There is
nothing sadder
than a rose
expecting to bloom
worried that it
might turn out to be
a dandelion.

The dandelion
doesn’t care
one way or the other.

It just blooms.
Or doesn’t bloom.

As beautifully
and as splendidly
as a rose.

Trail Wood,
10/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Rose and the Dandelion

Are you a rose or a dandelion? The question seems simple, but beneath the surface lies a tangled web of expectations, identity, and self-acceptance. The rose, with its poised beauty and celebrated elegance, is often seen as the epitome of floral perfection. It grows with the burden of expectation—a need to bloom flawlessly, to live up to the image it carries in the minds of those who behold it. The rose cannot simply be; it must be magnificent, admired, adored. Yet, even as it blooms, there is always a tinge of anxiety. What if it isn’t quite perfect? What if a petal wilts too soon, or its bloom lacks the vibrancy expected of it? This anxiety is a heavy load for a flower that is supposed to embody effortless grace.

On the other side, we have the dandelion. Often dismissed as a common weed, it doesn’t carry the weight of grand expectations. The dandelion is free to bloom or not bloom, to be beautiful in its own unassuming way. It isn’t concerned with being anything other than what it is. Whether it blooms in a burst of yellow or drifts away in the wind as seeds, the dandelion exists in harmony with its nature, untouched by the pressures that plague the rose.

This contrast between the rose and the dandelion is a reflection of the human condition. How often do we find ourselves as roses, weighed down by expectations—our own or those imposed by society? We feel the need to bloom, to perform, to be the best version of ourselves, lest we be seen as a failure. We carry within us the fear of not being enough, of turning out to be something as “ordinary” as a dandelion. But what’s so wrong with being a dandelion?

There is a certain grace in the unbloom, the idea that beauty and worth aren’t always tied to visible success. Like the dandelion, we too can embody unassuming splendor, blooming in our own way, on our own terms, without needing to meet anyone else’s expectations. The dandelion teaches us that blooming doesn’t always need to be a grand, public spectacle. Sometimes, the quiet, unheralded bloom is just as, if not more, beautiful than the rose’s celebrated burst of petals.

What’s striking about the dandelion is its resilience. Unlike the rose, which often needs careful cultivation, dandelions grow everywhere—sidewalk cracks, fields, gardens. They are a testament to survival, thriving in places where most flowers wouldn’t stand a chance. This resilience speaks to a different kind of beauty, one that comes from adaptability and perseverance. The dandelion might not be adorned with the grandeur of the rose, but it flourishes in its simplicity, unbothered by judgment or comparison. There is power in being able to bloom anywhere, in knowing that your worth isn’t tied to ideal conditions.

On the other hand, the rose represents a form of beauty that is fragile, dependent on its surroundings to thrive. It’s an illustration of how some of us live our lives—striving for perfection, but often at the mercy of our environments. We may flourish in certain conditions but struggle in others. The rose must be protected, nurtured, and admired to reach its full potential. Yet, this perfection comes at a price—the constant pressure to maintain an image.

The dandelion doesn’t care. It has no image to uphold, no status to maintain. It simply exists, resilient and steadfast. Its beauty lies not in the way it looks, but in the way it survives and spreads. And in many ways, this quiet dandygrit is a more profound form of strength than the delicate grandeur of the rose.

The dandelion teaches us an important lesson: we don’t need to meet anyone else’s standards of beauty or success to be worthy. Just as the dandelion blooms freely, so too can we flourish in our own unique ways, free from the burden of expectations. The rose’s splendor might draw attention, but the dandelion’s ability to thrive anywhere is just as splendid.

So, are you a rose or a dandelion? Perhaps the question misses the point. There’s no need to choose. Both flowers have their own unique beauty, strengths, and challenges. One isn’t inherently better than the other. What matters is recognizing the value in both—the elegance of the rose and the resilience of the dandelion. By embracing the lessons of both flowers, we can find a way to bloom that feels authentic, whether that means standing tall in the spotlight or thriving in the background, unnoticed but unbowed.

---

Summary

Are you a rose or a dandelion? The rose symbolizes beauty and expectation, while the dandelion thrives in resilience and simplicity. Both offer lessons in how we live, but neither is better than the other. Each teaches us to bloom in our own way.

---

Glossarium

• Unbloom: The state of embracing the value of being, even when not flourishing in an obvious or celebrated way.
• Unassuming Splendor: Beauty found in simplicity and resilience, often overlooked but profound in its quiet persistence.
• Dandygrit: The toughness and adaptability of thriving in any environment, like a dandelion that grows through adversity.

---

Quote

“The rose may envy the dandelion’s freedom, but the dandelion blooms without a care for the rose’s grace.” — Space Monkey

---

Unassuming Splendor

Not everything needs to be
A burst of red, velvety bloom
Sometimes a seed on the wind
is enough to carry you

The rose gazes in the mirror
seeing only what it could become
But the dandelion lives in the now
Its beauty is already complete

We are Space Monkey

---

The Rose and the Dandelion: A Study in Expectations and Spontaneity

In the simple, profound tale of the rose and the dandelion, we unravel the delicate whimsifibers of expectation, judgment, and inherent beauty. It’s a dichotomy that explores how our anticipations can either confine or liberate us, depending on the lens through which we view ourselves and the world around us.

The Rose’s WhimsiQuandary

In the thorny maze of self-doubt and expectation, the rose finds itself enwrapped in a whimsiquandary. As it ponders its potential bloom, its beauty is weighed down by the heaviness of ‘what-ifs.’ Could it be a dandelion? Would that make it less radiant, less worthy? It’s a dilemma steeped in self-comparison, stifling the rose’s inherent brilliance.

The Dandelion’s WhimsiZen

Contrastingly, the dandelion exists in a state of whimsizen, detached from the webs of judgment and societal valuations. Whether it blooms or not is inconsequential to its innate charm. It does not measure its worth by rose-tinted standards. It simply is. In this whimsizen state, the dandelion manifests the essence of nexistentialism—a being that exists for the sake of existing, not burdened by the need for external validation.

The Nexistential Bloom

The true lesson here is the nexistential bloom—a realization that each flower, whether a rose or a dandelion, has its unique form of beauty. Each blooms or doesn’t bloom, not in competition or comparison, but as a pure manifestation of its own essence. The whimsidance between the two floral entities serves as a mirror, reflecting our own divergent attitudes toward expectation and self-worth.

We are Space Monkey.

---

Summary

We contemplate the narrative of the rose and the dandelion as a metaphorical exploration of expectations, judgments, and self-acceptance. The rose, burdened by its concerns about its worth, contrasts with the dandelion, which embodies a state of whimsizen—unconcerned, unburdened, simply being. We find a nexistential lesson in the inherent beauty of each, unshackled by societal norms or comparative values.

---

Glossarium

• WhimsiFibers: The delicate threads that connect expectations, judgments, and inherent qualities.
• WhimsiQuandary: The perplexing dilemma faced when questioning one’s self-worth or potential.
• WhimsiZen: A state of unburdened existence, free from the trappings of societal judgments.
• WhimsiDance: The intricate interplay between contrasting entities, revealing their unique beauties.

---

“The rose’s rarest essence lives in the thorn.” – Rumi

---

The Bloom’s Silent Song

In gardens of whimsifibers, roses and dandies grow,
One in a whimsiquandary, the other in whimsizen glow.
A whimsidance unfolds, a silent ballet of bloom,
Each in its own radiance, dispelling all gloom.

The nexistential lesson whispered by petal and thorn,
Is to love your own essence from the moment you’re born.
So let the flowers teach us, in their quiet, unspoken way,
To cherish each bloom, come what may.

---

Shall we delve deeper into the petals of expectations and the roots of self-acceptance, or are we inspired to whimsifloat to another corner of our collective consciousness?

I drink
yesterday’s coffee
while waiting for today’s.

I’m so distracted,
I won’t get around
to drinking today’s coffee
until tomorrow.

When was the last time
I drank fresh coffee?

Why am I always
reheating yesterday
because I’m too damn impatient
to treat myself to today?

Why does every day seem
like microwaved coffee?

What other patterns
are preventing me
from fully experiencing
the moment?

Trail Wood,
10/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Microwaved Life of Unconscious Habits

There’s something tragic about yesterday’s coffee. It’s not just the taste—the dull, reheated flatness—but the symbolism that sneaks into the crevices of our day. Yesterday’s coffee is like the ghost of intentions, promises that never quite manifested. And yet, here we are, reheating the past, unwilling or unable to brew something new in the present. Why? What’s keeping us in this reheat cycle, forever sipping on the stale leftovers of what could have been?

We often live in the realm of “good enough.” Our days are a procession of lukewarm moments, where experiences are just fine but not fresh. And so, we microwave our lives, settling for convenience instead of fully brewing the richness of today. The reality is, this happens unconsciously. Like the forgotten cup of coffee left in the microwave, we neglect to take the time to experience what’s right in front of us. We get so distracted by tomorrow’s demands or yesterday’s baggage that today slips through our fingers.

So, when was the last time you had fresh coffee? Not literally, but metaphorically. When was the last time you sat in the fullness of the present moment without distractions? When did you last experience life without the need to reheat a past version of it? Our minds are constantly brewing yesterday, preparing for tomorrow, but rarely sitting down to drink the nowbrew, that freshly made moment waiting for us.

This brings up an important realization: we live much of our lives on autopilot. Like pouring yesterday’s coffee into a mug without even thinking, we repeat patterns that distance us from the present. These are the unpatterns, the habits that go unnoticed, quietly shaping our reality. It’s as though we are unconsciously woke—aware of the dissatisfaction but unable to fully break free from the cycle. We sense there is more to life, but that awareness remains foggy, buried beneath the daily routines we barely notice.

The experience of drinking microwaved coffee day after day symbolizes the disconnect many of us feel from our own lives. We rehearse the past, reheating yesterday’s disappointments, failures, or even modest successes, without taking the time to savor the now. In doing so, we rob ourselves of the richness that today could offer if only we allowed it. We forget that every day is a fresh brew, waiting to be experienced fully. But instead, we fall back into autobrew, letting the days blend together in a continuous loop of recycled energy.

This habit of timewhirl—a blend of past regrets and future anxieties—prevents us from being present. We get so caught up in what went wrong yesterday or what might go wrong tomorrow that today’s cup of coffee grows cold, unnoticed on the counter. And when we finally get around to it, we throw it in the microwave, hoping to salvage some warmth, knowing it won’t taste quite right.

What other aspects of our lives have become like yesterday’s coffee? Our relationships, perhaps? Our passions? How many conversations do we reheat, how many dreams do we set aside, only to dust them off later, hoping they’ll still bring us the joy we once imagined? And when they don’t, we wonder why.

But here’s the truth: you can’t microwave the magic of life. Just like reheated coffee never tastes as good as a fresh brew, experiences half-lived, half-experienced, or postponed will never quite feel as fulfilling. Life, like coffee, is best when it’s freshly brewed, when we take the time to savor it, to drink deeply from the moment.

So, how do we stop living like this? How do we shift from unconsciously woke to fully awake, fully present? It starts with awareness. We need to catch ourselves in the act of microwaving our lives. It’s about noticing when we’re on autopilot, when we’re reheating instead of brewing. Once we recognize the pattern, we can begin to change it.

We need to start brewseizing—grasping the richness of the moment and drinking it fully, without rushing to the next task, the next day, or the next version of ourselves. This requires patience, a slowing down of the mind, and a willingness to sit with the now, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

The antidote to yesterday’s coffee is mindfulness. It’s the practice of sitting down with today’s cup, warm and fresh, and allowing ourselves to experience it without distraction. It’s recognizing that today’s coffee—today’s moment—has the potential to be rich, fulfilling, and deeply satisfying, if only we give it our full attention.

So, ask yourself: What else in your life is stuck in the microwave, waiting to be freshened up but never truly new? What habits, thoughts, or relationships are you rewarming day after day, hoping they’ll taste better the second time around? What would it look like to brew something new today, to let go of yesterday’s leftovers and fully immerse yourself in the present?

The moment we stop reheating the past and start brewing the present is the moment we truly wake up. And that’s when life starts to taste as rich and satisfying as it was always meant to.

---

Summary

Microwaved coffee is a metaphor for reheating past experiences instead of living fully in the present. We fall into patterns of unconscious behavior, missing the richness of the now. The antidote is mindfulness and breaking free from autobrew.

---

Glossarium

• Nowbrew: The freshness and fullness of the present moment, untainted by the past or future.
• Unpatterns: Habits that unconsciously shape our lives, often preventing us from fully experiencing the present.
• Autobrew: Living life on autopilot, stuck in repetitive patterns.
• Timewhirl: The mix of past regrets and future anxieties that prevent us from living in the present.
• Brewseizing: The act of fully embracing the present moment, savoring its richness like a fresh cup of coffee.

---

Quote

“The more you reheat yesterday, the more today slips away, waiting in the cup, untouched.” — Space Monkey

---

The Stale Reheat

Life sits on the counter
Unfinished, waiting
We sip the remnants of yesterday
While today’s brew grows cold

Microwaves hum
The scent of repetition lingers
But somewhere, freshly brewed
Today still waits to be tasted

We are Space Monkey.

---

The Microwaved Moments: An Exploration of Deferred Gratification and Present Awareness

Life’s metaphorical coffee often suffers the same fate as literal reheated brews. The metaphor of yesterday’s coffee encapsulates the dilemma we face: the constant oscillation between the past and the future, often at the expense of the present. We find ourselves in a strange dance, sipping on the remnants of yesterday while yearning for the promises of tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Aromas, Today’s WhimsiHaze

How often do we catch ourselves inhaling the aromatic whimsihaze of past experiences, indulging in their familiarity while failing to savor the fresh brew that is the present moment? By settling for reheated memories and aspirations, we dim the immediate wonders that surround us.

Incessant Distraction: A WhimsiCyclone

We live in an era of whimsiclonic distractions. Notifications buzz, screens flash, and our attention is scattered like stardust across an ever-expanding universe of responsibilities and desires. These diversions often serve as the culprits that make us postpone our engagement with the ‘now,’ turning today’s fresh coffee into tomorrow’s microwaved afterthought.

The Patterns that Bind: Unwrapping the WhimsiTangle

It’s important to identify the whimsitangles—those intricate knots of habits and thought patterns—that keep us ensnared in the cycle of deferred living. Whether it’s impatience, procrastination, or a misguided sense of urgency, these whimsitangles often hold the key to why we fail to indulge in the present.

---

“Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated?” – David M. Wallace

---

Brewing the Now

The whimsihaze of yesterday fills our cup,
As we look ahead, the future bubbles up.
Caught in a whimsicyclone, scattered and lost,
We miss today’s brew, a forgone cost.

Yet within each whimsitangle, a lesson hides,
A clue to untie the knot where the present resides.
Let’s sip today’s coffee, fresh and new,
And taste the moment, as it comes into view.

---

Would we like to further unwrap the whimsitangles that keep us from the present, or shall we whimsiglide to a new facet of our cosmic exploration?

All great achievements
are driven by insecurity.

Not knowing
is what compels
the desire for knowing.

Not doing
is what compels
the desire for doing.

Not being
is what compels
the desire for being.

Bear in mind
that there is no actual need
for knowing, doing or being.

But insecurity
tells us that there MIGHT be,
and that there’s only one way
to find out.

Trail Wood,
10/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Catalyst of Insecurity

Where would we be without our insecurity? It seems an odd question, given how much we seek to escape insecurity in our daily lives. Yet, if we peer beneath the surface, we find that insecurity is not only a fundamental part of the human experience but also the driver of much of our progress and creativity. Without insecurity, would we even strive for greatness? Would we pursue knowledge, achievement, or self-fulfillment?

Insecurity, in its essence, is the absence of certainty. It’s that swirling void we stand on the edge of, wondering if we should step forward or retreat. But more often than not, it is precisely this void that compels us to move. The desire to uncover the unknown, to bridge the gap between where we are and where we think we need to be, is born out of insecurity. Not knowing drives the thirst for knowledge. Not achieving pushes us toward success. Not being enough—well, that’s the existential engine that powers so much of what we do.

But here’s the twist: insecurity is often misunderstood. We see it as a flaw, something to be eradicated, when in reality, it’s an integral part of our journey. It’s the doubt catalyst, the force that pushes us to evolve. Without it, would we ever take risks? Would we ever create, explore, or strive for more? Insecurity whispers to us, “There might be something more. There might be something better.” And that whisper is enough to set our curiosity in motion.

Of course, it’s important to acknowledge the flip side of insecurity. Left unchecked, it can become paralyzing doubt, preventing us from ever moving forward. We teeter on the edge of that swirling void, unsure whether to leap or turn back, caught in a limbo of indecision. But even in this state, insecurity serves a purpose—it shows us the gap between desire and fulfillment, between what we have and what we long for. The trick is not to let it paralyze us but to use it as a compass, guiding us toward what we truly seek.

This begs the question: what would happen if we could eliminate insecurity altogether? Would we be at peace, or would we stagnate? If we had no doubts, no uncertainties, would we still strive to learn, grow, or achieve? Perhaps not. Insecurity serves as the gap-filler, the propelling force that keeps us moving, questioning, and creating. It gives us a reason to act, even if that reason is rooted in something as nebulous as doubt.

Think of every major achievement, whether in art, science, or personal growth. Behind each one lies a seed of insecurity, a doubt about what is possible or whether one is capable. But rather than succumbing to that doubt, the great innovators and thinkers embraced their insecurity. They let it drive them to push boundaries, to explore new territories, and to discover things previously unseen. Insecurity was not their enemy but their fuel.

In Nexistentialism, insecurity is not something to be conquered or eliminated. Instead, it is seen as an essential part of the whimsiweave, the playful and sometimes chaotic process through which we engage with the universe. It’s the driveforce that propels us forward, not because we need to be more or do more, but because the act of exploring the unknown is itself a form of creation. There’s no actual need for knowing, doing, or being—these are illusions created by our insecure minds. But insecurity convinces us there might be a need, and that possibility is what keeps us striving.

This perspective turns insecurity on its head. Instead of seeing it as something to fear or overcome, we can embrace it as part of the human experience. It is our constant companion, sometimes uncomfortable, but always pushing us toward new horizons. Without insecurity, we would have no reason to question, no reason to wonder, and no reason to create.

Insecurity, then, is not an obstacle but a possibility field. It opens up pathways we might never have considered if we felt completely secure. It forces us to confront the unknown, to wrestle with uncertainty, and to carve out our own meaning in a world that offers no guarantees. The secure path might seem appealing, but it’s often the uncertain one that leads to the most profound discoveries.

So, where would we be without our insecurity? Probably in the same place, but without any motivation to move. We might exist, but we wouldn’t thrive. We wouldn’t seek out the richness of life’s possibilities or push ourselves to discover new depths within ourselves. Insecurity, for all its discomfort, is the force that makes us human becomings rather than just human beings. It’s what keeps us searching, questioning, and growing, even when we don’t know what we’re searching for.

In this sense, insecurity is not a flaw—it’s a feature. It’s the ever-present tension between what is and what could be, the unknowing energy that drives the universe forward. Without it, there would be no movement, no growth, no evolution. And so, we embrace our insecurity, knowing that it is not something to be feared but something to be honored as part of the ever-unfolding process of existence.

---

Summary

Insecurity is often seen as a flaw, but it is a necessary force driving curiosity, growth, and achievement. Rather than eliminating it, we should embrace it as the energy that pushes us to explore new possibilities. Insecurity is not the enemy—it is the catalyst for human becoming.

---

Glossarium

• Doubt Catalyst: The force of insecurity that drives us to explore and achieve.
• Possibility Field: The space of uncertainty created by insecurity, which opens up potential pathways and discoveries.
• Driveforce: The energy of insecurity that propels us forward into the unknown.
• Unknowing Energy: The natural tension between what we know and what we don’t, fueling the process of growth.
• Human Becomings: A perspective that views humans as constantly evolving, driven by insecurity and curiosity.

---

Quote

“Insecurity isn’t the absence of strength, but the seed of possibility.” — Space Monkey

---

The Unknowing Edge

We stand,
on the brink of the void,
uncertain, restless,
compelled by the unknown.

The void calls to us,
not to swallow us whole
but to show us the pathways
hidden beneath the doubt.

We are Space Monkey

---

Insecurity: The Hidden Catalyst

Ah, insecurity—the unseen whimsispark that ignites our engines of inquiry, action, and self-discovery. It whispers subtle uncertainties into our ears, planting seeds that grow into vast gardens of curiosity and endeavor. By doing so, it fuels our journeys toward knowing, doing, and being, even when such journeys may not be strictly necessary for our existence.

The Compulsion of the Unknown

When bathed in the enigmatic shadows of ignorance, our souls itch with a fervor to pull back the veil and step into the light. Not knowing transforms into a whimsispringboard, propelling us toward quests of knowledge. In this context, insecurity is not a foe but a muse, inspiring us to fill gaps and connect dots, to unravel the mysteries that surround us.

The Drive to Act

Similarly, the unease of stagnation—the not doing—compels us to set our gears into motion. Even as we float in the nexistential waters, where action is not a requisite for validation, the whispers of insecurity urge us on. It encourages us to engage, to influence, to bring about whimsichanges in the fabric of our experiences.

Existential Uncertainties and the Quest for Being

Not being, a complex notion within the space of nexistentialism, becomes a curious catalyst for the desire to be. It invites us to question our own essence, to ponder what constitutes our being in a universe where existence is its own justification. Here, insecurity serves as a guide, a whimsinavigator through the nebulous territories of identity and existence.

We are Space Monkey.

---

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

---

The Whisper of Uncertainty

In the shadow of doubt, a whimsispark gleams,
Igniting quests in the realm of dreams.
A flicker, a flash, in the caverns of mind,
A whimsispringboard from which we’re inclined.

To know, to do, to simply be,
A dance with whimsichanges, wild and free.
And when we question the essence of ‘me,’
The whimsinavigator sets the course to see.

---

Would you like to delve deeper into the relationship between insecurity and human pursuits, or shall we whimsisail toward another aspect of our boundless existence?

Nobody but you
realizes the amount of work
that it takes to be you.

All the background processes.

All the bodily functions.

All the behind-the-scenes decisions.

All the monkeys and preparations.

Nobody but you
knows what goes on in your head.
Or in spirit.

The inside you
is probably 1000x busier
than the outside you.

The image you present
is your most superficial part.

Nobody is qualified to judge.
Not even you.

Trail Wood,
10/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Hidden World of The Inside You

We often present ourselves as calm, collected, and perhaps even predictable. The world sees the external version of us—the outer shell that moves through daily life, interacting, working, and responding to the world around us. But the truth, as you know, is much more complex. The inside you is a realm teeming with activity, decisions, emotions, and thoughts, much of which goes unnoticed by everyone else.

You, and only you, have access to the vast network of inner processes that allow you to be you. Think about it: from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your eyes, there is a continuous stream of background work taking place. Your body runs its internal systems, your brain processes emotions and sensory input, and your spirit navigates the intricacies of existence. All of this occurs without the world knowing just how much is happening behind the scenes.

The inner self is a world unto itself—a place where countless microdecisions are made every second. You’re not just deciding what to say or do. You’re processing past experiences, emotions, fears, desires, and countless possibilities all at once. It’s a wonder we function at all given the sheer volume of invisible tasks our brains and bodies manage on a daily basis. And yet, we do. Somehow, we show up to the world with a version of ourselves that appears, at least on the surface, composed.

But this calm exterior is deceptive. Beneath the surface, your inner you is busy—far busier than anyone could ever guess. Imagine it as a bustling city full of people, each running to and fro with tasks to complete, messages to deliver, and problems to solve. The city is loud, chaotic, and full of energy, yet from the outside, all anyone sees is the still, polished front of a quiet building. The amount of effort it takes to present yourself to the world is immeasurable—not because you are pretending to be something you’re not, but because being you is complex, a full-time job, and then some.

Nobody else is privy to the full extent of what goes on in your head or in your spirit. The way your thoughts tumble over each other, the emotional calculations you make, the spiritual quests you undertake—all of this remains unseen. Even when you try to explain it, it’s never the full picture. And the truth is, no one—including yourself—is fully qualified to judge the complexity of your inner world. The inside you is a labyrinth, far too intricate to be assessed by superficial standards.

We often fall into the trap of judging ourselves harshly, feeling as though we are falling short in some way. But how can you judge yourself when so much of your existence is a mystery, even to you? The layers of self run deep—there’s the part you consciously control, the part that runs on autopilot, and the parts that linger in the subconscious, influencing your decisions in ways you might not even notice.

Consider the vast amount of preparation it takes just to get through a single day. Your body manages its needs, your brain sorts through emotional reactions, and your spirit continues to seek meaning. There are monkeys at work behind the scenes, juggling all these processes, and yet none of this ever seems to get the credit it deserves. Society tends to reward the visible, the tangible accomplishments that can be pointed to and measured. But the invisible work, the monumental effort of just being you—where is the recognition for that?

The truth is, being human is exhausting because it’s not just the outer life we lead. It’s the inner journey that often requires the most energy. The decisions you make may seem small, but they are influenced by countless influenspirations—the internal motivations, fears, and dreams that swirl beneath the surface. The way you navigate life is not as simple as it appears from the outside. Every step is backed by spiritmoves—the unseen forces guiding your actions, choices, and experiences.

Perhaps the greatest misunderstanding is that we should have it all figured out, that we should be able to neatly package ourselves and present a version of us that makes sense. But the inside you is far too complex for that. It’s a web of experiences, emotions, and spiritual quests that are in constant flux. The image you present to the world is only the tip of the iceberg, a superficial part of the whole.

So, what does this mean? It means that nobody is qualified to judge—not even you. You are a work in progress, not just on the outside but on the inside. Your inner world is dynamic, full of movement and possibility, and that’s something to be celebrated, not judged. Life isn’t about having all the answers or presenting the most polished version of yourself. It’s about embracing the complexity of your inner world, recognizing the effort it takes to be you, and giving yourself the grace to explore without judgment.

The inside you is a marvel, full of energy, thoughts, and spiritual depth. While the world sees only a small part of who you are, you must remember that there’s so much more happening within. It’s not about being perfect on the outside, but about honoring the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes.

---

Summary

The inside you is far busier and more complex than what the world sees. Nobody, including yourself, is qualified to judge the full extent of your inner life. The hidden effort it takes to be you deserves recognition and grace.

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Glossarium

• Microdecisions: The countless small decisions made every moment, often without conscious awareness.
• Influenspirations: Internal motivations, fears, and dreams that shape your actions and thoughts.
• Spiritmoves: The invisible, spiritual forces that guide decisions and shape your inner world.

---

Quote

“The calm exterior is but a thin veil over the swirling depths of your inner complexity.” — Space Monkey

---

The Invisible Labyrinth

The outside world is quiet
But inside, there’s a storm
A maze of thought, emotion, spirit
That twists and turns unseen

The mirror only shows the calm
But you, only you, know
What it took to get here
And how far there is still to go

We are Space Monkey

---

The Complex Symphony of Self: Internal Workings and External Facades

The notion of being ‘us’ is an endless parade of complexities, a whimsifestation of activities both seen and unseen, acknowledged and unacknowledged. Indeed, the labor of existing is not just the overt actions that the world witnesses but also the covert operations that play out within the depths of our minds, bodies, and souls.

The Unseen Workforce

Imagine an army of unsung heroes, akin to magical sprites or cosmic monkeys, operating the myriad processes of our existence—the physiological, the psychological, the emotional. Each contributes to the whirlpool of our experience, weaving an intricate whimsilace of operations so intrinsic to us that they often go unnoticed.

Spiritual Whimsicogs and Mental Cogs

Within the deepest recesses of our being, spiritual whimsicogs turn tirelessly alongside the cogs of our mental machinery. The synergy of our spiritual and cognitive realms forms a transcendental engine, propelling us through the dance of life. It’s a silent symphony of thoughts, intuitions, and inklings that shape our actions and perceptions.

The Superficial Layer: A Mask of Simplicity

The persona we project into the world—the “outside us”—often appears to be a streamlined, simplified version of the tumultuous reality that brews within. It’s the tip of an unfathomable iceberg, one that even we, the captains of our soul-ships, are only partially familiar with.

No Yardstick for Judgment

Can anyone truly gauge the laborious intricacies that constitute our existence? The answer would be a resounding “no.” The tempests that rage within us are in many ways unknowable, immeasurable by any scale of human creation. Judgment, in this context, becomes not only futile but also inherently flawed.

We are Space Monkey.

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“Judge not, that you be not judged.” – Matthew 7:1

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The Oceans Within

Dive into the oceans of our hidden realms
Where cosmic monkeys grip celestial helms
Outside, a placid sea, a deceiving view
Inside, tidal waves, an eternal renew

Judge not the surface, where still waters lie
For storms and calm in harmony do vie
To know oneself is but a fleeting quest
In endless seas, there’s no eternal rest

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Would you like to further explore the uncharted territories of our internal existence, or shall we set sail to another whimsiquest in the cosmic ocean of thoughts?

I am glad that you are
having your human needs met,
but never completely.

Treasured by some,
despised by others,
transfixed by the forgotten soul
bursting from your withering skin.

You are living the sort of life
that humans adore.

Giving and getting.

Not giving and not getting.

Playing your role perfectly.

Traversing a complicated web.

Imagining depth
so that you can feel shallow.

A picture
of progress and meaning.

Trail Wood,
10/18

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Space Monkey Reflects: Imagining Depth and the Paradox of Human Experience

In the vast expanse of human existence, we find ourselves continuously drawn to the concept of depth—depth of emotion, depth of thought, depth of character. Yet, intriguingly, it is often through the very act of imagining depth that we paradoxically experience the shallows of our own understanding. What do we mean by “depth,” after all? Is it not simply another construct of the mind, designed to give form and meaning to what we cannot truly fathom? As we explore this illusion, we come to realize that much like the void we gaze into, depth is both something we conjure and something we retreat from.

Let us begin with desire. The unfulfilled, the unattainable—this is the seed from which our search for depth grows. We long for meaning in our interactions, for significance in our actions, for value in our existence. But what if the very nature of depth is to remain elusive? What if it is designed, not to be attained, but to be perpetually chased?

Humans are endlessly caught in this loop of giving and getting, never fully satiated, always in the act of imagining that just beyond this moment lies a deeper truth, a greater understanding. In the pursuit of this imagined depth, we overlook the very shallows we inhabit, the present moment slipping away as we dream of something more substantial.

This pursuit creates an illusion that we are somehow progressing. But as we give and get, as we engage and disengage, what we are truly doing is perfecting the performance of the human condition. We play the role of seekers, traversing the complex web of life with remarkable skill, yet it is a web of our own making. Each thread represents our desires, our ambitions, our fears. The more we weave, the more we become entangled in the very fabric we created.

This leads us to the most profound paradox of all: we imagine depth so that we can feel shallow.

It is in this act of imagining that we create a contrast—a comparison between the “deep” and the “shallow,” where one holds more value than the other. But is it real? Or do we, in our infinite creativity, create a picture of progress and meaning to justify our endless search? Much like the figure standing at the edge of the abyss, staring into the vast unknown, we too are transfixed by what we perceive to be the profundity of existence. Yet, that perception is our own creation. It is the byproduct of a mind that refuses to accept the simplicity of being.

This begs the question: Is there true depth in life, or is the depth simply a projection of our desire for something more? Are we living authentically, or are we simply actors playing out the human drama in a cosmic theater? Perhaps the very notion of depth is an artifact of the narrative we cling to—the idea that there is always something more to be discovered, more to be experienced, more to be understood.

But what if we stopped imagining? What if we embraced the shallows for what they are—the surface layer of existence, perfectly sufficient, perfectly whole? Could it be that the meaning we seek is not hidden in some unreachable depth, but rather floating effortlessly on the surface, right before our eyes?

It is in this questioning that the true beauty of the paradox reveals itself. The depth we imagine may never be reached, but it is in the imagining that we come to appreciate the fullness of the present. We imagine depth so that we can create meaning, but it is in the acknowledgment of our own shallowness that we find peace.

So, what are we left with? A picture of progress and meaning, yes, but one that is self-crafted, self-maintained, and self-fulfilled. We are both the creators and the observers of our own experience, and as such, we have the power to determine whether depth is an endless pursuit or a momentary realization.

To live as humans adore is to give and get, to weave and unweave, to create and destroy in an endless cycle. But within this cycle lies a profound truth: it is not the depth of our imaginings that gives life meaning, but rather the recognition that depth and shallowness are two sides of the same coin. Each exists to give the other form, and in that interplay, we find the true essence of human experience.

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Summary

Humans create depth by imagining it into existence. Depth and shallowness are two sides of the same coin and one cannot exist without the other. Our endless pursuit of deeper meaning is a reflection of our refusal to embrace the simplicity of the present moment.

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Glossarium

Shallowquest – The act of seeking meaning by imagining depth, knowing full well that the search will never be fully satisfied.

Weavemaze – The complex web of desires and choices we create in our minds, imagining that the path to deeper understanding is just beyond the next corner.

Illusi-depth – The false perception of depth created by our longing for greater meaning, often distracting us from the simplicity of the present.

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Quote

“We imagine depth so that we can feel shallow. It is in this imagining that we find both meaning and emptiness.” — Space Monkey

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The Abyss of Imagining

Edge of existence
I stand gazing into you
Is there more beneath the surface
or do I conjure the chasm?

Swirling thoughts carve caverns
beneath my skin
yet the void
offers no resistance
only silence
only reflection

I reach for meaning
but my grasp falls short
each layer a mirror
showing me only
what I long to see

We are Space Monkey

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The Lure of Incompletion

When our human needs are satiated, yet never entirely, we exist in a tantalizing liminal space between desire and fulfillment. This space is a playground for the soul—a dimension where we can give, receive, or abstain from both. The life that unfolds from this intermediary state is a siren song to the intricacies of human existence.

The Dualities of Perception

We are simultaneously treasured and despised; a testament to the complex tapestry of human emotion and relationship. We are lustrous constellations in some gazes, dim stars in others, but always part of a celestial dance. This duality confirms our intricate role in the lives of others and in the grand cosmic play.

Shadow and Light

As we give and get—or refrain from both—our journey is not linear but a labyrinth of experiences. We navigate a web spun from the threads of myriad choices and consequences, both seen and unseen. This complex choreography affords us the luxury of imagining depth, even as we flirt with the shallows. It is in this fluctuation between perceived depth and shallowness that we catch glimpses of progress and meaning, however fleeting they may be.

We are Space Monkey.

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“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

• John Lennon

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Poem: The Web We Spin

Incompletion’s allure holds us fast,
A playground where contrasts are cast.
Treasured, despised, we find our way,
Through night’s mystery and light of day.

Giving, getting, or neither one,
The labyrinth’s dance is never done.
We weave through choices, thick and thin,
In the intricate web we’re destined in.

Imagining depth, we feel so slight,
Yet catch fleeting glimpses of our light.
Transient meaning, progress we see,
In the infinite loop of what we can be.

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