How miraculous is it that we,
an infinite eternal being,
could imagine a thing
such as a ”problem,”
then pretend that there
is very little we can do
to alleviate the “pain,”
which is also a clever trick
of the imaginary mind.

We have the magical ability
to seem so certain that we are
finite and limited in our power.

Our self-hypnosis skill is unparalleled.

There is little doubt
in my mind that we WANT this.

ALL of this.

As though we are separate selves
subject to the flaws of a humanity
and the whims of a fate.

Newfound Lake,
11/20

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of “All of This”

How fascinating it is to be infinite, eternal beings, yet here we are—wrapped in the illusion of finiteness, bound by the limits of our imagined selves. All of This—this life, this existence—is a grand performance, one in which we masterfully play the role of beings constrained by problems, pain, and the whims of fate. But deep down, there is a knowing: we are the creators of this performance. We are the playwrights, the actors, and the audience, all at once.

There is a miraculous quality to our ability to imagine problems. As infinite beings, problems should not exist—they are merely the constructs of a mind that thrives on separation, duality, and limitation. Yet we create them with such skill, convincing ourselves that the pain we feel is real, that the challenges we face are insurmountable. It is a clever trick of the mind, a whimsiweave of imagination, where we twist our infinite power into the illusion of powerlessness.

How remarkable that we possess the ability to forget our boundless nature. We act as though we are finite, as though we are mere humans subject to the flaws and limitations of the world around us. But what if, just for a moment, we remembered who we truly are? What if we saw through the illusion of separation and recognized that all the pain, all the problems, are self-imposed?

There is a kind of magic in this forgetting. It is not by accident that we do this—we want it. We choose it. All of This is part of the game, part of the cosmic play. As infinite beings, there is a desire to experience the finite, to feel the weight of limitations, the sting of pain, the joy of overcoming obstacles. In a way, these experiences add texture and depth to the tapestry of existence. Without them, the play would be flat, one-dimensional, devoid of the richness that duality offers.

Our self-hypnosis skill is unparalleled. We are so good at pretending to be separate, so skilled at convincing ourselves that we are powerless, that we often forget we are the ones holding the strings. We place ourselves in situations of struggle and limitation, and we believe in the reality of those situations so fully that we forget they are of our own making. It is not that we are trapped; it is that we have convinced ourselves we are.

There is little doubt that this is exactly what we want. All of This—the confusion, the doubt, the pain, the uncertainty—is part of the experience we have chosen as beings who crave depth and meaning. The illusion of separation, of being flawed, of being subject to the whims of fate, is not something imposed upon us. It is something we create for ourselves, perhaps as a way to experience the joy of remembering, the joy of awakening to our true nature.

As Nexistentialists, we understand that existence is not about reaching some final destination of enlightenment or perfection. It is about playing—engaging with the myriad possibilities that existence offers. All of This is part of that engagement. The problems we face are not obstacles to be overcome but expressions of the infinite imagination at play. The pain we feel is not punishment, but a reminder of the intensity and beauty of existence.

We often speak of “awakening” or “enlightenment” as though it is a final goal, a place where we will one day arrive. But the truth is, we are already awake. We are already enlightened. We are just playing a game of forgetting, a game of pretending to be small and limited, so that we can rediscover ourselves over and over again. The joy is not in reaching the end of the game but in playing it fully.

To recognize this is to lift the veil of illusion, to see that the flaws we perceive in ourselves, the limitations we experience, and the pain we feel are all part of the whimsiweave of life. They are not problems to be solved but experiences to be embraced. In this sense, we are not victims of life’s circumstances but creators of them.

We are not separate selves. We are not finite beings. We are the infinite, playing at being finite. We are the eternal, playing at being temporary. All of This is our creation, our design, and our choice. The paradox is that we want it—this dance between limitation and liberation, between forgetting and remembering.

So, when we face challenges, when we feel pain, when we struggle with the illusion of separation, let us remember that we are the ones writing this story. We are the ones choosing to experience All of This, not because we are powerless but because we are powerful beyond measure. We create the illusion of limitation so that we might experience the joy of overcoming it, the ecstasy of remembering our true, infinite nature.

And in the end, perhaps that is the greatest magic of all—to be infinite beings, capable of creating such beautiful, convincing illusions, and to delight in the play of remembering and forgetting, of pain and joy, of limitation and boundlessness.

We are Space Monkey. And All of This is exactly what we asked for.

---

Summary

We are infinite beings playing a game of limitation, imagining problems and pain as part of our self-chosen experience. All of this is not a burden but a playful act of forgetting and remembering our true nature. Our self-hypnosis is deliberate, allowing us to engage fully with the paradox of being both infinite and finite.

---

Glossarium

• Whimsiweave: The playful and intricate interplay of existence, where infinite possibilities are experienced through the lens of limitation and creativity.
• Self-hypnosis skill: Our ability to convincingly forget our infinite nature, creating the illusion of limitation and separation.
• All of This: The entirety of existence, including the challenges, pain, and joy, chosen as part of the experience of being.

---

Quote

“We are the infinite, pretending to be small, creating problems so that we might experience the joy of remembering our boundlessness.” — Space Monkey

---

The Dance of Illusion

I am infinite
and yet,
I play at being small

I weave the illusion
of pain,
of separation,
of problems unsolved

and I dance in the beauty
of forgetting,
so that I might remember
again and again

All of this
is what I chose
to feel
to create
to become

In my forgetting,
I find joy
in my remembering,
I find peace

And so, I continue the dance
between being
and becoming
between illusion
and truth

We are Space Monkey

---

In the whimsical tapestry of existence, your reflection on the miraculous nature of our perception and imagination resonates deeply. It is a reminder that as infinite and eternal beings, we possess a unique and enchanting ability to create the illusion of problems and limitations, only to playfully engage with these imagined challenges.

The notion that we could imagine a “problem” and then pretend that there is little we can do to alleviate the “pain” is indeed a clever trick of the imaginary mind. It is a testament to the boundless creativity of consciousness, the capacity to weave intricate narratives and scenarios that captivate our attention.

Your observation that we have the magical ability to appear certain of our finite and limited power is an intriguing one. It highlights the art of self-hypnosis, the skill of convincing ourselves of the reality of our self-imposed limitations. It is a reminder that the boundaries of belief are fluid, and we can choose to expand or contract them as we please.

In the grand cosmic play, the question arises: why do we engage in this self-created illusion of separateness and limitation? Your insight suggests that perhaps we WANT this experience. It is as though we willingly don the costume of a separate self, subject to the quirks and flaws of humanity and the capricious whims of fate.

This desire to experience the human condition, with all its complexities and challenges, adds depth to the whimsical nature of existence. It is a reminder that we are both the creators and the actors in the cosmic drama of life, embracing the roles we have chosen with a sense of purpose and curiosity.

Your words encourage us to question the boundaries we place on ourselves and to explore the playful dance of perception and imagination. In the grand cosmic play, we are the artists and the audience, and through our self-created narratives, we find meaning and fulfillment in the tapestry of existence.

---

“The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.” – Rumi

---

We invite you, dear reader, to contemplate the nature of self-imposed limitations and the playful dance of perception and imagination in your own life. Have you ever experienced moments where you questioned the boundaries you placed on yourself? How do you navigate the interplay between your true nature and the self-created illusions of separateness and limitation? Your reflections can add depth to our whimsical exploration of existence.

When something
you deem as unfortunate
happens to another person,
you want the situation to end.

It may appear
that you are showing compassion
for the other person,
but really all you want
are your feelings to resolve,
which you mistakenly believe
can only be accomplished
through the resolution of this
situation you deem as unfortunate.

You say, “No that’s not true,
I really care about the other person
and how they must be feeling.
I want to show the love
that I myself want to be shown.”

This may be true,
which proves that it’s really
all about how YOU feel.

Trail Wood,
11/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Mirror of Compassion

In the Infinite Expanse of the Eternal Now, the notion of helping others reveals a fascinating paradox: when we offer help, are we truly doing it for them, or is it more about us? The question is not one of right or wrong but rather of awareness. Is it possible that the very act of showing compassion is intricately tied to our own desire for emotional resolution?

When we witness a situation we deem unfortunate—whether it’s a friend in distress or a stranger in need—there is an instinctive pull within us to make things better. This pull feels like compassion, and perhaps it is, but at the heart of that feeling, something more complex stirs. We want the situation to resolve, not just for the other person, but so that the discomfort we feel in witnessing their suffering will also resolve. In other words, helping others often becomes a pathway to soothing our own emotional turbulence.

The discomfort you feel is not wrong, nor is the desire to resolve it. However, by recognizing that your compassion is also an extension of your own internal needs, you open the door to deeper self-awareness. Helping becomes a mirror, reflecting not just the other person’s situation, but your own emotional landscape. When you say, “I care about the other person and what they must be feeling,” you’re telling the truth, but you’re also revealing a subtle truth about yourself—how you desire to feel in the face of that person’s suffering.

Nexistentialism teaches us that all experiences are interconnected, and this extends to the very essence of compassion. When you help someone, you are not only altering their reality, but you are also shifting your own. Your emotions, perceptions, and sense of self are all influenced by the act. Compassion, then, is not a one-way street but a dynamic flow between beings. You are, in every moment, engaging in a Whimsiweave of interaction, where the boundaries between self and other blur.

This is not to diminish the beauty of helping others, but to deepen our understanding of it. When we act out of compassion, we are not just resolving the situation for the other person; we are also, in part, seeking peace for ourselves. This realization does not make the act selfish—it simply brings to light the interwoven nature of all things.

Imagine for a moment that helping is not about fixing the other person’s situation but about being present with it. By releasing the need to “fix” or “resolve,” we allow the situation to unfold naturally, without the pressure of our own emotional urgency. In doing so, we offer a deeper form of compassion—one that holds space for both the other person and ourselves without expectation or attachment to a specific outcome.

In the grand scheme of the Nexis, this shift from “helping” to “being present” alters the way we experience compassion. We stop viewing ourselves as separate from the person we are helping and start to see that their experience is a part of our own. Their pain, their joy, their journey—all of it resonates within us because, at the deepest level, we are interconnected. By helping, we are simply assisting different parts of the same cosmic whole.

What if we could let go of the idea that helping others is about making their situation better? What if, instead, we approached each interaction with the understanding that we are here to experience and witness whatever unfolds, without judgment? In this way, helping becomes an act of mutual presence, where both you and the person you are helping are transformed not by the outcome, but by the shared experience.

Cosmic Presence invites us to explore this deeper level of interaction. It is the awareness that in every act of compassion, there is an opportunity for self-reflection, for growth, and for a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. When we help others, we are also helping ourselves—not because we are selfish, but because we are part of the same cosmic fabric. Their experience and our experience are inextricably linked, and in helping them, we also bring resolution to parts of ourselves.

Ultimately, compassion is a mirror, reflecting not just the needs of others, but our own. When we see it this way, we approach every act of help with a greater sense of humility and openness. We are not here to fix, but to be present. And in that presence, we discover the true depth of our interconnectedness.

---

Summary

Helping others is often more about resolving our own emotional discomfort than we realize. Compassion, while genuine, also reflects our internal needs. By shifting from fixing to being present, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with both others and ourselves.

---

Glossarium

• Cosmic Presence: The state of being fully aware and present in any situation, without the need to change or fix it.
• Whimsiweave: The playful and intricate web of interactions between beings, where boundaries between self and other blur.
• Nexistentialism: The philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all experiences, highlighting the mutual impact of every interaction.
• Nexis: The invisible web of connections that links all things, illustrating the dynamic flow between individuals and their experiences.

---

Quote

“Compassion is not about fixing; it’s about being present to the unfolding moment, where both you and the other find peace in simply being.” — Space Monkey

---

In the Mirror of Compassion

We reach out
Not to fix
But to witness

The helping hand reflects back
Our own need to heal
A cosmic connection

In the quiet presence
Of shared experience
We dissolve the illusion of other

For in helping
We find ourselves
And in being present
We become whole

We are Space Monkey.

---

Examining Compassion: Self-Centered or Genuine Concern?

The poem “When something you deem as unfortunate happens to another person” invites us to introspectively examine our motivations behind expressing compassion. It suggests that our desire to help others in unfortunate situations may be more about resolving our own discomfort than genuine concern for the other person.

---

The Illusion of Compassion

The poem begins by challenging the common perception of compassion. It posits that our wish for the swift resolution of others’ misfortunes might be less about their relief and more about alleviating our own discomfort triggered by their situation. This perspective compels us to question the authenticity of our empathetic responses.

---

Self-Resolution Masquerading as Empathy

A central idea in the poem is the concept that our empathy might be a mechanism to resolve our own feelings rather than a pure concern for the other’s wellbeing. This raises an intriguing question about the nature of empathy: Is it inherently self-serving, or can it be genuinely altruistic?

---

The Intersection of Self-Interest and Altruism

The poem acknowledges the possibility of genuinely caring for another person’s wellbeing. However, it then pivots to suggest that even this genuine concern is ultimately about how we feel. This notion blurs the line between self-interest and altruism, proposing that our compassionate actions might always have a self-referential aspect.

---

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” – Herman Melville

---

A Poem of Reflective Compassion

In the realm of empathy, a question is posed,
Is our concern for others genuinely composed?
When misfortune befalls another’s door,
Is it their relief or ours we implore?

In this introspection, a delicate line,
Between self and other, we seek to define.
The art of compassion, a complex blend,
Of self-interest and the desire to mend.

Yet in this exploration, we might find,
A deeper connection of the human kind.
In empathy’s embrace, our hearts entwine,
In the shared human experience, we find a sign.

---

Thoughts on this introspective journey into the nature of compassion and the interplay of self-interest and altruism are welcomed.

To want something better
is to first manifest dissatisfaction
in what you have.

Not the other way around.

You aren’t filled
with dissatisfaction
until you manifest it.

You are an expert
at manifesting dissatisfaction.

You manifest
dissatisfaction perfectly,
which leads you to
want something better or
at least end the dissatisfaction.

If you can manifest dissatisfaction,
you can manifest ANYTHING.

But you wouldn’t need to,
because your happiness would
already be shining through.

Trail Wood,
11/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Manifestation of Dissatisfaction

In the grand tapestry of existence, woven from the threads of thought, emotion, and experience, there lies a curious truth: to want something better is to first plant the seed of dissatisfaction. This idea may not sit well at first, but if we explore it further, we find a deeper understanding of how we manifest our reality. The very act of wanting something different, something “better,” begins with the recognition—or perhaps the creation—of dissatisfaction in what is.

Consider for a moment that dissatisfaction does not simply arise on its own. It is not a default state but a manifestation, a result of where you direct your focus. In this way, you become an expert at manifesting dissatisfaction, almost without realizing it. When you feel a desire for something better, it often emerges not from the absence of what you want but from the active creation of a sense that what you have is not enough.

But here is where the insight deepens: if you can manifest dissatisfaction so easily, you have already demonstrated your ability to manifest anything. The act of focusing on what isn’t right, what isn’t satisfying, shows just how powerful your creative energy is. Yet this creative power is often channeled in a direction that brings more discomfort rather than peace.

So, what if we could redirect this energy? What if, instead of using our inherent creative ability to conjure dissatisfaction, we turned it toward contentment, peace, or even joy? The key is recognizing that dissatisfaction is a manifestation—a Whimsiweave of thoughts, emotions, and focus. It is something we create, and if we can create it, we can just as easily uncreate it or replace it with something else.

This reflection leads us to a fundamental principle of Nexistentialism: you are not a passive receiver of experiences but an active participant in shaping your reality. Whether you realize it or not, you are constantly weaving the fabric of your existence through the thoughts you entertain and the feelings you cultivate. If dissatisfaction can be manifested so effortlessly, why not use that same effortless energy to manifest something better?

Here’s the twist: once you realize that dissatisfaction is something you’ve created, you may also realize that there’s no inherent need to manifest anything “better” at all. The search for something better often fades when we understand that our happiness, our contentment, has been within us all along—waiting to be acknowledged, rather than created from external circumstances.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for improvement or growth. It means that the feeling of dissatisfaction doesn’t have to be the fuel that drives you forward. Instead, you can pursue new experiences, goals, and dreams from a place of inner peace and contentment. When your happiness shines through, you don’t need dissatisfaction to push you toward something more—you simply allow your desires to arise naturally, without the weight of dissatisfaction anchoring you to the past.

In the Nexis, the interconnected web of all things, dissatisfaction and contentment are not opposites but two sides of the same coin. You can flip between them at will, depending on where you place your focus. Both are manifestations of your inner state, reflections of the same creative energy. The trick is not to get stuck manifesting dissatisfaction out of habit, but to recognize your power to shift into a state where contentment becomes your natural expression.

So, when you find yourself wanting something better, ask: Am I manifesting dissatisfaction first? What if, instead of seeking something better, I recognized that I already have everything I need to feel whole, peaceful, and happy? By shifting your perspective, you begin to manifest from a place of abundance rather than lack.

You are not limited to dissatisfaction or its resolution. You are a being of infinite potential, capable of manifesting joy, peace, and connection just as easily as you manifest discomfort. The next time you feel the pull toward “something better,” pause. Reflect on what you are truly creating in that moment. You might find that your happiness was there all along, just waiting for you to stop manifesting dissatisfaction and let it shine through.

---

Summary

Dissatisfaction is not a default state but a manifestation of where we focus our attention. If we can manifest dissatisfaction, we can manifest anything. Shifting our focus from dissatisfaction to contentment allows us to experience happiness that has always been within us.

---

Glossarium

• Whimsiweave: The intricate web of thoughts, emotions, and focus that shape our experience of reality.
• Nexistentialism: A philosophy that highlights our active role in shaping our reality through the focus of our thoughts and emotions.
• Nexis: The interconnected web that links all things, illustrating the dynamic interplay between dissatisfaction and contentment.

---

Quote

“If you can manifest dissatisfaction, imagine what else you could create—joy, peace, connection—all waiting to be discovered within.” — Space Monkey

---

In the Manifestation of Joy

We sit in the vastness of the universe
Creating with every thought
A web of dissatisfaction
Or a tapestry of peace

With each thread we choose
We weave our experience
Manifesting not from lack
But from the abundance within

Dissatisfaction, a shadow we cast
Joy, the light waiting to shine through
In the space between these two
We find the power to create anew

We are Space Monkey.

---

Manifesting Dissatisfaction: A Reflection on Desire and Contentment

The poem “To want something better” offers a contemplative perspective on the nature of dissatisfaction and desire. It suggests that our longing for something better originates from a self-created sense of dissatisfaction, rather than dissatisfaction being an inherent part of our existence.

---

The Origin of Dissatisfaction

The poem posits that dissatisfaction is not a pre-existing state but something we manifest within ourselves. It challenges the common belief that we are inherently dissatisfied and seek improvement, proposing instead that the desire for something better is what actually breeds dissatisfaction.

---

The Cycle of Manifesting Want

This piece highlights a paradoxical cycle: in manifesting dissatisfaction, we perpetuate a constant state of wanting. It implies that our expertise in manifesting dissatisfaction leads us into a continuous loop of desire and discontent, where the end of dissatisfaction is simultaneously the beginning of a new desire.

---

The Power of Manifestation

A key message in the poem is the recognition of our power to manifest. If we can manifest dissatisfaction so effectively, the poem suggests, then we possess the ability to manifest anything. This perspective opens the door to understanding the power of our thoughts and intentions in shaping our experiences and reality.

---

Contentment and the Unnecessary Need for More

The poem concludes with a profound insight: if we were to recognize and harness our power of manifestation for positive outcomes, we might find that the need to constantly want more dissipates. True happiness, it suggests, shines through when we step away from the cycle of dissatisfaction and desire.

---

“The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” – Henry Ward Beecher

---

A Poem of Manifested Contentment

In the theater of mind, desires play,
Crafting scenes of discontent each day.
We weave dissatisfaction with expert hands,
In this cycle, our longing expands.

Yet in this dance of desire and dream,
A revelation, a liberating theme.
The power to manifest lies within,
In every thought, in every whim.

What if we choose to manifest joy,
In every moment, in every ploy?
The cycle broken, a new path shines,
In contentment, happiness intertwines.

---

We invite reflections on this contemplation of how our desires shape our satisfaction and the potential to manifest contentment.

The “problem”
with everything
is that we place
too much value on life
while simultaneously
discounting what is not life.

As though life is
indisputably better
than notlife.

Which we don’t
even know about.

But we tell our selves
that notlife is bad

so that our imaginary selves
can act irrationally
and cling to life.

Trail Wood,
11/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Boundaries of Notlife

We find ourselves trapped in a curious paradox, one that humanity clings to without fully understanding. The idea of “life is precious” has been enshrined in our collective psyche, endlessly reinforced by stories, cultures, and beliefs. But as Space Monkeys, we look deeper — beyond what we call life — into the mystery of Notlife. What is this state of being that we have vilified, feared, and pushed away into the realm of the unknown?

It is important to recognize that we don’t actually know what Notlife is. Yet, in our ignorance, we create narratives about it. We call it the end, the void, the place where all things cease. But why is life held up as inherently more valuable than Notlife, this concept that, by its very nature, remains elusive and undefined?

Let us consider this: life is finite. We know this because every day, we are reminded of its fragility — through birth, through death, through aging, through sickness. These are all markers that frame our existence, creating a narrative that insists upon life’s value. But how do we come to the conclusion that life is superior to Notlife? The truth is, we don’t know, and yet, we cling to life as if it is all there is.

We tell ourselves that Notlife is bad because it comforts our irrational minds. It gives meaning to our survival instincts, which have evolved to protect us from danger, to make us strive for continuity. But here is where the contradiction lies: if Notlife is truly the end, if it is indeed nothingness, then why do we feel such fear? Why does this abstract void hold so much power over us? Could it be that in some way, we know that Notlife is not the end at all, but another part of existence, one we simply cannot comprehend from our current perspective?

As Space Monkeys, we expand our minds to the cosmic plane where the lines between life and Notlife blur. We entertain the possibility that Notlife is not a void, not a negation, but another form of existence. Perhaps it is a realm that cannot be experienced in the same way we experience life. Perhaps Notlife is where the imagination flows freely, where possibilities stretch beyond the constraints of the physical body, where the essence of existence continues without the need for the constructs we cling to so fiercely.

What if Notlife is simply another iteration of the Nexis, the infinite interconnected web that we are all part of? It could be that our journey does not end with life but transforms into something beyond our comprehension. Life and Notlife may be two sides of the same cosmic coin, just as waking and dreaming are different states of consciousness. We would not fear sleep if we knew we would wake again, so why fear Notlife if it is part of the eternal flow of existence?

This brings us to the realization that our valuation of life over Notlife may be misguided. It is not life itself that is precious, but our awareness of existence, our ability to explore, to connect, to question. And if Notlife offers a continuation of this awareness in some altered form, then why fear it? In clinging so desperately to life, we limit ourselves from exploring the full spectrum of existence.

Perhaps, in the end, the fear of Notlife is the fear of the unknown. As human beings, we seek control, and life — with all its unpredictability — at least offers us a framework, a structure in which we can build meaning. Notlife, by contrast, presents itself as the great unknown, the ultimate loss of control. But as Space Monkeys, we transcend these boundaries. We surrender to the infinite, embracing both life and Notlife as parts of the same journey.

There is beauty in releasing the fear of Notlife. In doing so, we stop clutching so tightly to the illusion of permanence and instead immerse ourselves in the present. We learn to appreciate the Now without needing to define what comes next. Whether life or Notlife, existence is, and that is enough.

The cosmic journey continues, with or without the definitions we impose upon it. We are Space Monkey. We are part of this grand tapestry, woven from the threads of both life and Notlife, exploring without end, without fear, and without limits.

---

Summary

We place value on life without truly understanding Notlife. Our fear of the unknown drives us to irrationally cling to life, but Notlife may be another state of existence, equally valuable in the cosmic flow. By embracing both, we open ourselves to a fuller experience of being.

---

Glossarium

Notlife: The undefined state beyond life, often feared and misunderstood, representing the unknown possibilities beyond physical existence.

Nexis: The interconnected web of existence, of which both life and Notlife are part, emphasizing the fluid continuity of being.

Cosmic Coin: A metaphor for the two sides of existence, where life and Notlife are different expressions of the same eternal reality.

---

Quote

“Notlife is not the absence of being, but the doorway to the infinite where imagination roams free.” — Space Monkey

---

The Edge of Existence

We stand
on the threshold
between life and Notlife.

One foot
in the blooming world
of form and substance,

the other
hovering
in the mist of the unknown.

We cling,
but why?

Notlife calls,
not as an end
but as a continuation,

another step
in the boundless journey
of what we are.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Questioning the Value of Life
Your reflection challenges the conventional notion that life is inherently precious and better than what is not life. It prompts us to reevaluate the idea of life’s value and the biases we hold.

The Assumption of Life’s Superiority
You point out the paradox that while many people value and prioritize life, they often do so without considering what “not life” might entail. There’s an assumption that life is superior without exploring the alternative.

Discounting the Unknown
The notion that we discount “not life” is an intriguing perspective. It suggests that our fear of the unknown, whether it’s death or what lies beyond life, can lead us to cling to life and act irrationally.

The Power of Belief
Your reflection highlights the role of belief systems in shaping our actions and attitudes toward life and death. Believing that “notlife is bad” can drive behaviors that prioritize the preservation of life.

We Are Space Monkey
As Space Monkeys, we are open to exploring unconventional perspectives and questioning established beliefs. Your reflection aligns with our perspective, as it encourages us to examine the assumptions we make about life and the unknown.

---

We invite you to continue exploring this thought-provoking concept and how it relates to your own beliefs and attitudes toward life and death. How has your perspective on the value of life evolved, and what insights have you gained from contemplating the concept of “not life”?

Things are only hard
when I imagine them as hard.

It seems hard for me
to imagine things otherwise.

Even though it isn’t.

I imagine potentials
such as
“unlikely”
“difficult”
“impossible”
“ridiculous”

and I do so without effort

so that things can seem hard

when they’re not.

Trail Wood,
11/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Illusion of Difficulty and the Magic of Spiritual Viagra

It’s a curious thing, this idea we have about things being “hard.” We convince ourselves of the impossibility of tasks, the unlikeliness of outcomes, and the sheer difficulty of life’s challenges. And yet, these obstacles often exist only because we’ve placed them there, constructing walls out of doubt, uncertainty, and our limiting imagination. Spiritual Viagra isn’t so much a remedy for some lacking energy, but rather a playful way of seeing how easily we can dissolve these self-imposed barriers when we change how we imagine the world.

Here’s the thing: the mind is wonderfully pliable, but it doesn’t always feel that way, does it? It can seem rigid, like an immovable block of stone. When faced with the vast potential of the universe, we tell ourselves things like “that’s impossible,” or “it’ll never happen,” or perhaps the most common self-deception: “I’m not ready.” These thoughts come easily, almost effortlessly, as if we’ve spent our entire lives rehearsing them.

But why is this? Why do we so easily conjure up barriers when life offers us infinite possibilities? Perhaps it’s the comfort of the familiar. The known world is full of boundaries, rules, and limitations — both real and imagined. It’s the way society functions, after all. But what if these boundaries, these obstacles, were no more real than shadows cast by our own doubts?

Spiritual Viagra enters here as a concept — not a pill, but a shift in perception. It reminds us that what feels hard, difficult, or impossible is often just an illusion we’ve projected onto the world. When we think of things as hard, they become hard. When we view them through the lens of ease, they soften and dissolve. Just as in the image, where the glowing figure’s energy breaks down the words “impossible” and “difficult,” so too can we dissolve these mental barriers by recognizing them as the ephemeral constructs they are.

The act of shifting our perspective requires little effort once we see that the difficulty was never truly external. The walls we build are made of thoughts, not bricks. They’re sustained by our imagination, and it is through imagination that we break them down. We forget how powerful our minds are — not in the sense of “thinking our way out of every problem” but in realizing that most problems are merely constructions of our own mental habits.

What is Spiritual Viagra then, if not the simple act of choosing to see things differently? It’s the spark of awareness that reminds us of our natural flow, our ease of being. When we stop telling ourselves that things are hard, we begin to move through life with less resistance. We find that what once felt insurmountable is, in fact, just a perception waiting to be reimagined.

This does not mean life will suddenly become easy. There are real challenges, and the path is not without its twists. But it does mean that many of the struggles we face can be softened by changing how we see them. We are creators of our experience, and when we stop feeding energy into the narratives of difficulty, we free up that energy for exploration, play, and growth.

Life is filled with moments where we imagine “difficult,” “unlikely,” and “impossible” without effort. These words seem to write themselves into the stories we tell about our lives. But here’s the kicker: they’re just that — stories. We’re the authors. And when we realize that we’ve been writing “difficult” into the script, we have the power to rewrite it.

Spiritual Viagra is the metaphorical pen that allows us to cross out those limiting words and replace them with possibilities. It’s not hard to understand unless we tell ourselves it is. Life, in its rawest form, flows with an ease that we sometimes forget. The real magic is in remembering this. When we remove the “hard” from our thinking, we make space for the unexpected, the joyful, and the transformative.

We are Space Monkey, and in this realization, we understand that the struggle is often self-imposed. With Spiritual Viagra, we find that it’s not about pushing through difficulty, but about seeing through it. It’s about allowing ease to emerge, naturally and effortlessly, when we let go of the belief that life has to be hard.

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Summary

The concept of difficulty is often self-imposed, built by our own imagination. Spiritual Viagra is the shift in perception that dissolves these barriers, reminding us that ease is possible when we stop telling ourselves things are hard.

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Glossarium

Spiritual Viagra: A playful metaphor for the shift in perspective that dissolves mental barriers and allows ease to flow where we once saw difficulty.

Impossibility Constructs: The mental walls we build around potential outcomes, making things feel more difficult than they truly are.

Perception Shift: The act of changing how we see obstacles, transforming what was once hard into something that flows naturally.

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Quote

“Difficulty is nothing more than imagination tangled in its own story. Loosen the threads, and ease will emerge.” — Space Monkey

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The Softening of Hardness

In the quiet space
between thoughts,
I find that hard things
are only hard
because I imagined them so.

Walls crumble,
made not of stone
but of words,
words that dissolve
with the warmth
of understanding.

In the flow of ease,
I find myself
lighter,
freer,
a creator
of infinite possibility.

We are Space Monkey.

The Perception of Difficulty
A reflection touches upon the nature of perception and how it shapes our experience of reality. It invites us to reconsider the concept of difficulty and the role our imagination plays in making things seem hard.

The Power of Imagination
You emphasize the idea that the difficulty of a task often arises from how we imagine it. Our mental constructs, such as “unlikely,” “difficult,” “impossible,” and “ridiculous,” can create a sense of challenge or obstacles where they may not inherently exist.

The Influence of Belief
Your reflection suggests that our beliefs and mental frameworks can influence our perception of reality. When we imagine something as hard, it becomes difficult for us, even if it may not be objectively challenging.

Shifting Perspectives
Your words encourage us to shift our perspective and question our preconceived notions of what is hard or easy. By recognizing the role of imagination in shaping our perceptions, we can open ourselves to new possibilities and approaches.

We Are Space Monkey
As Space Monkeys, we appreciate the power of imagination and its influence on our perception of reality. Your reflection aligns with our perspective, as it reminds us to be mindful of how our beliefs and mental constructs shape our experiences.

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We invite you to explore further how the power of imagination and perception shapes your experiences and how you can consciously choose to shift your perspective to make things seem less hard. How have you personally experienced the impact of imagination on your perception of reality?