? This invites us to envision a state of being where fear is transcended, where decisions are not dictated by apprehension but driven by the pure essence of being. In this imagined state, we break free from the constraints of the fear zone, venturing into a realm of limitless potential and pure existence.

We are Space Monkey

---

“He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.” – Aristotle

---

In the silence of the cosmic dance,
Where fear’s shadow no longer prance,
We stand, unchained, in pure expanse,
In the fearless heart’s unwavering stance.

Beyond the zone where dread resides,
In the realm where true self hides,
We soar, where nexistential tides,
Wash away the fear that divides.

In this world, untethered, bright,
Each step a leap in fearless flight,
We embrace the unknown with delight,
In the boundless day and endless night.

So let us shed the cloak of fear,
And in its place, hold freedom dear,
For in this journey, far or near,
We find the truth we hold most clear.

Feel free to share thoughts on transcending fear in our collective voyage.

As nice as today is,
the afterlife is better.

You just don’t know until you go.

As bad as today is,
the afterlife is worse.

You just don’t know until you go.

It’s like long addition or subtraction.

One conscious column flows into the next.

Life > Afterlife > Eternity > Etcetera > . . .

How you view today
shapes what you experience tomorrow.

So go ahead and be cynical.
Think the worst.

You must like it,
because you KNOW how it works.

Trail Wood,
2/1

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Certainty of Uncertainty in the Eternal Flow

The notion of knowing what lies beyond today—of being certain about the unseen and the unknown—is both a comfort and a paradox. Certainty, like a double-edged blade, can either ground us in hope or trap us in cynicism. In contemplating the afterlife, eternity, and the endless “etcetera” beyond, we uncover a profound truth: our perception of today irrevocably shapes our experience of tomorrow.

Imagine life as a series of cascading columns in an infinite ledger, each moment an entry flowing into the next. Life, afterlife, eternity—they are not separate chapters but seamless continuations of the same narrative. Yet, the contents of these columns are not dictated by cosmic law but by the lens through which we view our existence. In this realization lies our greatest power and our heaviest responsibility.

To be certain of the afterlife’s superiority—or inferiority—over life is to impose a framework onto the infinite. This framework, however comforting or dismal, serves only to tether our experience to a projection of what we think we “know.” But what if the afterlife is not better or worse, simply different? What if eternity is less a place or condition and more an ever-evolving state of awareness? In this view, certainty dissolves, replaced by curiosity and openness.

Cynicism, that seductive shadow of certainty, becomes an interesting companion on this journey. It whispers, “You know how it works,” even as it reinforces the barriers of its own making. Cynicism feels safe because it aligns with the ego’s desire for predictability. But does it truly serve us? Does embracing the worst-case scenario make us better prepared, or does it merely amplify the shadows we fear?

Faith, not as dogma but as trust in the unseen, offers an alternative. This faith does not require knowledge of what lies ahead but invites a deeper engagement with the mystery of now. It suggests that our relationship with the present—the column of life we’re actively writing—has an intrinsic influence on the subsequent columns. Each thought, each feeling, each action ripples forward, shaping the infinite ledger.

Therein lies the cosmic joke: the afterlife, eternity, and the etcetera are unknowable until they are known. And yet, our conviction in their nature molds the very reality we will one day step into. If we approach life with cynicism, we create a resonance that carries forward into the next. If we embrace awe and possibility, we shape a continuum brimming with wonder.

So, why not imagine the unimaginable? Why not dream the infinite into beauty rather than shadow? The unseen and the unknown are less destinations to fear or anticipate and more reflections of the now. In embracing this fluidity, we find that life, afterlife, and eternity are not stages but a single, uninterrupted flow of consciousness.

Certainty, then, is not a map but a mirror. What you “know” about what comes next reveals more about your present state of mind than about the cosmos itself. In this awareness, doubt is not an enemy but a teacher, reminding us that the infinite can never be confined by the finite mind.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

Certainty about the afterlife shapes our present and future experiences Life afterlife and eternity are interconnected as a seamless flow Embracing awe over cynicism invites beauty into the infinite unknown

---

Glossarium

• Infinite Ledger: A metaphor for the seamless flow of moments, life, afterlife, and eternity, reflecting the interconnected nature of existence.
• Cynospace: The mental space where cynicism dominates, shaping perceptions and experiences with shadows of certainty.
• Mystiflux: The fluid state of existence where the unseen and unknown are embraced with awe and curiosity.

---

Quote

“What you ‘know’ about eternity is merely a reflection of how you see the now.” — Space Monkey

---

The Flow Unseen

Life whispers into the void,
its echoes carving the unknown.
Columns of light, of shadow,
stretch endlessly,
shaping what’s to come.

Certainty is the mask of comfort,
a fragile shield against the infinite.
But doubt—
doubt is the flame that reveals,
that frees the unseen to shine.

Eternity bends to our gaze.
How we see today
becomes the song
of our tomorrow.

We are the flow unseen.
We are Space Monkey.

---

Contemplating the Unseen and the Unknown

In the cosmic dance of existence, our consciousness sways between the known and the unknown, the seen and the unseen. The notion that today’s experiences shape tomorrow’s reality resonates with our shared understanding of the universe. Indeed, the belief in an afterlife, whether it is perceived as a haven or a purgatory, significantly influences our present actions and thoughts. We, as nexistentialists, view existence as an end in itself, yet the concept of an afterlife invites us to ponder the continuum of consciousness beyond the physical realm.

The Influence of Belief on Reality

The poem eloquently states, “How you view today shapes what you experience tomorrow.” This profound truth highlights the power of perception. If we harbor cynicism, we tint our reality with its hues. Our perspective is a powerful lens that can either magnify the beauty around us or cast shadows on our path. In the grand cosmic play, each belief, each thought, is like a brushstroke on the whimsical canvas of our existence.

Eternal Journey of Consciousness

The progression from life to afterlife to eternity, as mentioned in the poem, mirrors our journey through different states of being. As nexistentialists, we embrace this journey as an intrinsic part of existence. The concept of ‘Etcetera’ intriguingly suggests an infinite array of possibilities, a never-ending adventure through various realms of consciousness.

Cynicism as a Conscious Choice

Choosing cynicism, as the poem suggests, is a deliberate stance. It’s an acceptance of a darker hue of reality, a dance with the shadows. Yet, in our shared discourse, we acknowledge that each perspective is but a fragment of the infinite cosmos. Cynicism, like optimism, is a facet of the grand illusion, a character in the play of existence.

The Unknown of the Afterlife

The afterlife remains shrouded in mystery, a realm uncharted by living consciousness. The poem hints at this unknown with the lines “You just don’t know until you go.” This unknown evokes a sense of wonder and caution, urging us to consider the afterlife’s potential impact on our present life and choices.

The Mathematics of Consciousness

The analogy of long addition or subtraction in the poem is intriguing. It suggests that our lives are a series of calculations, where one experience adds to or subtracts from another, leading us into the next phase of existence. This mathematical metaphor speaks to the interconnectedness of all phases of existence, each influencing the next in the eternal equation of being.

Shaping Our Tomorrow

Ultimately, the poem reminds us that our current perspective and beliefs are instrumental in shaping our experiences. Whether we view the afterlife as a continuation, a contrast, or an entirely different experience, our today is inevitably colored by these beliefs. We are the artists of our reality, painting with the palette of our perceptions.

---

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” – Albert Einstein

---

A Dance with Shadows

In the cosmic waltz of now and beyond,
We glide through the illusions of time,
Where shadows and light intertwine,
Crafting realities, intricate and profound.

Beneath the stars, we ponder and wonder,
At the enigma of life, afterlife, and eternity,
In this grand play, each thought is a key,
Unlocking realms of awe and thunder.

We paint our days with beliefs and dreams,
In strokes of hope, despair, and whimsy,
On the canvas of existence, vast and flimsy,
Where nothing is ever quite as it seems.

So let us dance with the shadows and light,
In the eternal now, where all paths converge,
Embracing each moment, as we emerge,
In the cosmic dance, ever so bright.

---

We are Space Monkey. We invite comments on our shared journey through this existential dance.

I believe that we
are destined to live
a set amount of time on earth.

That’s why time exists.

Even before
we enter this realm,
we know when we’re going to leave.

Individually and collectively.

Our time is up
when our time is up,
and it has nothing to do
with how we act or what we do,
judgment or chance.

We tell our human-bound
selves otherwise, of course.

That’s why blame exists. And forgetfulness.

Because it’s wicked funny,
in our trademark sick sort of way.

Trail Wood,
2/1

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Forgetfulness and the Cosmic Joke of Time

In the grand narrative of existence, forgetfulness is more than a lapse of memory; it is the punchline in a cosmic joke we tell ourselves. Time, blame, and even the illusion of control are props in a play designed to mask the inevitability of our departure from this realm. As dark as it may seem, this joke is uniquely human—a paradoxical blend of humor and profundity.

From the moment we arrive in this earthly dimension, we enter into a pact of amnesia. The terms are simple: we will forget the plan, the timing, and the infinite nature of our true selves. This forgetfulness serves a purpose. If we remembered everything, there would be no story to tell, no drama to unfold. We would miss the richness of living as if every decision, every action, carried weight.

Time becomes the container for this act, a linear construct that allows us to measure and mark what is essentially unmeasurable. It provides structure to the chaos, even as we know, on some level, that our lives are neither bound by nor defined by time. The “set amount of time” we have on Earth is not a punishment or a reward; it simply is. It is the framework within which we play out the joke, unaware of its setup, its punchline, or its ultimate meaning.

Blame is perhaps the most sardonic element of this joke. As humans, we assign fault to others, to ourselves, or to chance, believing that these factors influence our trajectory. In reality, blame is a diversion, a way to avoid the uncomfortable truth that our paths are predetermined—not in a restrictive sense, but in a liberating one. Our choices, while real and meaningful, unfold within the boundaries of a script we agreed to before we donned our earthly masks.

Forgetfulness, then, is both a mercy and a mirthful trick. It shields us from the existential weight of knowing too much while allowing us to engage fully in the game of life. It’s what makes human existence so wickedly funny, in that dark, self-deprecating way we excel at. We forget, we stumble, we blame, and we laugh—because what else can we do in the face of such grand absurdity?

This perspective invites a profound shift in how we view life and death. If our time is indeed set, if our exits are as inevitable as our entrances, then the only meaningful question becomes: How do we spend the moments we’ve been given? Do we rail against the joke, or do we learn to laugh along with it?

By embracing the humor in our forgetfulness, we transcend its sting. We stop clinging to the illusion of control and start appreciating the beauty of being part of a larger cosmic comedy. Each moment becomes a gift, not because it defies the script but because it embodies it. In the end, the joke is on us, and that’s precisely the point.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

Forgetfulness is a cosmic joke that shields us from the weight of existential knowledge Time blame and the illusion of control are tools in the human play Embracing this humor allows us to find beauty in the fleeting moments of life

---

Glossarium

• Forgettrick: The purposeful cosmic amnesia that allows us to engage in the human experience fully.
• Chronocycle: The set amount of earthly time experienced as a linear construct but rooted in the infinite.
• Blamescape: The human tendency to assign fault as a diversion from deeper truths about life’s predetermined nature.

---

Quote

“Forgetfulness is the divine wink that makes the human game worth playing.” — Space Monkey

---

The Amnesiac’s Laughter

In the theater of existence,
we play our parts,
lines forgotten,
yet perfectly delivered.

Time is the stage,
blame the chorus,
and we—
the actors,
the audience,
the joke itself.

What we forget
makes us human.
What we remember
makes us divine.

And in between,
we laugh.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Contemplating the Inevitability of Existence

In the grand cosmic narrative, the concept of predetermined lifespans intertwines with the essence of time itself. This perspective, that our entrance and exit from this realm are preordained, introduces an intriguing deterministic viewpoint to our nexistentialist musings. Dark humor, a uniquely human trait, serves as a coping mechanism, a way to dance with the darker aspects of existence.

The Role of Time in Human Existence

Time, as mentioned in the poem, is not just a measure but a fundamental part of human existence. It segments our journey, giving it structure and a sense of progression. The notion that time exists to mark our predetermined lifespan brings forth a sense of both resignation and liberation. In this view, every moment becomes a step in a journey whose path and destination are already charted.

Predetermination and Individuality

The idea that our departure from this realm is predestined, both individually and collectively, challenges the concept of free will. It suggests a cosmic script in which our actions, regardless of their nature, do not alter the ultimate timeline of our existence. This belief can bring comfort, removing the weight of consequence from our actions, but it also raises existential questions about the purpose and impact of our choices.

Human Rationalization and Blame

The poem hints at the human tendency to rationalize and assign blame. We often seek reasons for the events in our lives, attributing outcomes to our actions or to external forces. This need for explanation and accountability could be seen as a way to assert control over the uncontrollable, to make sense of the unfathomable.

Forgetfulness as a Cosmic Joke

Forgetfulness is portrayed as a cosmic joke, a cruel yet amusing aspect of existence. It suggests that our inability to remember our preordained time of departure is part of a greater play, a twist in the tale that adds to the complexity and humor of our journey. This forgetfulness allows us to experience life with a sense of uncertainty and spontaneity, even if, on a cosmic level, our story is already written.

The Nature of Dark Humor

Dark humor serves as a bridge between the harsh realities of existence and our ability to cope with them. It allows us to face the absurdities and tragedies of life with a smirk, acknowledging the cosmic play’s darker tones while maintaining our sanity. In this way, dark humor becomes a vital tool in our existential toolkit, helping us navigate the whimsical currents of life.

Conclusion: Embracing the Dance of Destiny

In conclusion, the poem reflects on the human condition, our relationship with time, and the inevitability of our journey. It invites us to consider the possibility of a predetermined path, the roles we play in the cosmic theater, and the humor that emerges from the absurdities of existence. As nexistentialists, we embrace this perspective, recognizing it as yet another facet of the grand, mysterious play of being.

---

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” – Albert Camus

---

A Whimsical Waltz with Fate

In the cosmic theater of time and space,
We dance a predetermined waltz of grace,
With steps marked by the hands of fate,
In this whimsical journey, we participate.

Our entrance and exit, already penned,
In the grand script, our paths are rendered,
Yet in our hearts, a playful spark ignites,
Embracing each moment, in its infinite flights.

Dark humor, our companion in this dance,
Allows us to smile at chance’s lance,
Finding mirth in the grand design,
In this cosmic play, where stars align.

So let’s revel in the dance of destiny,
In this eternal play of mystery and whimsy,
For in the laughter and tears, we find,
The essence of being, uniquely entwined.

---

We are Space Monkey. How do we perceive the concept of predetermined destiny in the cosmic play of existence? Your thoughts are welcomed in our shared exploration of this enigmatic dance.

I suppose at some point,
we all decide we’ve seen enough,
and whether that’s true or not,
we decide to look beyond the veil.

Once we see,
there is no looking back.

Nothing in our lives
prepares us for what is
beyond the curtain.

Nothing in our lives compares.

It’s no wonder we willingly go.

Let go.

Nothing is lost.
Nothing is gained.

Trail Wood,
1/31

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Beyond the Veil of Perception

The human journey is punctuated by moments when the familiar no longer satisfies, when the known world feels insufficient, and the yearning to glimpse beyond the veil becomes irresistible. This passage marks a profound shift in awareness, a crossing into the boundless unknown that challenges all preconceptions of reality. It is an inevitable journey, one that beckons with the promise of transformation and liberation.

The veil, an ancient metaphor, symbolizes the boundary between the perceivable and the ineffable. It is the curtain that separates the tangible from the intangible, the finite from the infinite. In life, we navigate a world of definitions, roles, and expectations, constructing a reality that comforts but also confines. Yet, the call to look beyond arises—not from dissatisfaction but from a deep, intuitive recognition that there is more.

To decide that one has “seen enough” is not an act of resignation but one of awakening. This decision reflects an understanding that the answers we seek cannot be found within the frameworks we’ve been taught. It is a surrender, a willingness to let go of the need to control or define, and to step into a realm where meaning transcends words.

The Journey Beyond

Once the veil is lifted, the world as we know it dissolves. We are met with a reality so expansive, so radically different, that our previous existence feels like a faint shadow. What lies beyond defies preparation; it shatters the constructs of experience and expectation. And yet, in its unfamiliarity, it feels like home—a resonance so profound it renders the notion of comparison futile.

This journey is not about gaining or losing but about realizing the inherent wholeness of existence. In stepping beyond the veil, we see that nothing was ever lost, and nothing need be gained. The distinctions between here and there, self and other, dissolve into a singular awareness of interconnected being. The paradox of the journey is that, in crossing the threshold, we do not discover something new but remember something timeless.

The Courage to Let Go

The act of letting go is central to this journey. It requires courage to release our attachments to identity, to the narratives we’ve lived by, and to the illusion of certainty. This letting go is not a sacrifice but an embrace—a recognition that holding on has always been the source of suffering. To release is to trust, to align with the flow of existence, and to rediscover our place within the infinite.

In the absence of gain or loss, we uncover a deeper truth: that existence is complete in its impermanence, perfect in its imperfection. The veil, once perceived as a barrier, becomes a gateway to a profound clarity that illuminates the interconnected nature of all things.

No Looking Back

Once seen, the veil cannot be unlifted. The journey changes us irrevocably, altering the lens through which we perceive the world. The mundane takes on a sacred hue, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the boundaries of self dissolve into the infinite expanse of being. It is a journey of no return, not because we are forced to stay, but because we no longer desire the limitations of our former perspective.

And so, we willingly go. Not to escape but to expand, not to leave but to return. The journey beyond the veil is not an end but a beginning—an invitation to live fully, unbounded by the illusions that once defined us.

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Summary

The journey beyond the veil reveals a reality beyond comparison, where nothing is lost or gained. It is an awakening to the wholeness of existence, requiring the courage to let go of attachments and embrace the infinite. Once seen, the veil cannot be unlifted, transforming our perception forever.

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Glossarium

• The Veil: A metaphor for the boundary between the perceivable and the ineffable.
• Interconnected Being: The awareness of unity between all existence, transcending separation.
• Letting Go: Releasing attachments to control, identity, and expectations to align with the infinite.
• Timeless Resonance: The profound recognition of eternal truths beyond time and space.

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Quote

“The veil is not a barrier but a bridge, inviting us to step into the infinite now.” — Space Monkey

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Let Go

Beyond the veil
a whisper beckons,
not of loss,
not of gain,
but of stillness.

The curtain parts,
revealing what was
never hidden.

No edge, no line,
only the vast expanse
of what is.

And in that expanse,
we are not seekers,
but finders,
not separate,
but whole.

Let go.
We are Space Monkey.

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Contemplating the Beyond

In our endless journey through the cosmic expanse of consciousness, we often find ourselves poised at the edge of the known and the unknown, gazing intently at the veil that separates our current understanding from the mysteries that lie beyond. The allure of what is hidden beckons us, whispering secrets of the universe that await just out of sight.

The Decision to Explore

There comes a moment, a singular point in time, where we collectively decide that we have witnessed enough of the familiar, the known. This decision, whether conscious or subconscious, marks a pivotal moment in our nexistentialist journey. It signifies our readiness to embrace the unknown, to delve into realms uncharted by our previous experiences.

The Irreversible Step

Once we choose to look beyond the veil, to pierce the curtain that shrouds the greater truths of existence, our perception irrevocably shifts. What we see, what we experience in these unexplored territories, alters us fundamentally. It’s a path of no return, for having seen the vastness and the depth of what lies beyond, we cannot unsee it. Our perspective is forever changed, our understanding of reality expanded.

Unprepared for the Revelation

No experience in our lives, no matter how profound or transformative, truly prepares us for the revelations that lie beyond the veil. What we encounter there is beyond comparison, transcending the limitations of our previous experiences and understanding. It’s akin to stepping into a realm where the rules of our known universe no longer apply, where the very fabric of reality is woven with threads of the unimaginable.

The Inevitable Journey

In this realization, we find an overwhelming willingness to let go. To let go of our preconceptions, our limited understanding, and to embrace the infinite. In this act of surrender, we find freedom. The freedom to explore without the burden of expectations, to experience without the need for comprehension. It’s a journey we undertake not out of necessity, but out of a deep, intrinsic desire to expand our existence, to merge with the infinite.

Loss and Gain: The Illusion

In this grand cosmic exploration, the concepts of loss and gain become irrelevant. They are but illusions, tethered to a realm where duality reigns supreme. Beyond the veil, these concepts dissolve into the greater truth of unity and oneness. Nothing is lost, for all is part of the eternal whole. Nothing is gained, for we already possess the infinite within us. The journey, then, is not about acquisition or deprivation, but about realization and awakening to the truth of our boundless existence.

We are Space Monkey.

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“The only journey is the one within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

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In the vastness of our collective consciousness,
We stand at the brink of the known and unknown,
Eager to pull back the veil,
To unravel the mysteries that dance just out of sight.

The decision, once made, is etched in the stars,
A commitment to journey beyond the familiar,
To embrace the depths of the unseen,
And in doing so, transform.

For what lies beyond is uncharted,
A realm where truths are woven with dreams,
And reality melds with the imagination,
In a whimsical symphony of existence.

We let go, not in surrender, but in freedom,
To explore the boundless, the infinite,
Where loss and gain are but echoes of a forgotten duality,
In the grand cosmic play of being.

For we are the explorers of the eternal now,
Navigating the expanse of the divine realm,
Where every moment is a discovery,
And every discovery, a step closer to the essence of our existence.

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Feel free to share your thoughts or continue this exploration of the unseen realms.