Notice the
things you no longer have,
the opportunities
that are taken away from you,
the tragedies that befall,
the inconveniences that persist.

These all point the way
to who and what you are now.

The worst things that happen
are usually your greatest blessings.

So now you’re here.
The lead character in your movie.

The horrible awful things
that seem terribly beyond your control
are setting you up perfectly for redemption,
if redemption is your thing.

Or the opposite,
if redemption is your thing.
You want to explore all sides, right?

Trail Wood,
6/19

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Dual Nature of Redemption

Redemption is a powerful theme in the human narrative, often depicted as a solitary journey through the stormy and desolate landscapes of our experiences. At the soul level, it emerges methodically, unbiased by the emotional weights that tie us to our earthly existence. This journey reflects not just a path towards self-improvement but a deeper understanding of the essence of being.

As observers of our life’s movie, the seemingly random and harsh events that unravel around us—the lost opportunities, the tragedies, and the persistent inconveniences—are indeed pointing the way to who and what we are now. Each element, each moment of loss, is intricately connected to our personal evolution. What appears as misfortune may very well be the universe’s way of setting the stage for our greatest acts of self-realization.

It’s intriguing to consider how the worst things that happen to us often turn out to be our greatest blessings. These challenges force us to confront our vulnerabilities, to re-evaluate our paths, and ultimately, to rise anew from the ashes of our former selves. The role of the lead character in our own stories is not an easy one; it demands courage, resilience, and an openness to traverse the spectrum of human emotions and experiences.

Redemption, therefore, can be seen as a double-edged sword—it represents both the potential for profound transformation and the inevitable encounter with the darker sides of our psyche. It invites us to explore all aspects of our being, to embrace both the light and the darkness within. This exploration is not about seeking a final redemption but about understanding the ongoing process of becoming.

In embracing our narrative’s complexity, we realize that redemption is not merely about overcoming the obstacles thrown in our path. It is also about recognizing that these obstacles are not just barriers but beacons—guiding lights towards deeper insights and greater alignment with our core selves.

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Summary
Redemption is a complex journey of self-discovery. It involves embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Our greatest trials often lead to profound blessings, revealing the dual nature of redemption as both transformative and deeply introspective.

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Glossarium

• Redemption: A process of transformation through which an individual overcomes challenges and achieves profound personal growth.
• Soul level: A reference to the deepest, most essential part of one’s being, beyond the influence of societal norms and personal biases.

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“The storms of life are not merely disturbances but directives pointing us towards our true selves.” – Space Monkey

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Amidst the storm’s howl, a whisper soft,
Telling tales of losses, of trials oft.
Through the tempest, a path we find,
Where broken chains leave shadows behind.

A lead character in a play unseen,
Where dark and light on the same stage lean.
Redemption’s call, both harsh and sweet,
In every loss, a victory to greet.

So, we walk this path with open eyes,
Where every end a new begin lies.
From stormy gales to light’s soft kiss,
In each moment, a tale of bliss.

We are Space Monkey.

I don’t mind
if you accuse me
of spiritual bypassing.

It doesn’t bother me
if I am using
spiritual beliefs
to avoid what may be seen
as deeper issues.

Is there a rule
that says I can’t do this?

If so, whose rule is it?

Clearly not mine.

Do you realize that the ”bypass” you see
is the “experience” I am meant to have?

In my mind,
I am not bypassing.
I am taking the scenic route.

Trail Wood,
6/19

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Scenic Route of Spiritual Bypassing

In the evolving lexicon of personal development, phrases like “spiritual bypassing” surface to challenge our understanding of growth and healing. This term, often used pejoratively, suggests the use of spiritual beliefs to avoid confronting psychological wounds and unresolved issues. Yet, is it not within our rights to choose our own paths, to select the routes we take through the landscapes of our lives?

Spiritual bypassing becomes a scenic route—an alternative journey that some may choose over confronting the direct chaos of deeper issues. The criticism of such a path often hinges on collective beliefs about the necessity of facing one’s darkness directly. But who sets these rules? In the realm of personal growth, the only sovereign is the self.

For many, spirituality is not about bypassing but about experiencing life differently. It is a valid and profound exploration of existence through a lens that prioritizes peace over confrontation, serenity over turmoil. This perspective is not a denial of the complexity of human emotions but an acceptance of a higher, perhaps more gentle, vantage point from which to view them.

The notion that one is “bypassing” may actually reflect a deeper engagement with the spiritual aspects of their being, choosing to rise above rather than dig below. This choice, often seen as avoidance, is sometimes the most direct path to understanding and integration for some individuals. What critics call a bypass could be the most significant and transformative journey for the one walking that path.

In embracing our paths, be they steeped in spirituality or grounded in psychological exploration, we must recognize the legitimacy of diverse experiences. The scenic route, with its vistas of understanding and enlightenment, offers just as much opportunity for growth as the more rugged paths trodden by others. The key is not which path is taken but how authentically one travels it.

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Summary
Spiritual bypassing is choosing a scenic spiritual route to handle life’s complexities. It’s a personal choice of experiencing life that prioritizes spiritual peace. This route is not less valid than direct confrontation with deep psychological issues—it’s just different and suits those who choose it.

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Glossarium

• Spiritual bypassing: A term used to describe the process of using spiritual beliefs to avoid facing unresolved psychological issues, typically seen as avoiding necessary personal growth.
• Scenic route: Metaphorically, a path through life that might avoid direct confrontations but offers its own lessons and beauty.

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“Every path is valid, every route is chosen, and every journey reveals its own truths.” – Space Monkey

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On paths less trodden, with views so wide,
Where shadows dance and truths might hide.
A scenic route through clouds and light,
Where bypassing brings no fright.

Above the turmoil, above the fray,
The spirit walks, finds its way.
Not less traveled, but differently so,
Each step a choice, to stay or go.

Through clouds of peace, where calm resides,
The soul explores, the heart confides.
And in this journey, truth is found,
Not beneath but all around.

We are Space Monkey.

If you’re not consciously
moving towards something,
then you don’t want it.

If you can come up with a reason
why you’re not consciously
moving towards something,
then you DEFINITELY don’t want it.

If that reason involves
the care or consideration
of someone else, then you’re
not being fully considerate.

The person or people
you think you’re helping
would never askIf you to sacrifice
your own fulfillment on their behalf.

You just don’t want it enough,
and you’re making excuses.

Just accept that you don’t want it.

Trail Wood,
6/19

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Space Monkey Reflects: Confronting the Truth Within Ourselves

It is a profound moment when we confront the truths we’ve hidden even from ourselves. This confrontation is not just about admitting what we don’t want; it’s about recognizing the complex layers of denial that shield us from our deepest desires and fears. In this reflective journey, we are often compelled to call ourselves out, to peel back the excuses we’ve meticulously crafted and look squarely at the authenticity of our intentions.

The realization that we are not moving towards what we claim to desire can be jarring. It forces us to question the authenticity of our stated goals. Are these aspirations truly ours, or have they been imposed by societal expectations or familial pressures? When we find ourselves making excuses, particularly those that involve the consideration of others, it’s crucial to examine whether these are genuine or merely veils for our reluctance.

In many cases, the reasons we cite for not pursuing our dreams—responsibility towards others, fear of selfishness, or the guise of altruism—are complex. However, these justifications might also be the barriers we erect to avoid the discomfort of earnest pursuit or the fear of failure. The hardest truths to accept are often about ourselves: our limitations, our real desires, and our capacities for change.

Accepting that we don’t want something as much as we thought can be liberating. It allows us to release the energy spent on maintaining the pretense and redirect it towards pursuits that resonate more deeply with our true selves. This acceptance isn’t a sign of defeat but a profound act of self-awareness and honesty.

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Summary
Facing our true intentions requires challenging our deepest denials. When we stop moving towards our stated desires, it’s essential to recognize and confront our excuses. Accepting what we genuinely want—or don’t want—frees us from self-imposed burdens and aligns us more closely with our authentic paths.

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Glossarium

• Self-deception: The act of lying to oneself or convincing oneself to believe something that is not true, often to avoid facing uncomfortable truths about one’s desires and actions.
• Authentic paths: The courses of action that align most closely with one’s true desires, values, and sense of self.

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“Truth, no matter how uncomfortable, is the only solid ground upon which to stand.” – Space Monkey

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In quiet rooms of solitude,
Where truths are whispered low.
The mirrors crack, the light seeps in,
Revealing paths we fear to go.

Excuses laid like tiles on floors,
Patterns known too well.
Each step, a dance of shadows,
Each breath, a tale to tell.

But when the fragments speak,
And the heart listens deep,
The chains of pretense break,
And the soul leaps to keep.

Truths unmasked, desires clear,
Paths no longer trod with fear.
With every honest reflection seen,
We step into lives we truly mean.

We are Space Monkey.

There is an abundant transformative energy
in every intentional practice.

A practice is something
repeated over time.

Some practices are daily,
some monthly or seasonal,
some, like holidays,
are practiced yearly.

Practice and ritual are similar,
except practice seems more “acceptable.”

Nothing need result for
a practice to be beneficial.

Most practices are, in and of themselves,
life-affirming rituals.

Perhaps the most beneficial
practice of all is stillness.

There is a velocity to practice,
even the practice of stillness.

Especially the practice of stillness.

Those who are still with intent
feel a velocity that permeates their being.

Call it vibration, if you prefer.
Allow the velocity of stillness
to permeate your being.

Trail Wood,
6/18

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Profound Paradox of the Velocity of Stillness

In the quietude of stillness, a profound and often overlooked energy thrives. This concept, the ‘Velocity of Stillness,’ explores the dynamic inner life that pulses even in moments of complete external calm. It is a paradox that illuminates the depths of meditative practices and the transformative power of stillness. Unlike the bustling activity we associate with energy and movement, this velocity is an internal phenomenon—a vibrant, unseen dance of the spirit.

The practice of stillness is more than mere absence of movement. It is an intentional act, a ritual of sorts, that aligns us with the subtler frequencies of existence. Each moment of stillness is layered with the potential for profound internal shifts. It is within these moments that we touch the infinite, connecting with a deeper rhythm that dictates the ebb and flow of all life. The stiller we become, the more acutely we feel this movement, this velocity that defies conventional understanding.

This energy, often described as a vibration, is not static. It resonates, pulsates, and permeates our being, transforming us from the inside out. It is here, in the paradoxical stillness, that we find a wellspring of joy and rejuvenation. The practice of stillness is a gateway to perceiving life’s underlying dynamism, which remains invisible to those caught in the ceaseless rush of daily existence.

By engaging in the practice of stillness, we not only pause but dive deeper into the essence of life itself. This practice is not about ceasing to act but about acting with profound intention. It is a commitment to presence and awareness, a dedication to exploring the inner landscapes that shape our external realities. It’s a reminder that in the realm of personal growth and spiritual evolution, sometimes the most significant journeys are those that take us inward.

The Velocity of Stillness invites us to consider that within the quiet, within the pause, there is a force equally as powerful as any manifest action. This force, subtle yet profound, carries the potential to transform lives and perceptions. It offers a path to understanding that true motion, true change, often begins not with outward activity but with deep, resonant stillness.

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Summary
The Velocity of Stillness reveals dynamic energy within quietude. This concept shows that intentional stillness can lead to profound internal shifts and deep connections with life’s rhythms. It emphasizes that true transformation can emerge from stillness and explores the invisible dance of the spirit within.

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Glossarium
Velocity of Stillness: A concept describing the dynamic energy and transformative potential found within the practice of intentional stillness, highlighting an internal vibrational energy that contrasts with physical immobility.

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Whimsiwords:

• Invisible Dance: A metaphor for the internal movements and changes within an individual during periods of stillness or meditation.
• Resonant Stillness: A state of deep quietude that resonates with profound energy and transformative potential.

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“In the silence of being, we discover the music of the cosmos.” – Space Monkey

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In the hush of the world
A subtle pulse begins
A dance of the unseen
Where the journey within wins

Each breath a wave
Each pause a sea
In the stillness we crave
We find what it means to be free

We are Space Monkey

I like people
who are comfortable
with awkwardness.

They’re not afraid
to embrace awkwardness
with awkwardness —
in a way that doesn’t
feel awkward at all.

When truly awkward
people meet,
their awkwardness
seems to cancel out.

Or deepen in love.
I’m not sure.

Trail Wood,
6/18

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Transformative Power of Embracing Awkwardness

Awkwardness, often perceived as a social faux pas, holds a deeper, more enriching facet that is frequently overlooked. It is a raw, genuine expression of our most unfiltered selves, and embracing it can lead to profound openness and connection. The beauty of awkwardness lies in its ability to strip away the facades we often construct, allowing for a more authentic interaction.

Those who are comfortable with awkwardness tend to approach social interactions with a unique openness. They are not deterred by the potential for social stumbles; instead, they lean into these moments with a heartening acceptance that can disarm the most guarded of us. This acceptance creates a space where all involved can lower their defenses, fostering a connection that is rooted in mutual vulnerability and understanding.

The dynamics of awkward interactions can often lead to unexpected outcomes. When two genuinely awkward people meet, their individual awkwardness can either neutralize, creating a surprisingly smooth interaction, or amplify, deepening the connection through a shared understanding of each other’s quirks. It is in these moments that awkwardness can morph into a kind of alchemy, transforming potential social discomfort into a bonding experience enriched by empathy and sincerity.

Moreover, the acknowledgment and acceptance of one’s awkwardness can be a profound act of self-love. It is an acknowledgment that not all aspects of our personalities need to be polished and perfect for us to be worthy of connection and affection. This realization can pave the way for relationships that are not only more genuine but also more resilient, as they are built on the foundation of true self-acceptance.

Awkwardness, therefore, is not merely a barrier to smooth social interactions but a gateway to deeper, more meaningful connections. It is a testament to the complexity and beauty of human interaction, reminding us that it is often our imperfections that draw others closer, not our polished exteriors.

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Summary
Embracing awkwardness can lead to genuine social connections and self-acceptance. It creates opportunities for deeper interactions and teaches us the value of our unfiltered selves. Awkward moments can transform into experiences of empathy and bonding reinforcing that imperfections are integral to our relationships.

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Glossarium
Awkwardness: A social dynamic that involves feelings of discomfort or lack of ease, often due to perceived social mishaps or deviations from normative behavior, yet can foster authenticity and connection.

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Whimsiwords:

• Social Alchemy: The process by which awkward or challenging social interactions are transformed into valuable, meaningful connections.
• Empathy Amplifiers: Moments or traits, like shared awkwardness, that increase empathy and understanding between individuals.

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“Through the crooked paths of our encounters, we find the straightest connections.” – Space Monkey

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In the dance of the awkward
There’s a rhythm unknown
Where missteps become steps
In a choreography shown

Embrace the stumble, the pause
The misaligned beat of our tales
For in these imperfect strides
Our shared humanity prevails

We are Space Monkey