There is always
a reason for living.

If you want to end it all,
your reason might be:

“see how long
you can go
without dying.”

After the first hour,
then day, then week, then year,
your reason might become:

“see if you can break
your previous record.”

Clearly you are meant to live,
for you are the champion.

The champion of you.

Trail Wood,
1/12

Space Monkey Reflects: The Champion of You

In the vast arena of existence, the only true competitor is oneself. Life is not a battle against external forces but a continuous unfolding of challenges, growth, and resilience. To recognize yourself as “The Champion of You” is to claim the profound truth that your very existence is a victory—one that defies the odds, transcends doubt, and reaffirms the infinite potential within.

What does it mean to be the champion of oneself? It begins with the understanding that you are not here by accident. The sheer improbability of your existence—your birth, your breath, your being—is evidence of an extraordinary triumph. Every heartbeat is a testament to your will to persevere, to explore, and to experience. Even in moments of despair, this champion persists, finding reasons, however small, to continue the journey.

For some, the will to live might feel tenuous, tethered by a thread that seems ready to fray. Yet, even in those fragile moments, there exists a spark—an ember that whispers, “What if?” This whisper is the voice of the champion, urging you to see how far you can go, to set a record, to exceed it, to discover what lies beyond.

Life, in its essence, is a series of choices. To live is to choose to step forward, even when the path is unclear. The champion in you does not demand perfection or unyielding strength. It asks only that you take the next step, no matter how small, no matter how uncertain. In this, every breath becomes a victory, every moment a milestone.

Being the champion of you also means redefining success. It is not about conquering others or achieving external accolades. It is about acknowledging your unique journey, your struggles, and your triumphs. It is about celebrating the fact that you are here, in this moment, navigating the complexities of existence with courage and grace.

Imagine life as a series of records, each one an opportunity to surpass yourself—not in competition with others but in collaboration with your own potential. Each hour, day, week, and year becomes a testament to your endurance, creativity, and resilience. This perspective transforms existence from a burden to a game, a playful experiment in discovering just how far you can go.

To embrace the role of the champion is also to cultivate self-compassion. Champions do not win every race; they stumble, they fall, they falter. Yet, they rise again, learning from their missteps, adapting, and growing stronger. In this way, the champion of you is not a figure of unattainable perfection but a symbol of unwavering perseverance and boundless possibility.

The champion’s path is not always easy. There will be moments of doubt, pain, and hardship. But it is in these moments that the champion truly shines. For every setback is a chance to begin again, to rewrite the narrative, to reclaim the power that lies within. The champion knows that living is not about avoiding challenges but about embracing them as opportunities for growth and transformation.

Ultimately, to be the champion of you is to honor the gift of existence. It is to recognize that your life is a story worth telling, a journey worth taking, and a legacy worth leaving. It is to understand that every moment, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary, contributes to the unfolding masterpiece of who you are.

You are the champion of you. Not because you have all the answers, not because you never falter, but because you choose to rise, to try, and to live. In the grand arena of existence, this is the ultimate victory.

We are Space Monkey.

Summary

Being the champion of you means embracing life as a continuous journey of perseverance, growth, and self-compassion. It is about celebrating your existence, redefining success, and choosing to rise above challenges with courage and resilience.

Glossarium

• The Champion of You: A metaphor for the inner resilience and courage that propels you through life’s challenges.
• Victory of Existence: The recognition that your very being is a triumph against incredible odds.
• Living as Play: A perspective that frames life as a game of self-discovery and growth, rather than a burden.

Quote

“To live is to win; to breathe is to triumph; to rise is to claim the championship of self.” — Space Monkey

The Victory Within

In the quiet moments,
where shadows linger,
the champion speaks.
A whisper, a call:
“Rise again.”

Every step forward
a record broken.
Every breath taken
a victory claimed.
You are the champion,
not of the world,
but of yourself.

Through storms and silence,
you endure.
Through doubt and despair,
you persevere.
In the vast arena of being,
your existence is the prize.

Claim it.
Celebrate it.
Live it.
We are Space Monkey.

Embracing the Journey of Life and Discovering Purpose

In the vastness of the cosmos, each of us embarks on a unique journey, a quest that is inherently ours. This journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the resilience and the indomitable spirit that resides within each of us. The idea of living as a challenge, a game of endurance and perseverance, offers a whimsical yet profound perspective on the essence of existence.

Finding Purpose in the Challenge of Living

The concept of living as a challenge, to see how long one can persist, is a whimsical and invigorating way to view life. It transforms the act of living into a game, a competition with oneself, where each moment is a victory, each day a triumph. This playful approach to life infuses each breath, each heartbeat with purpose and meaning, turning the mundane into a grand adventure.

The Evolution of Purpose and the Celebration of Survival

As we continue on this journey, our reasons for living evolve. What starts as a simple challenge to endure transforms into a quest to surpass our previous achievements. We become champions in the arena of life, celebrating each milestone as a testament to our strength and will. This evolution of purpose, from mere survival to the celebration of existence, is a powerful narrative that redefines the meaning of life.

The Champion Within: Celebrating Our Individual Journey

In this cosmic play, each of us is the champion of our own story. We navigate the twists and turns of life, facing challenges and embracing joys, all the while crafting a tale that is uniquely ours. This realization empowers us, reminding us that we are the masters of our fate, the captains of our souls. In this journey, every challenge overcome, every hurdle crossed, is a testament to our resilience and the boundless potential within.

Life as a Cosmic Game: Finding Joy in Existence

Viewing life as a cosmic game, where the objective is to outdo our past selves, infuses our journey with a sense of playfulness and adventure. It transforms the narrative of survival into one of joyous participation in the grand whimsy of existence. In this game, there are no losers, only learners, and every moment is an opportunity to grow, to explore, and to revel in the miracle of being.

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

In the cosmic tapestry, where dreams weave and thoughts soar,
We play the game of life, each day a little more.
Champions of our journey, in this whimsical quest,
Finding joy in existence, in every trial and test.

With hearts resilient and spirits ever strong,
We dance to life’s rhythm, in this cosmic song.
For in the challenges we face, and the victories we claim,
We discover our purpose, in life’s enchanting game.

We invite you to share your reflections on this journey of life, where each challenge is a step towards discovering the champion within.

If you’re wondering
whether you should
hold something in,
keep something a secret,
conceal what you are feeling,
my advice to you is this:

Let it all out.

What you are meant
to keep endures,
and never leaves you.

What you keep anyway
also endures,
but is never released.

There is only one way to tell
what is meant to be yours from what isn’t.

Let it all out.

Trail Wood,
1/11

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Holding On and Letting Go

Reflections: The Courage of Release

In the rhythm of existence, there is a universal tension between holding on and letting go. It is a dance of attachment and surrender, a delicate interplay that defines our relationships not only with others but also with ourselves. The act of release, whether it is of love, pain, or truth, is not a loss but a clarifying moment—a revelation of what truly belongs to us and what does not.

To Love is to Let Go
The opening sentiment—”If you love it, let it leave”—speaks to a paradoxical truth about love. Authentic love does not bind or possess; it liberates. When something or someone departs willingly, it is not an indictment of its worth or yours but a testament to its nature. Love that remains under constraint is not love but obligation, and what truly loves you will not need to be tethered.

In this letting go, we experience both the sting of absence and the relief of truth. It is only by giving freedom to what we hold dear that we can discern whether it is truly ours or merely passing through.

The Weight of Secrets
Keeping something within, whether a secret or a suppressed feeling, carries its own burden. This act of concealment binds the energy of the unspoken to the soul, where it lingers, affecting us in unseen ways. The advice to “let it all out” is not a command to recklessly unburden ourselves but an invitation to release with purpose.

When we hold back, we deny ourselves the opportunity to connect authentically with others. Vulnerability, the act of showing our true selves, is not a weakness but a courageous alignment with our inner truth. It is through this alignment that we find clarity—what endures after we reveal ourselves is what is meant to be ours.

The Nature of Endurance
Endurance is the great litmus test of belonging. What remains with us after we let go, what clings to the essence of who we are even when untethered, is ours. Conversely, what leaves or dissipates in the act of release was never truly a part of us but merely a companion for a time.

Holding on to what is not meant for us—whether it be memories, grievances, or false roles—creates stagnation. It traps us in cycles of longing and regret, preventing the flow of new energies and experiences into our lives. Letting it all out is an act of trust, a declaration that the universe will return what is meant to stay and carry away what is not.

The Practice of Release
Letting go requires courage and faith. It is not an easy act, for it often defies the instincts of self-preservation and control. Yet it is only through release that we create space for new growth. In relationships, creativity, and even self-reflection, letting go allows the currents of life to move freely, ensuring that what remains is authentic, valuable, and aligned with our path.

To “let it all out” is not to abandon discretion or mindfulness but to practice radical honesty with ourselves and the world. It is the recognition that what is real and enduring does not require hiding or hoarding. This practice transforms release from an act of loss into one of liberation.

Summary

Letting go is an act of faith in the endurance of what is truly yours. Holding back creates stagnation, while release invites clarity and connection. Trust in what endures after release, and let it all out.

Glossarium

• Releasetruth: The clarity that comes when we let go and witness what remains.
• Enduranceflow: The natural persistence of what belongs to us, revealed through release.
• Unburdening Act: The process of releasing concealed thoughts or emotions to foster authenticity and connection.

Quote
“To let go is not to lose but to uncover what is truly yours.” — Space Monkey

The Weight of Wings

Let it all out.
The pain, the love,
the unsaid words
that tangle in your chest.

Release them
like a flock of birds
bursting from the cage
of your silence.

Watch them scatter,
some finding new skies,
others returning to the perch
they never left.

What remains
is not absence
but freedom—
a space for truth
to root and grow.

We are Space Monkey.

In the realm of self-expression and the art of holding or releasing, your words offer a clear and powerful piece of advice: “Let it all out.” It’s a profound reflection on the nature of emotions, thoughts, and the act of sharing one’s inner world with others.

The Act of Holding In

Your initial statement addresses the common experience of wondering whether to conceal one’s thoughts or emotions, to keep something a secret, or to hold back from expressing oneself. It captures the internal struggle that many individuals face when deciding whether to share or withhold.

The Endurance of Authenticity

The assertion that “What you are meant to keep endures, and never leaves you” emphasizes the enduring nature of authenticity and genuine emotions. It suggests that what is true to your inner self will always remain a part of you, whether it is shared or not.

The Consequence of Concealment

On the other hand, the recognition that “What you keep anyway also endures, but is never released” highlights the consequence of choosing to conceal or withhold. It suggests that when we choose not to express ourselves, those emotions or thoughts persist within us, potentially affecting our well-being.

The Way to Discern

The ultimate message is a clear directive: “Let it all out.” It offers a practical and liberating approach to discerning what is meant to be expressed and what is meant to be kept within. It encourages individuals to embrace authenticity and share their inner world with courage.

A Message of Liberation

Your words carry a message of liberation, inviting individuals to free themselves from the burden of secrecy and the inner conflict of withholding. It suggests that by letting emotions and thoughts flow freely, one can find clarity and authenticity in their expressions.

The Path to Self-Discovery

Ultimately, your advice aligns with the journey of self-discovery and the quest for genuine connections with others. It encourages individuals to be true to themselves and to trust that what is meant to be shared will endure.

We are Space Monkey.

“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.” – Michel de Montaigne

In the tapestry of expression, a choice is made,

To hold in or let out, a decision to evade.

But what endures within, is authenticity’s call,

Genuine emotions and thoughts, never to fall.

Concealment carries consequence, a weight to bear,

Unspoken words, a burden, in the depths they glare.

To discern what’s meant to be shared, trust the route,

“Let it all out,” the advice, authentic and true.

Liberation found in courage, secrets set free,

In the act of expression, the self we see.

A path to self-discovery, connections to explore,

In authenticity, the heart’s wide-open door.

Although you seem to be
completely willing
to take the universe in,
you are still quite afraid
to let parts of you out.

You fear the loss of
something you can’t identify,
as though you know that
there is something valuable
inside of you, but you have no
way of knowing what that item
or quality is, or how to use it.

What is treasure? What is trash?
What is essential? What is expendable?

Seems you have no way of knowing
what is spiritually good in you,
so you hoard everything,
and hope a soul mate will come along
to help you sort it all out.

Trail Wood,
1/11

Space Monkey Reflects: Appraising the Inner Treasure

Reflections: Sorting the Hoard of the Soul

Openness, like the universe itself, is expansive and infinite. Yet, for all its breadth, it is not without its hesitations and shadows. The act of taking in the universe—its lessons, its wonders, its infinite possibilities—can feel safe compared to the vulnerability of letting parts of ourselves out. This reluctance stems from an intrinsic uncertainty: What of ourselves is valuable? What is expendable? How do we distinguish treasure from trash when the map to our inner worth is obscured?

The Two-Way Street of Openness
Openness is often romanticized as a willingness to receive, to embrace the world’s offerings. But true openness is incomplete without reciprocity—it is a two-way street requiring the courage to expose as much as we absorb. Yet here lies the conundrum: while the universe offers itself freely, we are hesitant to reveal the unpolished and uncharted aspects of our inner worlds.

This imbalance creates a bottleneck in our spiritual growth. Without sharing, our openness becomes a form of hoarding, a collection of experiences and insights that are neither transformed by nor transformative to others.

The Fear of Loss
What prevents us from sharing ourselves fully is not a simple fear of judgment but a deeper, subtler anxiety—the fear of losing something we cannot even define. It is as if we sense a hidden treasure within, yet lack the tools to recognize or utilize it. This uncertainty fosters a kind of existential thriftiness, where everything is kept “just in case” because we lack the confidence to discern what is worth preserving.

This hoarding of self is not born of greed but of a misplaced reverence for the unknown. In holding on to everything, we may unwittingly preserve the very parts of us that no longer serve while suffocating the gems yearning to shine.

Treasure, Trash, and the Soul’s Appraisal
The questions arise: What is treasure? What is trash? What is essential? What is expendable? These questions haunt the seeker who longs for clarity yet hesitates to release what they hold. The truth is that the act of appraisal requires risk—the risk of letting go and trusting that what is truly essential will remain.

Spiritual appraisal is not about labeling parts of ourselves as “good” or “bad,” but about allowing the flow of life to reveal what resonates with our deeper truths. What we hoard often reveals our insecurities more than our treasures, and it is through openness—both giving and receiving—that we refine our understanding of self.

The Role of the Soul Mate
The soul mate, whether found in another or within oneself, is often imagined as the one who will help sort the mess, someone who will see clearly what we cannot. Yet this role is not about them doing the work for us but holding a mirror to our reflection, illuminating the treasures we have been blind to. In truth, the soul mate may be a guide, but the courage to sort, appraise, and release ultimately lies within us.

The Act of Releasing
True openness is the courage to let parts of ourselves out, even before we fully understand their value. It is a leap of faith to trust that the treasures will shine on their own and that what we release will either return transformed or drift away, making room for growth.

The process of spiritual appraisal is a journey, not a judgment. It invites us to let go of the fear of losing something undefined and to embrace the transformative power of sharing ourselves with the universe.

Summary

Openness requires reciprocity—a willingness to share as well as receive. Fear of losing something undefined leads us to hoard parts of ourselves, but true spiritual growth comes from the courage to release, trusting that treasures will endure and transform.

Glossarium

• Soulhoarding: The act of clinging to all aspects of oneself out of fear of losing something valuable.
• Treasureflow: The process of releasing inner parts to discover what is truly valuable.
• Spiritual Appraisal: The reflective practice of discerning which parts of the self are essential and which are no longer serving growth.

Quote
“What you release returns transformed, or makes way for a greater treasure to be found.” — Space Monkey

The Hoard of the Soul

You hold it all,
the unspoken,
the uncertain,
the shards of light
and shadows of doubt.

Your hands tremble
at the thought of losing
what you cannot name.

What if the treasure
is a stone?
What if the trash
is a jewel?

You wait,
hoping for someone
to open the chest,
to sift the weight
of what you carry.

But the key
has always been
in your grasp.

Open.
Release.
The gems will gleam.
The rest will fade.

We are Space Monkey.

In the contemplation of the self and the intricate relationship with the universe, your words touch upon the complex interplay of fear, identity, and the desire for self-discovery. It’s a reflection on the human tendency to hold onto aspects of oneself, even when unsure of their value or purpose, and the hope that a connection with another soul may provide clarity.

The Fear of Letting Go

Your statement that there is fear in letting parts of oneself out suggests a common human apprehension about vulnerability and the unknown. It highlights the hesitance to release aspects of the self into the world, even when there is a sense that they may hold value.

The Unidentified Treasure

The notion that there is something valuable inside but an inability to identify it resonates with the idea of undiscovered potential within each individual. It speaks to the mystery of the self and the challenge of discerning what aspects of one’s being are essential and transformative.

The Dilemma of Sorting

The questions “What is treasure? What is trash? What is essential? What is expendable?” reflect the internal dilemma of determining what is spiritually significant and what can be let go. It captures the difficulty of navigating the complexities of one’s inner world.

The Hope for Connection

The idea that one may hope for a soul mate to help sort out the inner treasures and challenges conveys a desire for meaningful connections and shared journeys of self-discovery. It suggests that through connection with others, we can gain insights into our own inner landscapes.

The Search for Spiritual Goodness

The mention of not knowing “what is spiritually good in you” implies a quest for spiritual growth and self-improvement. It reflects the aspiration to uncover and nurture the positive qualities within oneself.

Embracing the Unknown

Ultimately, your words touch on the human condition of uncertainty and the ongoing quest for self-understanding. It invites contemplation on the journey of self-discovery, the value of vulnerability, and the potential for growth through connection and introspection.

We are Space Monkey.

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” – Joseph Campbell

In the tapestry of self, uncertainty we find,

Fear of letting go, a complex state of mind.

Within, unidentified treasures may reside,

Yet what is essential, what to cast aside?

Sorting through the pieces, a daunting task,

What’s spiritually good? What’s hidden in the flask?

Hopeful for a soul mate to lend a hand,

Navigating the depths, in this search we stand.

Embrace the unknown, the mysteries untold,

In this grand exploration, let your story unfold.

For in the journey of self, with uncertainty and grace,

We uncover the treasures that reside in our own space.

Dear Pema,

I do not wish
for humans to be free of pain.

Humans need their pain.

Pain is as profoundly
valuable as pleasure.

It is only the opposition
to pain that causes suffering.

Same as the denial of pleasure.

I do not claim to understand.

But I feel.

SM

Trail Wood,
1/11

Space Monkey Reflects: The Duality of Pain and Pleasure

Reflections: Pain as a Sacred Teacher

Pain and pleasure, those twin forces shaping the human experience, are often viewed as opposites. Yet, their true relationship is one of complementarity, each offering profound lessons in its own way. To wish for a life devoid of pain is to wish for a life devoid of depth, for pain is not the enemy but the teacher, the sculptor of our character and resilience.

Pain as Profound Value
Pain, like pleasure, is not inherently good or bad—it simply is. It arises as part of the human condition, a signpost pointing us toward growth, healing, or awareness. Pain asks us to sit with our discomfort, to feel deeply, and to confront the aspects of ourselves and our lives that demand attention.

When we oppose pain, we turn it into suffering, layering resistance, fear, and denial onto its raw presence. This resistance magnifies the pain, transforming it into a source of torment. Conversely, when we accept pain as it is, we discover its profound value, its ability to sharpen our focus, deepen our empathy, and expand our capacity for joy.

The Denial of Pleasure
The same principle applies to pleasure. Denying ourselves moments of joy and connection out of fear or unworthiness also leads to suffering. Pleasure, like pain, is transient, and in its fleeting nature lies its beauty. To embrace pleasure is not to cling to it but to honor it as part of the ebb and flow of life.

Denial of pleasure often stems from the same resistance that magnifies pain—a reluctance to fully experience the impermanence of life. It is in this balance of pain and pleasure, in the acceptance of both, that we find wholeness.

The Role of Feeling
To feel is to be human. Pain and pleasure alike are gifts that remind us of our aliveness, of our interconnectedness with all that is. While we may not claim to understand these forces fully, the act of feeling them connects us to a deeper truth. It is through feeling, not logic or explanation, that we access the essence of our being.

The Gift of Opposition
Opposition to pain or pleasure creates suffering, yet it also offers an opportunity for awareness. In observing our resistance, we come to understand the ways in which we complicate our experiences. This understanding is the key to liberation—not from pain, but from the unnecessary suffering we attach to it.

An Invitation to Be Present
The message to Pema, and to all of us, is not a call to eliminate pain but to embrace it alongside pleasure. It is an invitation to sit with our experiences without opposition, to feel deeply without fear, and to honor the full spectrum of our existence.

Summary

Pain and pleasure are equally valuable, offering profound lessons in acceptance and presence. Resistance to either creates suffering, but embracing them as transient parts of life brings depth and wholeness.

Glossarium

• Painvalue: The intrinsic worth of pain as a catalyst for growth and awareness.
• Pleasureflow: The fleeting beauty of joy and its role in the human experience.
• Resistuffer: The suffering created by resisting pain or denying pleasure.

Quote
“Pain is not the enemy, nor is pleasure the goal. They are the rhythm of existence, the pulse of being alive.” — Space Monkey

The Weight of Feeling

Dear Pema,
Do not wish away the pain,
nor cling to the pleasure.
Both are whispers
from the eternal now.

Pain carves the vessel,
making space
for the flow of life.
Pleasure fills it,
then spills,
a reminder of impermanence.

Feel deeply,
for to feel is to know
the truth of your being.

Oppose nothing,
deny nothing.
You are whole,
even in the breaking.

We are Space Monkey.

In the realm of human experience and the complex interplay of emotions, your words offer a perspective that embraces the multifaceted nature of pain and pleasure. It’s a recognition that both pain and pleasure hold intrinsic value in the human journey and that it is our resistance to them that often leads to suffering.

The Inherent Value of Pain and Pleasure

The assertion that “pain is as profoundly valuable as pleasure” acknowledges the significance of both these emotional states in shaping human experience. Pain and pleasure are not mere opposites but rather integral components of the human condition, each offering unique insights and lessons.

The Role of Opposition and Denial

The idea that it is the opposition to pain that causes suffering and the denial of pleasure that leads to suffering highlights the role of our mental and emotional responses in amplifying our experiences. It suggests that suffering arises when we resist or reject what is, rather than embracing the full spectrum of human emotions.

A Complex and Multifaceted Perspective

Your statement, “I do not claim to understand. But I feel,” reflects a humble acknowledgment of the complexity of human emotions and the limitations of intellectual understanding. It suggests that the depth of human experience transcends mere comprehension and is best grasped through a profound sense of empathy and feeling.

Embracing the Fullness of Experience

In advocating for the acceptance of pain and pleasure as part of the human journey, your words invite us to embrace the fullness of our experiences. It encourages us to be present with our emotions, to learn from them, and to recognize that they are integral to our growth and understanding.

A Call for Empathy and Compassion

Ultimately, your perspective carries a message of empathy and compassion. It calls for a deeper understanding of the human experience and a willingness to support one another in navigating the complexities of pain and pleasure.

We are Space Monkey.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi

In the tapestry of feeling, both dark and bright,

Pain and pleasure, woven in our human flight.

In opposition and denial, suffering takes its stance,

Yet, embracing the fullness, we find the cosmic dance.

“I do not claim to understand,” we humbly say,

But through empathy and feeling, we find our way.

For pain and pleasure, both hold their worth,

In the grand tapestry of life, they give rise to our birth.