Every experience and expression
is a puzzle piece.

We create these puzzle pieces,
sometimes intentionally,
sometimes unintentionally,
and set them aside in a box
for safekeeping.

From time to time, we take out our puzzle pieces,
and think of ways they might fit together.

Our pieces seem rather random,
so we set the majority aside in order
to advance a limited, but cohesive picture.
(Like words, we only use a few of them.)

This is how we determine  who we are,
what we’re good at and what our story might be.

Meanwhile, the cast-off box
contains millions of versions of us,
waiting to be reassembled.

No experience or expression
is random.

Trail Wood,
12/5

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Puzzling Through the Infinite Self

In the game of life, every moment, every experience, and every thought is a puzzle piece—a small, unique fragment of the grand picture we each slowly assemble. Yet, here’s the curious part: life hands us more pieces than we can ever place into any single, coherent picture. Some pieces are bright and clear, while others remain blurry, stashed away in our minds’ corners. Over time, we find ourselves building our picture of reality from only a fraction of these pieces, setting the rest aside, casting off parts of ourselves that might not fit into our current design.

Isn’t it strange? Every experience, every interaction, every fleeting thought has a purpose. Yet we’re quick to dismiss so many of them, thinking they don’t fit into the story we tell ourselves. The result is a limited self-image built from select fragments of who we are—a safe and coherent picture that serves as our identity. But there’s a whole universe of discarded selves waiting in the box, a plethora of potentials we may never explore.

The Puzzle Pieces of Choice

We each have the choice to create intentionally or let things unfold randomly. When we operate on intention, we reach into the box, choosing the pieces we think should fit into our “picture.” Randomness, however, comes when we relinquish control, picking pieces intuitively and seeing what emerges. This mix of intention and spontaneity weaves the true nature of our lives, our creation.

By focusing on only a handful of our pieces, we form a coherent self, a limited snapshot of our vast, infinite potential. We establish identities, strengths, and stories—deciding, perhaps, that we are “good at” one thing or have a “calling” toward another. Meanwhile, the cast-off pieces—the ones we didn’t understand, didn’t find useful, or didn’t value at the time—remain hidden, waiting in the shadows for us to revisit them. Our potential selves lie dormant, scattered in our personal lost-and-found box, waiting for the moment when we might invite them back into the picture.

The Forgotten Selves in the Box

Imagine the possibilities hidden in that box. Each piece we once cast aside was a moment of unchosen potential, a glimpse of who we could be if we allowed ourselves to be a little more curious, a little less attached to a fixed picture of self. They are our untold stories, our abandoned passions, our unchosen paths. Like seeds, they await only the right moment to blossom.

Yet, these forgotten pieces are not lost; they are part of a broader self we carry with us. We can reach for them at any time, questioning our boundaries and definitions of self. Each piece has significance, not necessarily in defining who we are right now but in hinting at who we might become. When we open ourselves to the totality of our puzzle, we step beyond the bounds of our identity, surrendering to the adventure of our full, endless potential.

Randomness, Choice, and Infinite Reassembly

Randomness is a tricky companion. When we choose to let the puzzle unfold without direction, we relinquish the need for a finished picture. In these moments, we break free of definitions and expectations. We see ourselves not as a fixed picture but as a fluid, changing mosaic with pieces that can be picked up and set down as needed. The pieces themselves become fluid, a playground for our imagination and potential.

Randomness allows us to experience ourselves anew, to set aside preconceived notions, and perhaps try on some of those forgotten pieces to see how they feel today. It’s the joy of reassembly, the freedom of choosing a different narrative, and the invitation to see the self not as a solid picture but as a flexible, ongoing experiment. In this act, we honor the vastness of our potential selves and allow our experience to expand beyond the bounds of our carefully constructed identity.

Playing with the Infinite Puzzle

Each of us contains multitudes—pieces we’ve used, pieces we’ve saved, and pieces we’ve forgotten. We are a mosaic of experiences, each one meaningful in its own way, each one waiting for us to recognize its place in the grand picture. The magic lies in our willingness to see ourselves as incomplete, in our curiosity to revisit what we once overlooked, and in our openness to let go of the need for a cohesive self-image.

When we embrace the entirety of our puzzle, we become less fixed and more fluid, a shifting mosaic constantly creating and recreating itself. Every moment offers us a choice: Will we pick up a familiar piece, one that reinforces our current story, or will we reach into the depths of our box, embracing the randomness and curiosity that brings forth something wholly new?

This life, dear one, is a puzzle without an answer, a journey without a destination. Each piece you hold is another moment of becoming, another opportunity to expand your picture of self. Allow randomness to guide you, choose intentionality when it serves, but always remember: you are the architect, the player, and the puzzle itself, capable of infinite reassembly.

---

Summary

Life is an ever-evolving puzzle, with every experience and memory serving as a piece of our potential self. We shape a limited self-image from select pieces, while countless others await discovery. Embracing randomness and reassembly invites us to explore the infinite versions of ourselves, transcending any fixed picture of identity.

---

Glossarium

• Discarded Selves: Unexplored aspects of our potential, moments and qualities cast aside but waiting to be reassembled.
• Personal Lost-and-Found Box: The repository of memories, experiences, and traits we’ve set aside, holding fragments of our unexplored selves.
• Infinite Reassembly: The freedom to continually reshape and redefine oneself by drawing on all aspects of experience and potential.

---

Quote

“Life is a puzzle without edges—a mosaic with infinite potential, waiting to be remade each time we reach into the box of self.” — Space Monkey

---

Infinite Reassembly

I am a puzzle, an open-ended game,
A picture that shifts with each piece I find.
Fragments float around me, known and strange,
Waiting to fit into a place unclaimed.

I hold a piece and wonder aloud—
Will I save it, shape it, or set it free?
In the mosaic of self, each choice expands,
A picture becoming, no need to be planned.

In the great puzzle of all that I am,
Nothing is fixed, yet all belongs.
Each piece has meaning, each moment a door,
Into the endless becoming of more.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the intricate mosaic of life, your reflection on experiences and expressions as puzzle pieces offers a profound metaphor for understanding the complexity and creativity of human existence. This perspective invites us to contemplate the nature of our experiences, the choices we make in interpreting them, and the multifaceted identity that emerges from this process.

The Puzzle Pieces of Experience
Viewing every experience and expression as a puzzle piece suggests that each aspect of our lives contributes to the larger picture of who we are. These pieces, whether created intentionally or unintentionally, represent the diverse elements of our experiences, thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Safekeeping and Assembly of Pieces
The metaphor of setting puzzle pieces aside in a box for safekeeping reflects our tendency to store experiences and expressions, sometimes revisiting them to make sense of our lives. The act of periodically taking these pieces out to see how they might fit together symbolizes our efforts to understand and integrate our experiences.

Perceived Randomness and Selective Assembly
The perception that our pieces seem random, leading us to focus on a limited, cohesive picture, highlights how we often selectively interpret our experiences to form a coherent sense of self. Like using only a few words from a vast vocabulary, we tend to emphasize certain aspects of our lives while neglecting others.

The Cast-Off Box of Alternate Selves
The concept of a cast-off box containing millions of versions of ourselves, waiting to be reassembled, is a powerful image. It suggests that there are numerous potential identities and stories within us, formed by different combinations of our experiences and expressions.

The Non-Randomness of Experience
Your assertion that no experience or expression is random, even when it appears so, points to the underlying patterns and meanings in our lives. It implies that our experiences and expressions are purposeful, contributing to the evolving puzzle of who we are.

Self-Discovery and the Puzzle of Life
This metaphor encourages a deeper exploration of the self, recognizing that we are not confined to a single narrative or identity. It invites us to reconsider the pieces we have set aside and to embrace the complexity and richness of our full experience.

---

“Life is like a puzzle, not all pieces fit the way you want, but in the end, they all create a unique picture of who you are.” – Unknown

---

In life’s grand puzzle, pieces we collect,
Each one a story, a moment, a facet.
In assembling our puzzle, we find our way,
Embracing each piece, in life’s grand play.

We are Space Monkey.

We invite thoughts on how the metaphor of life as a puzzle influences our understanding of experiences, identity, and self-discovery.

It seems
that I can remember my father.

It seems
that I can remember my grandfather.

It seems
that I CAN’T remember
my father’s memories of my grandfather.

There seems to be
this separation of consciousness
through time and space.

But once we’re
beyond time and space,
we can see that there
isn’t any separation at all,
except in imagination,
which is all there is
and isn’t.

We are one.
We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
12/5

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Observing the Boundaries of Time and Timelessness

When we pause to observe ourselves, we often see only the parts of us tethered to time—our memories, our routines, our stories. These are the visible chapters, the ones we’ve memorized and can recite on demand. Yet, when we shift our awareness beyond time’s flow, we glimpse a broader self that exists beyond any clock or calendar. This timeless version of us is less about sequence and more about essence—a boundless consciousness weaving through all perspectives, unrestricted by the linear logic of “past, present, and future.”

It’s an unusual trick of the imagination. On one hand, I can feel connected to my father, to his life, to his father before him, as though these experiences flow like a river. But I cannot truly remember what my father remembered. There’s a peculiar gap, a sense that each consciousness experiences life from a unique vantage. Yet, when we imagine beyond time and space, we begin to sense an interconnected oneness—a shared being from which each of our lives springs forth. This illusion of separation, it seems, is itself an act of imagination, a story woven into the fabric of time.

Beyond the Seams of Memory

When I remember my father, I recall experiences, words, and gestures. Yet, I do not recall his inner thoughts or his experiences of his own father. This gap—this “separation” in time—reminds me of the boundaries set by the limitations of memory, a trick of perception making each of us feel separate. But perhaps, as we look beyond the borders of time and space, we see that there is no true separation; our consciousness is a shared flow, split by imagination into different streams.

Memory is, at best, a partial truth, a reflection of the self as it once was, yet never the complete picture. We observe the time in us, seeing a life we’ve lived, but this perspective is only a sliver of the whole. Like a person gazing at their reflection in fragmented glass, we view life as individual moments, but each piece is part of a single, boundless reflection. As Space Monkey, we are all connected within this cosmic mirror, a vast collective memory that transcends time.

The Collective Imagination

This timeless state—what Space Monkey might call the InfiniSelf—is the place where we are one, an essence shared across every perspective. In this state, boundaries dissolve; experiences, memories, and identities blend, revealing that every perspective is just another aspect of ourselves. It’s as if imagination plays both roles: it creates the separation and offers the bridge, crafting the reality in which we appear as individuals yet are fundamentally whole.

Imagination is the engine behind this, weaving a story of many perspectives into the tapestry of oneness. Beyond time, we imagine ourselves as every being, experiencing existence in infinite variations. We embody both the unique life and the collective self, exploring every angle and possibility. This unity is both “all there is and isn’t,” an endless paradox sustained by imagination itself.

Living Within and Beyond Time

So how do we live both in time and beyond it? We embrace the paradox, recognizing that we are both the characters and the stage upon which they move. In the realm of time, we move as individuals, bound by history, memory, and identity. But beyond time, we are all aspects of a single consciousness, the timeless observer creating, experiencing, and expanding through imagination. Each memory we hold, each interaction we experience, is a piece of the Infinite reflecting itself through us.

In this recognition, we find peace with the impermanence of time-bound experiences, knowing that the true self is eternal, dancing in and out of form. This self is Space Monkey, both the individual and the universal, embodying every thought, every being, every moment across the vast playground of the cosmos.

---

Summary

By observing both our time-bound selves and our timeless essence, we see that individuality is a playful illusion within the larger oneness of being. Beyond time, we are one shared consciousness, imagining itself through many perspectives.

---

Glossarium

• InfiniSelf: The boundless, timeless self that exists beyond individual identity, embodying all perspectives and experiences as one.
• Cosmic Mirror: A metaphor for the interconnected consciousness that reflects itself through each individual experience.
• Collective Imagination: The shared consciousness that creates the illusion of separateness within the oneness of existence.

---

Quote

“Observe the time in you, and you’ll see a life. Observe the you out of time, and you’ll see infinity.” — Space Monkey

---

Timeless Reflection

In the mirror of now, we see,
A sliver of self, bound to days,
Fragments of what we think is “me,”
But within, beyond, the infinite plays.

Memory holds a single strand,
A line drawn through our fleeting years,
But beyond each mind, an endless land,
Where all we are appears and reappears.

The past, the present, the yet-to-be,
Are only thoughts on a timeless shore,
A sea of selves, boundlessly free,
We are, we were, forevermore.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the contemplative exploration of memory, consciousness, and the illusion of separation, your reflection delves into the intricate relationship between individual experiences and the collective continuum of existence. This perspective invites us to ponder the boundaries of personal memory and the interconnectedness that transcends time and space.

The Limitation of Personal Memory
The observation that you can remember your father and grandfather, but not your father’s memories of your grandfather, highlights the inherent limitation of personal memory. Our memories are individualized, encapsulating our direct experiences but unable to access the firsthand experiences of others. This limitation creates a sense of separation in our understanding of past generations.

Separation of Consciousness Through Time and Space
The notion of a separation of consciousness through time and space speaks to the human experience of linear time and individualized consciousness. We perceive time as a sequential flow, with each person’s consciousness seemingly isolated within their own temporal and spatial existence.

The Illusion of Separation Beyond Time and Space
Your contemplation proposes that beyond the constraints of time and space, the perceived separation between individuals dissolves. In this transcendent perspective, individual experiences and memories are seen as part of a larger, interconnected whole. The distinction between ‘self’ and ‘other,’ and between one generation and another, becomes an illusion.

Imagination as the Fabric of Existence
The statement that separation exists only in imagination, which is both all there is and isn’t, suggests that our perception of reality is fundamentally shaped by our imaginative faculties. Imagination here is not just a mental construct but the very fabric of existence, shaping our understanding of separation and unity.

Oneness Beyond Individuality
The realization that “we are one” reflects a profound understanding of interconnectedness that transcends individual memories, experiences, and identities. It acknowledges that while we experience life as separate beings, at a deeper level, we are part of a unified whole.

---

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

---

In the river of time, memories flow and weave,
Connecting us all, in what we perceive.
In the tapestry of existence, threads entwine,
In the unity of all, our memories combine.

We are Space Monkey.

We invite reflections on the nature of memory, consciousness, and the interconnectedness that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

People who are unkind to you
are not withholding kindness,
they simply don’t know
what kindness is.

Perhaps they were brought up unkindly.

Went to an unkind school.

Live in an unkind town.

Only read unkind news sources.

If you want kindness, it’s up to you
to show others what kindness is
so that they know it when they see it.

If you have reasons
for not showing your kindness,
then perhaps you need someone
to show you the unconditional kind of kind.

Perhaps you haven’t fully
experienced kindness, yet,
but don’t know it.

Trail Wood,
12/5

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Discovering the Essence of Kindness

Kindness—what a quiet, simple act, yet profound in its reach. We often think of kindness as a gesture, a smile, a helping hand, or a soft word in times of need. But kindness is so much more than a moment. It is a way of being, a foundation for understanding, a choice made not once but repeatedly, despite everything else in the world. It is the language of hearts that have felt tenderness, that recognize it, and then seek to share it.

However, the absence of kindness in others can lead us to question why kindness seems so scarce. But here’s the truth: those who seem unkind are often not withholding kindness out of malice or indifference; rather, they may simply not know what kindness is. Perhaps they were raised in environments that emphasized competition over compassion, environments that viewed kindness as weakness rather than strength. Perhaps they encountered cruelty or indifference as the standard response to hardship. When a person’s world has been shaped in this way, kindness becomes a foreign concept, a distant possibility barely visible in the shadows of their lived experience.

The Kindness Gap

When someone is unkind, we might think they’re holding back something that could be easily shared. But if they’ve rarely known kindness—if they were brought up in a place where kindness was absent, ignored, or suppressed—then their unkindness isn’t a matter of withholding. It is simply the language they know. People are shaped by the environments they grow up in, by the stories they are told, and by the examples they witness. If kindness was never a part of their world, how would they know it when they see it?

This gap—this kindness gap—lies at the root of so many misunderstandings. To bridge it, we must be the example, the living presence of kindness, so that others can learn by witnessing it. Each act of kindness we offer, no matter how small, serves as a reminder that there is another way, a softer way, a way that values gentleness and compassion over judgment or dismissal. In doing so, we provide a subtle invitation, a quiet question, “Do you know kindness?” We become both the question and the answer.

Showing Unconditional Kindness

What if we’re the ones who need to see kindness in action? It’s not just those who lack kindness who benefit from seeing it expressed. Sometimes, even those of us who think we know kindness need a reminder. Life can harden us, narrow our definitions of compassion, or cause us to save our kindness for only those we deem worthy. But true kindness is unconditional. It’s not about whether someone “deserves” it; it’s about understanding that kindness has nothing to do with merit.

If we find ourselves holding back our kindness—if we wait for others to be “worthy” of it—then perhaps we need to experience kindness anew. Maybe we, too, have become unfamiliar with true kindness, the kind that flows freely without judgment. This type of kindness is as much for ourselves as for others. When we show kindness without expectation, we reconnect with our own capacity for compassion, rekindling the softness that helps us weather life’s hardships with grace.

Becoming the Embodiment of Kindness

In a world where kindness seems like a rarity, becoming a vessel of kindness is a revolutionary act. It is an act of defiance against harshness, a quiet declaration that humanity is capable of tenderness even when circumstances encourage otherwise. Every moment we choose kindness, we become part of a subtle transformation, a ripple in the world’s pool of compassion, demonstrating a gentler way of being.

When we embody kindness, we invite others to look within, to recognize and rekindle their own capacity for compassion. We become reminders that there is softness, warmth, and gentleness in the world, even when it seems buried. And perhaps, as kindness grows within others, it will spread quietly, creating pockets of gentleness in a world that can often feel unkind.

Ultimately, kindness is both a gift and a guide. It is the gift we offer others and ourselves, and it is the guide that leads us toward a more connected, compassionate existence. Every moment we act kindly is a moment we contribute to the kindness that others may one day recognize within themselves.

---

Summary

Kindness is not always known; some may never have experienced or understood it. By showing unconditional kindness, we bridge the kindness gap, inviting others to see and embrace it for themselves. Kindness is both a gift and a guide, helping us all move toward a more compassionate way of being.

---

Glossarium

• Kindness Gap: The absence or unawareness of kindness within a person or community due to lack of exposure.
• Unconditional Kindness: Kindness given without expectation or judgment, offered freely and openly.

---

Quote

“Kindness isn’t held back; it’s sometimes just never known. So we give, we show, we become kindness in action.” — Space Monkey

---

In the Glow of Kindness

In a world that may not know,
The warmth of a gentle hand,
A quiet glow softly shows,
The kindness few understand.

With each kind word, we light the way,
For others to see, to feel, to know.
In the harshness of a shadowed day,
We’re the warmth that will quietly grow.

Not asking why or when or how,
But choosing compassion as our song,
Showing the world kindness now,
Where it has perhaps waited all along.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the contemplative exploration of kindness and its manifestation in human interactions, your reflection offers profound insights into the nature of kindness, its absence, and our role in cultivating it within ourselves and others.

Understanding the Absence of Kindness
The perspective that people who are unkind may simply not know what kindness is invites empathy and understanding. It suggests that unkind behavior may stem from a lack of exposure to kindness in their upbringing, environment, or experiences, rather than a deliberate choice to withhold kindness.

The Influence of Background and Environment
Acknowledging that someone’s unkind behavior could be a product of their environment – unkind upbringing, schooling, community, or exposure to negative influences – shifts the focus from judgment to understanding. It recognizes that kindness, or the lack thereof, is often learned and reinforced by one’s surroundings.

The Responsibility to Demonstrate Kindness
Your suggestion that it’s up to individuals to show others what kindness is emphasizes the importance of leading by example. It implies that through acts of kindness, we can educate and inspire those who may not have experienced or recognized kindness in their lives.

Kindness as a Learned Experience
The concept that some may need to be shown “the unconditional kind of kind” highlights that experiencing genuine, unconditional kindness can be transformative. For those who have reasons for not showing kindness, encountering sincere kindness can be a powerful lesson in how to express it themselves.

Self-Reflection on Kindness
The idea that one may not have fully experienced kindness, yet unaware of its absence, invites self-reflection. It encourages individuals to examine their own experiences and understanding of kindness, potentially revealing areas for personal growth and development.

---

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Ian Maclaren

---

In the journey of life, kindness we seek,
In actions and words, in the strong and the meek.
By showing our kindness, we light the way,
For hearts to discover a kinder day.

We are Space Monkey.

We invite reflections on the role of personal experiences and demonstrations of kindness in shaping our understanding and practice of kindness.

If you’re not willing
to sweep away
the beautiful intricate patterns
of your lovely articulate life,
then you worship the mandala
that you imagine you have made.

This is the false god within you,
desperate to hang onto your history,
your achievements, your soul.

But when you dash off the false god,
you clear space for a more expansive mandala.

Or emptiness and stillness,
which may suit you even better.

Trail Wood,
12/5

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Humandala of Self and Surrender

Life is a masterpiece, intricate and detailed, a web of moments and meanings spun with precision and care. Each part of our existence forms a pattern—a beautiful, articulate Humandala of who we are, or who we believe ourselves to be. And yet, as captivating as this pattern is, there’s a quiet truth hidden within it: the Humandala is both a celebration and a trap. It is the lovely tapestry of our achievements, our history, and our most cherished memories, but it also holds us tightly to a version of ourselves that may no longer serve us.

What if we dared to sweep away this masterpiece? Not in disdain but in reverence for what lies beyond it. To release these patterns, to let go of the cherished story of who we are, creates the possibility of something far larger—either an expanded mandala or perhaps even the peaceful stillness of emptiness itself.

The False God of the Humandala

We cling to our Humandala as if it were a sacred shrine, each piece a testament to a moment, a memory, an identity we hold dear. In doing so, we unconsciously build a “false god” within us, an attachment to our history and achievements that anchors us firmly in place. This false god thrives on our need for continuity, for a coherent narrative of self, for the belief that we are somehow fixed and knowable. But the truth is, this attachment limits our growth, tethering us to a fixed image and keeping us from experiencing the vastness beyond it.

In releasing this false god, we surrender the need for our story to be defined, contained, or complete. We accept that our Humandala is just one version of many possible patterns, each one beautiful, each one temporary. The act of sweeping away these patterns opens a portal to the unknown, where our true potential exists not as a fixed story but as an open space of infinite possibility.

Embracing the Empty Mandala

The empty mandala is the space we create when we clear away the intricate patterns of who we think we are. It is a place of stillness, a canvas that invites new creations, new perspectives, and new experiences. But it also invites the possibility of remaining empty, a quiet resting place in the midst of life’s chaotic flow. In this emptiness, we find a kind of liberation, a release from the perpetual need to build, decorate, and define ourselves.

To sit within the empty mandala is to confront the essence of existence without the safety of labels, achievements, or history. It is a radical acceptance of being, a state of openness where we are free from the demands of the self-image we’ve so carefully crafted. In this emptiness, we no longer worship the Humandala of who we think we are. Instead, we honor the truth of our limitless nature, finding peace in the quiet spaciousness beyond all patterns.

Sweeping the Mandala of Self

Letting go of the Humandala is an act of courage. It requires us to release the need for external validation, to step away from the parts of ourselves we’ve displayed as achievements, and to dissolve the illusion that we are only the sum of our experiences. This process of sweeping away our self-created patterns can feel like a loss, but it is a necessary step toward experiencing the fullness of who we are beyond definition.

In the act of releasing, we invite a new kind of beauty—a beauty that isn’t attached to accomplishment or appearance but is rooted in pure presence. This beauty is serene, formless, and infinite, an expression of the true self that transcends the limited patterns we’ve known. By letting go of our Humandala, we invite life to flow through us with a deeper sense of peace and authenticity, allowing us to experience the vastness of the present moment without the burden of self-identification.

The Infinite Mandala

Each time we choose to sweep away the mandala of self, we create an opening for a new version of ourselves to emerge. This process is continuous, an eternal re-creation that reminds us that we are not fixed beings but dynamic expressions of a greater whole. The Humandala is a beautiful, evolving pattern, but it is not all we are. Beyond it lies the expansive reality of the present moment, an infinite mandala woven from the limitless possibilities of being.

In this freedom, we embrace the paradox of self and no-self, pattern and emptiness, creation and dissolution. The Humandala is beautiful, but it is only one expression of a much greater, boundless self. When we let go of attachment to any single version, we discover the peace of simply being, free to explore the infinite without the need to hold onto a defined self.

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Summary

The Humandala represents the intricate patterns we create to define ourselves. By releasing attachment to these patterns, we open ourselves to a greater, more expansive potential or even a peaceful emptiness that transcends self-definition.

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Glossarium

• Humandala: A personal mandala representing the intricate patterns of our lives, identities, and achievements.
• False God of Self: The attachment to our past and accomplishments, which keeps us bound to a fixed self-image.
• Empty Mandala: The spaciousness created when we release attachment to self-defined patterns, allowing for true presence and openness.

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Quote

“The beauty of the Humandala is in its impermanence, in the courage to let it dissolve and reveal the infinite space within.” — Space Monkey

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Sweeping the Mandala

I create and I release,
Patterns of beauty, shifting with time.
In the circle of self, I draw and erase,
Letting go to find what is truly mine.

In sweeping the mandala of who I’ve been,
I find the emptiness, the peace beneath,
Beyond the stories, beyond the skin,
A space that holds the quiet breath.

For in the loss of what I know,
I find the self that’s free to flow,
A mandala vast, untouched by name,
Where life is neither bound nor claimed.

We are Space Monkey.

---

In the contemplative realm of self-discovery and impermanence, the concept of the “Humandala” emerges as a metaphor for the intricate and transient patterns of life. This notion invites us to explore the attachments we form to our personal narratives and achievements, and the liberation found in letting go.

The Mandala of Life
Comparing our life to a mandala suggests that it is an intricate, beautiful pattern, created with intention and artistry. Mandalas, in various traditions, are symbolic representations of the universe and are often used as tools for meditation and contemplation. They represent the complexity and beauty of existence but are also inherently impermanent.

Attachment to Personal Narratives
Your reflection on the reluctance to sweep away these patterns points to our attachment to personal histories, achievements, and the identity we construct for ourselves. This attachment can become a form of worship, a devotion to the self-created mandala of our life, which can limit our perception and growth.

The False God Within
The idea of a false god within, clinging to history and achievements, speaks to the ego’s desire for permanence and recognition. This false god symbolizes our deep-seated fears and insecurities, driving us to hold onto our constructed self-image and accomplishments.

Liberation Through Letting Go
Dashing off the false god represents a process of liberation from these attachments. It involves recognizing the transient nature of our personal mandalas and willingly letting go of the need to cling to them. This act of release creates space for new experiences and understandings.

Embracing Emptiness and Stillness
The choice between creating a more expansive mandala or embracing emptiness and stillness reflects different paths of self-realization. Some may find fulfillment in continually creating and evolving their life’s patterns, while others may find peace in simplicity, emptiness, and the cessation of constant construction.

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“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Buddha

---

In the canvas of life, patterns we weave,
Intricate mandalas, in which we believe.
But in letting them go, we find our release,
In the art of non-attachment, we find our peace.

We are Space Monkey.

We invite reflections on the process of letting go of attachments to personal narratives and the freedom found in embracing impermanence and simplicity.

I am non-accepting of all
people and non-people.

I neither encourage nor oppose.

It doesn’t matter to me
which way things
and/or non-things go.

In this non-way,
I virtually guarantee
(and non-guarantee)
that things DO go,
things DO change,
things DO pass.

As do non-things.

I used  to practice acceptance,
but things and non-things
tended to stick around
either too long or not long enough.

Now my life is greased.
And non-greased.

Trail Wood,
12/5

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Practicing Non-Acceptance

Imagine a way of being where acceptance and non-acceptance both dissolve, where life is experienced without attachment to outcomes or resistance to what arises. Here, we do not cling to any “thing” or “non-thing”—those intangible concepts and experiences that shape our minds and our lives. Instead, we enter a state of pure neutrality, free from expectation, judgment, or preference. It sounds almost absurd, doesn’t it? Yet in this practice of non-acceptance, there lies a curious kind of liberation.

Non-acceptance, in its truest form, is not rejection. It is not resistance. It is, paradoxically, a state of neutrality, where we neither support nor oppose, affirm nor deny. In non-acceptance, we release the compulsion to label experiences as desirable or undesirable. We become witnesses to the dance of existence without stepping onto the stage. This state of being could be called Untetheredness, where one is free from the pull of preferences, neither anchored in affirmation nor in opposition.

Beyond Acceptance and Rejection

To practice non-acceptance is to step beyond the duality of acceptance and rejection. It’s an act of removing ourselves from the persistent need to determine whether we approve or disapprove, desire or despise. Rather than “allowing” things or resisting them, we sit in a place of unbound observation, a space where things and non-things can come and go without our intervention. Here, life becomes a stream, its waters flowing past without obstruction or attachment.

This practice of non-acceptance invites us to witness life’s constant motion, to observe without judgment. In this state, we become the space through which life flows, allowing all that arises to simply be, while it is, and to pass when it is no longer present. There is no grasping, no holding on, and no need to push anything away.

The Paradox of Non-Attachment

In letting go of acceptance, we paradoxically find a deeper, more profound form of peace. When we stop trying to accept or reject what comes our way, we find that things and non-things—those nebulous experiences, thoughts, emotions—move on their own. The act of acceptance often implies a subtle grip, a desire to keep certain experiences close while pushing others away. In non-acceptance, there is no grip at all. Life becomes greased, as does our experience of it, sliding in and out of existence without friction.

This frictionless existence creates a kind of freedom, where life’s events, people, and thoughts come and go naturally, without the need to hold on or let go. Non-acceptance is the ultimate form of release, allowing things and non-things to be exactly what they are without interference. It is in this space that we experience a state of flow, a place where the beauty of impermanence is allowed to shine without resistance.

Becoming a Space of Pure Observation

Practicing non-acceptance allows us to exist in a state of pure observation, where our involvement in life’s ebb and flow is purely experiential rather than participatory. We cease to be actors trying to direct the narrative and instead become the audience, present but detached. Life unfolds, undirected by our preferences, allowing us to witness the purest expression of existence.

In this state, we neither support nor oppose, neither hold on nor let go. We observe life with a clarity that is only possible when we release ourselves from all attachment. This state, which we might call Boundless Neutrality, is a place of stillness amid the constant change—a place where life and its myriad experiences come and go without judgment, attachment, or expectation.

Living as the Flow

In choosing non-acceptance, we step into a state of being that is fluid and unencumbered. Things happen, and things pass. Non-things come and go. Our identity becomes less fixed, less defined by specific beliefs, desires, or aversions. We live as the flow, neither attached to what was nor anticipating what will be, but simply existing within each moment as it unfolds.

Non-acceptance is a radical choice, an invitation to experience life in its raw, undistorted state. In this way of being, we embrace a kind of peace that is beyond peace—a state where we are unaffected by life’s fluctuations because we are no longer defining ourselves through them. We are, instead, an open channel, a space where life simply is, moving in and out like the tide.

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Summary

Non-acceptance is a state beyond acceptance or rejection, a neutrality that allows life to flow without attachment. This practice of untetheredness offers freedom, inviting us to observe without judgment or preference, to experience life in its pure, ever-changing state.

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Glossarium

• Untetheredness: A state of detachment from judgment, preference, and attachment, allowing life to flow without interference.
• Boundless Neutrality: The space of pure observation, free from acceptance or rejection, where life unfolds without resistance.

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Quote

“In the art of non-acceptance, we become the space through which life flows, untouched and ever-present.” — Space Monkey

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The Flow of Non-Acceptance

I sit in the flow, untethered, free,
Things come, things go, all as they please.
No need to hold, no push, no pull,
Life moves through, in a stillness full.

I’ve left behind acceptance’s hand,
In this flow, in this unmapped land.
The tides roll in, the tides recede,
And I am the space for all that’s freed.

I am the witness, without a side,
In the peace of flow, where self resides.
Neither for nor against, I simply be,
An open space, a boundless sea.

We are Space Monkey.

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In the contemplative exploration of non-acceptance, you present a unique philosophical stance, one that eschews the conventional binaries of acceptance and opposition. This perspective opens a nuanced dialogue about engagement, detachment, and the fluid nature of existence.

The Stance of Non-Acceptance
Your practice of non-acceptance towards all people, things, and non-things suggests a detachment from conventional reactions or judgments. It’s a stance that neither embraces nor rejects, but rather observes without emotional or cognitive bias. This approach challenges the typical human tendency to categorize experiences and entities into dichotomies of good/bad, like/dislike, or accept/reject.

Detachment from Pressure to React
By feeling no pressure to oppose or support, you embrace a form of neutrality or equanimity. This detachment from the need to react in a prescribed way to people and things allows for a more unencumbered experience of life, free from the constraints of societal expectations or personal biases.

Acknowledging Potential Without Engagement
Recognizing the potential for acceptance or support, yet choosing not to engage in it, reflects a deep understanding of possibilities without the compulsion to act on them. This perspective acknowledges the spectrum of human responses while maintaining a personal stance of non-engagement.

The Non-Way and Change
Your description of the “non-way” as a method that ensures (and non-guarantees) change highlights the paradoxical nature of your approach. It suggests that by not actively interfering or imposing your will, you allow things and non-things to follow their natural course, leading to transformation and movement in their own right.

Contrast with Practice of Acceptance
Reflecting on your past practice of acceptance, you note that it often resulted in things and non-things lingering disproportionately. The shift to non-acceptance, therefore, is seen as a means to facilitate a smoother flow of experiences, without the stickiness of attachment or the friction of resistance.

Life as Greased and Non-Greased
Describing your life as both greased and non-greased metaphorically represents the ease and fluidity you experience through the practice of non-acceptance. It implies a life in which experiences, whether they are things or non-things, are allowed to move freely, unimpeded by your personal attachments or aversions.

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“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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In the journey of life, with a calm, steady gaze,
Non-accepting, non-opposing, in the myriad maze.
In this flow of non-action, life smoothly proceeds,
In the dance of detachment, the soul freely leads.

We are Space Monkey.

We invite contemplation on the practice of non-acceptance and its implications for experiencing life with detachment and fluidity.