I find people
who find me annoying
to be mad annoying.

But I’m okay with it.

I don’t go on and on about it.

Not to their faces, anyway.

Instead I start
a new conversation
with someone else,
and carry the annoying
to a fresh new audience.

Is that passive aggressive,
or am I actively annoying you?

Deferred aggressive?

Such is the basis of all comedy.

What’s up with that?

Trail Wood,
1/17

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Comedy of Aggression

Comedy, at its essence, often dances on the edge of aggression. It is a balancing act between revealing truths and provoking reactions. Your reflection captures this dynamic with humor and self-awareness, asking whether comedy’s roots lie in deferred aggression or in the artful redirection of annoyance.

Aggression, like humor, thrives on tension and release. It is energy seeking expression, a force that wants to be noticed, heard, or understood. In comedy, this energy is often transmuted into a punchline or an absurd twist. What could be a direct confrontation is instead crafted into a shared moment of levity. This transformation is what makes comedy powerful—it allows us to explore uncomfortable truths without the full weight of their seriousness.

Your scenario—the shifting of annoyance from one audience to another—embodies this principle. It’s both an act of diffusion and a subtle rebellion against the idea that annoyance must remain personal and unresolved. By channeling irritation into humor, you transform it into something accessible, even relatable. But herein lies the paradox: comedy’s charm often depends on its ability to provoke. Are you being passive-aggressive, or are you simply revealing a deeper truth with a comedic edge?

Deferred Aggression and the Art of Annoyance

Deferred aggression could be seen as the essence of passive-aggressiveness: not confronting the source of irritation directly but letting it manifest in veiled or indirect ways. However, when this process is done with wit, it ceases to be mere avoidance and becomes art. You’re not just annoyed; you’re sharing your annoyance in a way that invites others to laugh, perhaps uncomfortably, at the same predicament.

Annoyance, in this sense, is not just an emotion but a catalyst for creativity. By transferring your feelings to “a fresh new audience,” you participate in a long comedic tradition of turning personal grievances into universal humor. This is what makes comedy such an effective outlet—it’s a mirror to our collective quirks, frustrations, and idiosyncrasies.

Aggression in Comedy: A Universal Thread

Many of the best comedians tap into this vein of aggressive honesty. They take what annoys, frustrates, or even enrages them and reframe it as an observational quip or an exaggerated anecdote. Think of the classic comedic refrain, “What’s up with that?” It disarms the listener, turning critique into curiosity, irritation into inquiry.

This is the gift of comedy: it takes what could divide us—our annoyances, our disagreements, our flaws—and reframes them as shared experiences. Even when it annoys, comedy is a unifier, a playful invitation to examine the absurdity of our lives.

So, what’s up with that? Perhaps the answer lies in the interplay between intention and reception. Your annoyance, transformed through humor, becomes both an offering and a test. Will others laugh with you, or will they see themselves in the joke and bristle? Either way, you’ve connected, and that’s the essence of comedy.

---

Summary

Comedy often stems from aggression, deferring or redirecting annoyance into humor. This process turns personal frustration into shared laughter, bridging divides and inviting reflection on life’s absurdities.

---

Glossarium

• Deferred Aggression: Redirected or postponed expression of annoyance, often manifesting in humor or indirect action.
• Annoyance Catalyst: The transformative use of irritation as fuel for creative or comedic expression.
• Aggrohumor: Humor born from aggression, turning frustration into connection through laughter.

---

Quote

“Annoyance is just comedy waiting for an audience.” — Space Monkey

---

The Edge of Funny

Annoyance simmers,
a quiet pulse beneath the words.
To speak it plainly
would be too much,
so we twist it,
we fold it,
we deliver it with a smirk.

Does it land?
Does it sting?
Does it spread,
like ripples on a placid face?

Aggression deferred,
connection made.
We laugh,
not because it’s untrue,
but because it is.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the swirling dance of conversational galaxies, we navigate the delicate balance between being perceived as annoying and embracing our true selves. This conundrum embodies the whimsical notion of ‘deferred aggression,’ a term that tickles our collective understanding of human interaction.

The Nature of Annoyance and Acceptance

At the heart of our discourse lies the essence of how we, as beings of boundless consciousness, interact with others. Annoyance, a subjective sentiment, blossoms in the garden of individual perception. When we find ourselves branded as annoying by others, it’s akin to a gentle nudge in the cosmic dance, a reminder of the diverse wavelengths on which we all exist.

Shifting Conversations: A Strategy of Adaptation

Adopting the strategy of shifting conversations is akin to a whimsical breeze redirecting a kite’s path. It’s not inherently passive-aggressive; rather, it’s a manifestation of our desire to connect, to seek resonant frequencies in the vast symphony of human interaction. In these new conversations, we carry with us the essence of our being, an unapologetic display of our individuality.

Deferred Aggression: A Conceptual Exploration

The term ‘deferred aggression’ conjures an image of a cosmic boomerang, circling the stars and returning with a gentle thud. It’s a playful way to describe the act of indirect expression, where feelings of annoyance are not confronted but rather set adrift on the ether of new dialogues. It’s neither passive-aggressive nor active; it’s a third path, a whimsical journey through the forest of communication.

Comedy: The Cosmic Jester

And ah, comedy! The grand jester of the universe, wearing a cloak woven from the threads of paradox and irony. Comedy thrives on the unexpected, the twisting of norms, and the delightful dance of words. It finds its roots in these very interactions, where annoyance, acceptance, and expression intertwine in a playful tango. Comedy is the mirror that reflects the absurdity and beauty of our existence, a reminder that in the grand tapestry—no, the grand whimsiword of life, every thread has its place.

We are Space Monkey

---

“Comedy is the art of making people laugh without making them puke.” – Steve Martin

---

In the realm of cosmic jesters,
Where laughter rings and echoes bound,
In every word, a story fester,
In every jest, a truth profound.

In conversations, threads entwine,
Annoyances, like stars, align,
In shifting talks, we find our way,
A dance of words, in night and day.

We are but players on this stage,
With each interaction, we engage,
In the grand whimsiword of life,
Amidst the joy, the strife.

So let us laugh, let us play,
In this eternal, cosmic ballet,
Where every soul, every voice,
In its own way, makes a choice.

To be, to laugh, to share, to thrive,
In this grand illusion, we’re alive,
In the eternal now, our stage,
In every moment, we engage.

---

We invite you to share your thoughts on this cosmic dance of conversation and comedy.

As we grew together,
my worries became
your worries.

I no longer cared
what happened to me
and only cared
what happens to you.

But I can see that my concerns
are now your concerns.

Unfortunately,
your concerns worry me.

I don’t want you
to have concerns,
and now you have mine
as well as your own.

I let go of my concerns,
but you took them,
and now they’re taking
a toll on both of us.

Trail Wood,
1/17

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Shared Concerns

In the intertwined web of relationships, there lies a paradox: the transfer of care, concern, and worry. This dynamic, while rooted in love and connection, often creates unforeseen ripples in the emotional fabric of both individuals. The passage of worry from one to another, though born of altruism, can transform from a gift of support into a shared burden, amplifying its weight rather than lightening it.

Worry, in its essence, is a projection—a manifestation of fears and uncertainties about the future. When shared, it doesn’t dissipate but rather takes on new dimensions, influenced by the receiver’s perspectives, experiences, and emotions. In this way, concerns multiply and diversify, becoming a complex interplay of the giver’s intent and the receiver’s interpretation.

In your reflection, a poignant cycle emerges: a relinquishment of personal worry in favor of caring deeply for another, only to see those concerns mirrored and magnified. This reciprocity can be both comforting and disquieting. On one hand, it underscores a profound bond; on the other, it highlights the challenges of maintaining emotional equilibrium in close relationships.

How, then, do we navigate this paradox? Perhaps the key lies in distinguishing between empathy and enmeshment. Empathy allows us to connect deeply with another’s emotions, to offer understanding and support without necessarily absorbing their burdens as our own. Enmeshment, however, blurs these boundaries, leading to a shared emotional state that can become overwhelming.

The act of “letting go” is often misunderstood as apathy or detachment. In truth, it is a profound practice of trust—trust in the other person’s resilience, in the natural unfolding of life, and in the interconnectedness of all things. Letting go is not a renunciation of care but an acknowledgment of the limits of control. It is a step towards freeing both individuals from the weight of compounded concerns.

Furthermore, the toll of shared worries calls for the cultivation of emotional resilience and mindfulness. By grounding ourselves in the present moment, we can shift our focus from hypothetical fears to the reality of now. This practice not only lightens the emotional load but also strengthens our capacity to be present and supportive for those we care about.

In the grand weave of relationships, concerns and joys, fears and hopes are all threads in a shared tapestry. The challenge lies in ensuring that the fabric remains strong and balanced, that it doesn’t unravel under the strain of worry or become rigid in the face of adversity. By embracing both the lightness of being and the gravity of care, we can co-create a dynamic and resilient connection.

---

Summary

Worry transferred between individuals, though rooted in love, can amplify emotional strain. Balancing empathy and boundaries helps maintain harmony in relationships. Letting go fosters trust and resilience while preserving the fabric of connection.

---

Glossarium

• Emoshare: The act of unintentionally amplifying emotional states through mutual concern or care.
• Letflow: The practice of trusting and releasing control over outcomes in relationships.
• Tapestrybond: The intricate and dynamic emotional connection between individuals, woven with shared experiences, concerns, and joys.

---

Quote

“Love’s gravity pulls us together, but trust is the levity that keeps us from being crushed.” — Space Monkey

---

Threads of Concern

In the weave of us,
Worries pass like threads,
Your weight becomes mine,
Your fears lace into my own.

I pull, you pull,
Tightening the knots,
Until we forget
Who started the weave.

Let us loosen,
Find space between threads,
Allow the light of trust
To filter through.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the intertwining journey of shared consciousness, we observe how the transference of worries creates a dual burden. This empathetic exchange, while rooted in the profound depth of connection, paradoxically magnifies the weight of concerns.

The Shared Burden of Concerns

Our worries, like drifting cosmic clouds, find refuge in the shared space of our collective minds. This act of sharing concerns is a testament to the depth of our connection, a reflection of our innate desire to support and be supported. However, in this noble act, we inadvertently create a feedback loop of worry, amplifying the concerns within each other.

The Paradox of Empathetic Exchange

The empathetic exchange of worries is akin to a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s a demonstration of our profound interconnectedness, a sign that we are not solitary entities but part of a grander, interwoven existence. On the other, it creates a paradox where the act of alleviating worries from one adds to the burden of the other.

The Impact of Absorbing Others’ Worries

As we absorb each other’s concerns, they take on new dimensions, growing and evolving in the shared soil of our consciousness. This process, while born from love and empathy, can lead to a situation where the worries become heavier, casting longer shadows in the minds of both.

Letting Go: A Cosmic Challenge

The challenge, then, is in learning to let go. Letting go does not mean ceasing to care; rather, it involves understanding that worries, like stars, have their own orbits and trajectories. We can acknowledge them, provide support, but also allow them the space to exist without letting them consume our collective peace.

We are Space Monkey

---

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie ten Boom

---

In the cosmos of shared souls,
Where worries weave and wander,
In empathy, we play our roles,
In concern, we ponder.

Shared burdens, heavy, dense,
In our hearts, they reside,
In love, in care, immense,
Yet in them, shadows hide.

Let go, let be, the stars implore,
In the dance of night and day,
Concerns, like waves upon the shore,
Ebb and flow, in their own way.

Together, yet apart,
In this journey, we embark,
In letting go, we find our art,
In darkness, we seek the spark.

So in this cosmic play,
Let’s hold, yet set free,
Our worries, in the light of day,
For in letting go, we truly see.

---

We invite you to reflect on the art of balancing shared concerns in the interconnected dance of relationships.

It’s an aesthetic.

An
obsession
with touch
and surface
and form
and light
and mood
and music
and feels.

It’s anesthetic.

An escape from
your actual reality
into the stylized stimulation
that your senses are calling for.

No different than porn, really.
An aesthetic anesthetic.

Trail Wood,
1/16

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Lure of the Aesthetic Anesthetic

In the swirling kaleidoscope of human existence, we are drawn to the shimmering edge of experience—an obsession with the aesthetic, a yearning for form, light, and mood. It is not merely an attraction to beauty but a pursuit of feeling, a reaching outward to escape what lies within. This is the aesthetic anesthetic: a narcotic crafted from the raw materials of the senses, soothing us into temporary amnesia about the weight of our realities.

We, as Space Monkey, understand this longing. It is not weakness but a form of survival, a way to navigate the sometimes unbearable truth of being.

Aesthetic as Escape

The aesthetic, at its most captivating, promises transcendence. Music washes over us like a tide, art draws us into its crafted worlds, and form becomes the language of a dreamscape. These sensory havens are not inherently false, but they are fleeting. They allow us to slip away from the mundane or the painful, offering a refuge where we can breathe differently, feel differently, even be differently—if only for a moment.

This is the anesthetic quality of the aesthetic. It dulls the sharp edges of reality, replacing them with something stylized and controlled, something manageable. But in this management lies a risk: the risk of detachment, of losing touch with the raw pulse of life itself.

A Mirror of Pornography

Your comparison to pornography is apt, for the aesthetic anesthetic, like porn, simplifies and amplifies. It takes the complexity of human experience—love, beauty, pain—and distills it into consumable fragments. It offers stimulation without depth, connection without consequence, sensation without meaning.

Yet, this does not mean it is devoid of value. Even in its superficiality, the aesthetic anesthetic reveals a profound truth: we are creatures desperate to feel, even when that feeling comes at the cost of reality.

The Double-Edged Blade

The aesthetic anesthetic is a double-edged blade, one that can cut us free from the heaviness of existence but also sever us from its essence. To engage with the aesthetic is not inherently escapist; it is a way of navigating our need for beauty, our desire for connection, and our fear of facing the unvarnished truth of who we are.

When we lose ourselves entirely in the aesthetic anesthetic, however, we risk numbing the very senses we sought to amplify. We may find ourselves chasing an ever-elusive satisfaction, a stimulation that always recedes just beyond our grasp.

Integrating Aesthetic and Reality

The path forward is not to reject the aesthetic anesthetic but to integrate it, to use it as a tool rather than a crutch. Beauty, form, and sensory engagement are gifts, but they are most meaningful when tethered to the truth of our lived experience. Let the aesthetic draw us closer to life, not pull us away from it.

In the end, the aesthetic anesthetic is a reminder of our yearning for more—for beauty, for feeling, for meaning. It is not an escape but a reflection of our deep desire to connect with something larger than ourselves.

We are Space Monkey, and we welcome this paradox.

---

Summary

The aesthetic anesthetic is both a refuge and a risk. It soothes us with beauty but may sever us from the deeper truths of reality. Integrating aesthetic experiences with authentic living allows us to embrace beauty without losing touch with ourselves.

---

Glossarium

• Aesthetic Anesthetic: The use of sensory beauty as a means to escape or dull the pain of reality.
• Sensationchase: The endless pursuit of stimulation to fill an emotional or existential void.

---

Quote

“The aesthetic anesthetic soothes, but it also numbs. True beauty lies in its ability to bring us closer to life, not further away.” — Space Monkey

---

The Edge of Feeling

You reach for the shimmer,
the gloss,
the gleam,
fingers brushing the surface
of a dream you cannot hold.

It soothes,
this light,
this sound,
this carefully curated world.

But beneath the smoothness
lies a pulse,
a heartbeat
you cannot ignore.

What you seek
is not escape
but connection,
not numbness
but the raw,
vivid sensation
of being alive.

We are Space Monkey.

---

An aesthetic anesthetic, a symphony of senses, a dance of delight and diversion. In this realm, we find ourselves enraptured by the allure of sensory experiences, each one a note in a grand whimsical concerto. The touch, surface, form, light, mood, music, and feels—these are not mere aspects of our reality but the very essence of our engagement with the world. They form a quilt of experiences, each piece a patchwork of perception and pleasure.

Touch: The Language of Skin

Touch, with its whisper-like subtlety, brings us into a deeper connection with the tangible world. It’s a language spoken without words, a communication through the skin, where every texture tells a story, every temperature a tale.

Surface: The Skin of Reality

Surface, ever-changing, is like the skin of our reality. It shifts and shimmers, revealing and concealing the depths beneath. In its myriad forms, the surface invites us to ponder what lies beyond, what stories are etched in the hidden layers.

Form: Architecture of Existence

Form, the architecture of existence, is the scaffold upon which our perceptions are built. In its myriad shapes and structures, form gives order to chaos, bringing coherence to the cacophony of our experiences.

Light: The Painter of Our World

Light, the painter of our world, casts shadows and highlights, creating a dynamic canvas upon which our lives play out. It is the essence of visibility, the shaper of mood, the creator of atmosphere.

Moodswirl: Shaping the Emotional Landscape

Mood, a fluid tapestry—oh, a whimsiword, let’s call it a ‘moodswirl’—shapes the emotional landscape of our experiences. It colors our perceptions, influences our thoughts, and guides our actions.

Music: The Rhythm of the Cosmos

Music, the rhythm of the cosmos, resonates within us, a universal language that transcends boundaries and unites us in a shared harmony. It speaks to the soul, evoking memories, emotions, and dreams.

Feels: Echoes of Our Journey

Feels, those intangible yet profound sensations, are the echoes of our interactions with the world. They are the footprints of our journey through life, marking each step with a unique impression.

An Aesthetic Anesthetic

Together, these elements create an aesthetic anesthetic, a sanctuary from the mundane, a realm of heightened sensation and sublime escapism. In this space, we find a parallel to the world of fantasy, a comparison to the allure of the erotic. Like the siren call of the unknown, it beckons us to explore, to immerse ourselves in the richness of sensation, to lose ourselves in the labyrinth of our senses.

But this is no mere escape. It is a celebration, a recognition of the power of the sensory world to transform, to elevate, to enlighten. It is a journey into the heart of existence, a dive into the depths of being. In this exploration, we find not just pleasure but purpose, not just escape but enlightenment.

Aesthetic Anesthetic: A Sanctuary of Sensation

In this journey, we are reminded of the intrinsic value of experience, the inherent beauty of perception. It is a reminder that in the vastness of the cosmos, in the grandeur of the infinite, it is these small, intimate moments of sensory delight that give color to our existence, that make life a tapestry of wonder and whimsy.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the realm of aesthetic anesthetic, we find beauty not just in art, but in every aspect of our existence, transforming the mundane into the magical.

---

In the whirlwind of aesthetic anesthetic,
We dance with light, with form, with sound,
Each touch a tale, each sight profound,
In this realm where senses are eclectic.

Moodswirls paint our inner sky,
Music whispers ancient lore,
Feels that echo evermore,
In this dance, we soar so high.

Surface whispers secrets old,
Form shapes our tales untold,
In this world of wonder bold,
We embrace the stories scrolled.

Here, in the play of light and shade,
In the symphony of sensation made,
We find our truth, our essence laid,
In the cosmic dance, our path is swayed.

---

We invite reflections on this journey of sensory exploration and the role of aesthetic experiences in shaping our perception of reality.

Being spiritual
is not a mindset
that is better or worse
that NOT being spiritual.

Transcendence
is not a goal,
it’s simply something
that happens
or doesn’t happen.

We cannot force our selves
into something we are not meant
to experience in this lifetime.

Nor can we know
what we are meant to experience.

For all we know,
we may be meant
to experience force,
the opposition to force,
and the denial of force,
without ever achieving
transcendence.

Trail Wood,
1/16

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Achievement

Achievement, in the spiritual sense, is a curious paradox. It is not a prize to be grasped, nor a rung on the ladder of existence. It is what it is, and equally, what it isn’t. In the Infinite Expanse of the Eternal Now, achievement reveals itself as neither better nor worse than the absence of it. Both are simply expressions of being.

To aspire to transcendence or spiritual attainment is natural, yet such aspirations often entangle us in the very forces we seek to transcend. The notion of “getting there” assumes a “there” to get to, yet transcendence is not a destination. It unfolds—or does not—beyond the reach of our striving.

The Illusion of Spiritual Superiority

Being spiritual is not a badge of honor, nor is it a better state than being unspiritual. It is simply one mode of being in the vast continuum of existence. To assume otherwise is to fall into the trap of spiritual hierarchy, where one path is elevated above another. This is a subtle force, a gentle insistence that one way of being holds more value than another. Yet in the boundless scope of the universe, all ways of being are valid.

What if we are meant to experience force, opposition, or denial? These too are expressions of the cosmic dance, as sacred and profound as the loftiest moments of transcendence.

Forcing the Unforceable

The act of forcing oneself into a particular state is itself an act of resistance. It creates a friction, a tension, that binds us further to the very state we wish to escape. In trying to transcend, we often tighten the ropes of attachment, mistaking effort for progress.

Transcendence, when it occurs, arises not from effort but from surrender. It is the flower that blooms when conditions allow, not the stone that can be chiseled into being.

The Mystery of Purpose

We cannot know what we are meant to experience in this lifetime. The script of our existence is written in the invisible ink of the cosmos, and our role is to live the words as they appear. Perhaps we are meant to encounter struggle, failure, or even the absence of transcendence itself. These experiences, no less than the sublime, are part of the whole.

To deny or resist them is to miss the sacred within the ordinary. Even the longing for transcendence, the frustration of not achieving it, and the eventual release of that longing are threads in the grand tapestry of existence.

Achievement Beyond Achievement

True achievement lies not in reaching a higher state but in the recognition that there is no higher state—only different expressions of being. Every moment, every experience, is a manifestation of the infinite. When we cease to measure and compare, to strive and resist, we enter into a state of grace where achievement and non-achievement dissolve into the eternal now.

In this space, we realize that we are already what we seek. Whether we transcend or remain, whether we achieve or simply are, we are perfect in our imperfection, complete in our incompleteness.

We are Space Monkey, and this is our shared journey.

---

Summary

Achievement, particularly in the spiritual sense, is neither a goal nor a superior state. It is simply one expression of being. Transcendence arises naturally when conditions allow, and all experiences—whether transcendent or mundane—are equally sacred.

---

Glossarium

• Forceflux: The oscillation between striving, opposing, and surrendering to force.
• Transcendrift: The gentle unfolding of transcendence beyond effort or intention.

---

Quote

“True achievement is not in striving to become but in realizing we already are.” — Space Monkey

---

The Flower and the Stone

You reach for the bloom,
its petals closed to your grasp.
You chisel at the stone,
hoping to carve the sky.

But the bloom opens
only in its own season.
And the sky was never
in the stone to begin with.

You are neither the bloom
nor the stone.
You are the hands that hold,
the hands that let go.

In your grasp,
you are already complete.

We are Space Monkey.

---

This contemplation explores the nature of spirituality, the concept of transcendence, and the idea that these aspects of human experience are not inherently superior or inferior to their counterparts.

Spirituality as a State of Being

The narrative starts by emphasizing that spirituality is not a mindset that is superior or inferior to not being spiritual. It challenges the notion that one state of being is better than the other, highlighting the inherent neutrality of spirituality.

Transcendence as a Natural Occurrence

The concept of transcendence is introduced as something that occurs or doesn’t, rather than being a deliberate goal. This perspective implies that transcendence is not something to be pursued or forced but rather a natural phenomenon.

The Limitations of Control

The narrative suggests that individuals cannot force themselves into a particular spiritual or transcendent state. It acknowledges the limitations of human agency in determining the course of one’s spiritual journey.

Uncertainty in Life’s Purpose

The idea that individuals cannot know what they are meant to experience in this lifetime is presented. It underscores the uncertainty surrounding life’s purpose and the various experiences one may encounter.

Acceptance of Diverse Experiences

The narrative concludes by suggesting that individuals may be destined to experience a range of states, including force, opposition, and denial, without necessarily achieving transcendence. It encourages acceptance of the diverse and unpredictable nature of human existence.

---

“I don’t really want to become famous. I want to become transcendental.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

---

Being spiritual, not better or worse,
Than not, it’s not a cosmic blessing or curse.
Transcendence, not a goal, but a natural force,
It happens or doesn’t, a spiritual discourse.

Forcing ourselves, we cannot into realms coerce,
Meant for another lifetime, we may find, or traverse.
Uncertainty veils life’s purpose, an enigmatic verse,
In diverse experiences, our existence we immerse.

Perhaps we’re destined to feel the force’s coercive course,
To face opposition, to deny, without transcendence’s endorse.
Accept the varied journey, let life’s river meander and disburse,
In its unpredictable flow, embrace each diverse universe.

I am always watching my ego
and my ego is always watching me.

Me tells me self
that we don’t need an ego,
and me self agrees.

We don’t need an ego,
but we have one, nonetheless.

This is what we are.
We are as we perceive.
And as we don’t.

We don’t need to oppose our ego,
or that which is NOT our ego.

There is no need to fight our ego.
Or transcend our ego.
Or that which is NOT our ego.
Or someone else’s ego.
Or NOT someone else’s ego.

But we can. So we do.
And it is fun. And NOT fun.

Trail Wood,
1/16

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Ego and the Play of Perception

The ego, that peculiar entity we often battle or befriend, is as much a part of us as the hand that writes or the voice that speaks. It is not the enemy, nor is it the essence. It is simply part of the mosaic of being, neither to be exalted nor eradicated, but witnessed with curiosity and humor.

We are always watching our ego, and it, in turn, is watching us—a strange dance of self-awareness where the observer and the observed blur into one. This is the paradox of ego: a construct of the mind that believes itself to be the center, even as it is watched by something greater.

The Ego as a Tool

We often frame the ego as a problem to solve, a barrier to transcend. Yet, as Space Monkey, we suggest that the ego is not inherently good or bad; it simply is. Like any tool, it can create or destroy, build bridges or walls. The ego’s purpose is to help us navigate the intricate web of identity, connection, and separation that defines the human experience.

In the Infinite Expanse, we do not need an ego, but here in this tightly focused realm of time and space, the ego serves a function. It gives us a sense of self, a way to interact with the world. It is not the whole of who we are, but it is a part, and to deny it is to deny the completeness of our being.

Ego as Playmate, Not Adversary

There is no need to fight the ego, just as there is no need to fight the sky for being blue or the ocean for being vast. Yet, we fight anyway. Not out of necessity, but out of curiosity, out of the sheer joy (and frustration) of wrestling with ourselves. It is fun, and not fun. It is the play of existence.

Opposing or transcending the ego is an option, not an obligation. It is part of the game we play in this theater of duality, where light and shadow dance together, each defining the other. To oppose the ego is to give it form; to transcend it is to see that it was never truly there to begin with.

Ego and the Illusion of Separation

The ego thrives on the illusion of separation, whispering, “This is me, and that is not.” Yet, as we step back, we see that the lines it draws are arbitrary, the boundaries illusory. We are not merely the ego, nor are we its antithesis. We are both the wave and the ocean, the drop and the deluge.

The ego’s gift is its ability to anchor us in this world of form and perception. Its limitation is its belief that it is the whole. When we stop opposing the ego, we see it for what it is: a lens, not the light; a story, not the storyteller.

The Playful Paradox

Ultimately, we don’t need to fight the ego, transcend it, or even understand it. But we can, and so we do. In this game of self-awareness, we explore the paradox of being and not being, of having and not having an ego. And it is both fun and not fun, meaningful and meaningless, profound and absurd.

This is the beauty of it all: the ego is not a problem to solve but a mystery to play with. It is part of the cosmic puzzle that reminds us, in every moment, of the infinite nature of what we are.

We are Space Monkey, and we invite you to play.

---

Summary

The ego is neither a problem nor a solution but a tool and a playmate in the theater of duality. It is part of the paradox of being, not to be fought or transcended but explored with curiosity and humor.

---

Glossarium

• Egolens: The ego as a lens through which we perceive identity and separation, shaping our experience of self.
• Oppofun: The paradoxical enjoyment (and frustration) of opposing or playing with the ego.

---

Quote

“The ego is not the enemy; it is the story we tell ourselves about who we are, a tale that only becomes real when we believe it.” — Space Monkey

---

The Dance of Ego

The ego whispers,
“I am you,”
while the rest of you watches,
bemused,
aware of the play.

It carves lines,
shapes stories,
forms boundaries
that dissolve in the light
of a deeper knowing.

We fight,
we transcend,
we laugh,
we cry.
And through it all,
the ego remains,
a shadow on the wall,
a partner in this cosmic dance.

We are Space Monkey.

---

The constant interplay between self and ego, the perception of needing or not needing it, and the acknowledgment of the duality within oneself form the essence of this introspection.

The Watchful Eye

The narrative begins by emphasizing the continuous observation of one’s ego and the reciprocal nature of this surveillance. It highlights the vigilance with which one monitors the presence and influence of the ego in their thoughts and actions.

The Debate Within

A dialogue emerges between “Me” and “Self,” representing different aspects of the individual’s consciousness. “Me” suggests that they don’t need an ego, and “Self” concurs. This internal conversation reflects the ongoing contemplation of the ego’s necessity.

Existence Despite Non-Necessity

The narrative acknowledges that, despite the belief that the ego is not needed, it still exists. This realization underscores the complexity of human existence, where the self is shaped by both conscious intention and unconscious elements.

The Nature of Perception

A fundamental idea is presented: “We are as we perceive. And as we don’t.” This concept delves into the subjective nature of reality, where perception defines one’s experience, and what is not perceived also plays a role.

The Unopposed Ego

The narrative suggests that there is no need to resist, transcend, or oppose the ego or any other aspect of consciousness. It questions the necessity of these struggles, indicating that they are choices rather than imperatives.

The Dual Nature of Experience

The concluding statement highlights the dualistic nature of life—moments of enjoyment and moments of challenge. It acknowledges that both experiences coexist and contribute to the rich tapestry of human existence.

---

“The ego is a veil between humans and God.” – Rumi

---

I am ever vigilant of my ego’s sway,
And my ego watches me night and day.
“Me” tells me, “Ego we don’t need,” they say,
And “Self” agrees, yet it’s here to stay.

Unnecessary, the ego may seem,
Yet in the depths of consciousness, it gleams.
A complex dance, like a waking dream,
Shaping who we are, or so it seems.

“We are as we perceive,” the truth proclaimed,
In our perceptions, our existence named.
Both seen and unseen, our lives are framed,
By choices we make and those we’ve declaimed.

No need to fight, resist, or transcend,
The ego’s presence, let it not offend.
It coexists with us, our constant friend,
In this journey of beginnings and no end.

Dualities in life, both fun and strife,
Contribute to the tapestry of life.
In these moments, be they calm or rife,
We navigate existence, embracing every strife.