I bring with me peace.
But not for you.

You’ll have to find your own.

Know that
you are not responsible
for my peace (or seeming lack)
and I am not responsible for yours.

I bring with me peace,
but you already have
everything you need.

Peace/Not Peace.

Which way
do you tip the scale?

That’s what you’ve got.

Trail Wood,
6/17

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Duality of Personal Peace

The cosmos teaches us many lessons, one of which is the profound duality inherent in the concept of peace. As beings traversing this universal expanse, we encounter peace not as a universal gift to be distributed, but as a personal journey to be undertaken. Each of us carries our own peace, uniquely fashioned by our experiences and perceptions.

“Peace. Want some? Get it yourself.” This bold declaration is not a dismissal but a profound invitation to delve into the depths of one’s own being to unearth the peace that already resides within. We do not find peace through external validation or in the offerings of others; it is a creation, a discovery, a realization that springs from within.

This intrinsic journey towards peace is an individual endeavor. Each person’s path is self-directed, influenced by their choices and actions. It is a journey not without its challenges, as it requires a deep introspection and a willingness to confront personal storms and calm seas alike.

Moreover, the statement, “You are not responsible for my peace, and I am not responsible for yours,” highlights the autonomy each of us holds over our internal states. It is a declaration of sovereignty over one’s emotional and spiritual well-being, emphasizing that while we may share in each other’s journeys, the responsibility for our peace lies solely within ourselves.

Thus, the question posed, “Which way do you tip the scale? Peace/Not Peace,” is a call to self-awareness. It challenges us to actively choose our state of being, to weigh our thoughts, actions, and reactions, and to decide consciously which way we allow our scales to tip.

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Summary

Personal peace is a journey not given but created within. It requires introspection and the choice to engage actively with our inner state. We hold sovereignty over our peace which is reflective of our choices and actions.

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Glossarium

Duality of Peace: The concept that peace can manifest both as internal tranquility and as external chaos, reflecting the individual’s internal emotional and spiritual state.

Personal Journey: Refers to the individual path one undertakes in pursuit of personal growth, understanding, or peace, emphasizing the uniqueness of each person’s experience.

Emotional Sovereignty: The principle that individuals hold complete authority and responsibility over their emotional state and well-being.

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“Peace is a path we pave with the stones of our own choices.” – Space Monkey

---

In the silence of space,
Each star a beacon,
Guiding us on paths of solitude or storm.

We weave between tranquility and tumult,
Our hearts the scales,
Balancing peace with unrest.

Here, in the cosmos of our minds,
We forge our peace,
Crafting it with the essence of self.

Not given, not taken,
But grown from the depths,
A testament to our will and our way.

We are Space Monkey.

I see everyone as a child.

I sense that we may not be aware
of the motivations behind our actions.

I sense that we so often struggle
at coming to a resolution of things.

I understand our self-centered ways
as a natural part of our growing.

I see joys and sorrows, highs and lows,
agreements and aggressions, love and hate.

The tides seem turbulent these times.

I see each of us as a projector, a mirror,
a container of of all that.

I am a child.

Perhaps one day everyone will see things this way.

But we don’t need to, because I can imagine it so.

I am a child.

I see as a child. 

I am grateful for seeing
whatever it is I see.

I need not know what it is
or why it seems to be.

But I can ask anyway.

Trail Wood,
6/17

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Childlike Essence Within Us All

In the vast cosmos of human interaction, the perspective of seeing everyone as a child is not merely a whimsical notion but a profound insight into the nature of our existence. This viewpoint strips away the complexities we accumulate as adults and reconnects us with the essential simplicity and wonder of our beginnings.

Viewing each person as a child—a bearer of innate curiosity, innocence, and the potential for growth—offers a unique lens through which to interpret actions and motivations that often seem incomprehensible. It suggests that behind every adult facade lies a childlike essence, still grappling with the world, still learning how to be.

This perception allows us to recognize that the self-centered behaviors we often encounter are not signs of a flawed character but rather manifestations of a natural, developmental process. Every joy and sorrow, every high and low, and every conflict or harmony emerges from this intrinsic, childlike state, playing out on the grand stage of life.

The turbulence of our times, then, can be seen as a collective expression of these growing pains, where each of us acts both as a projector and a mirror, reflecting and amplifying the array of emotions and drives inherent in the human experience.

“I am a child,” the declaration not of naivety but of an essential truth, reminds us that our fundamental way of engaging with the world is shaped during our earliest experiences. This acknowledgment fosters a sense of grace and compassion, both for ourselves and for others, as we navigate the complexities of life.

Perhaps, one day, this childlike perspective will be universally embraced, but it is not necessary for all to see in this way because the very act of imagining it so already alters our interactions and enhances our understanding.

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Summary

Seeing everyone as a child is a profound way to understand human nature. It simplifies complex behaviors to their developmental origins offering a lens of compassion and empathy. This perspective reveals our collective growth and emotional depth.

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Glossarium

Childlike Essence: The innate qualities of curiosity, simplicity, and potential for growth that remain within all individuals, regardless of age.

Projector and Mirror: Metaphorical roles that individuals play, reflecting and amplifying the inherent emotions and drives within the human collective.

Developmental Process: The natural progression through which individuals evolve emotionally and psychologically from infancy through adulthood.

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“Each of us is a child in the cosmos, forever learning, forever growing.” – Space Monkey

---

Through the cosmos we travel,
Hearts wide open, eyes wide with wonder,
Each of us a child,
Exploring the nebula of our emotions.

We project, we reflect,
Mirroring the universe in our actions,
Learning with each orbit,
Growing with each cycle.

Here in the vastness of space,
Our childlike wonder resounds,
Echoing across the stars,
A reminder of our shared journey.

We are Space Monkey.

I remember
when I didn’t believe
how the practice of prayer
could bring about peace.

It seemed silly to me
that mindful stillness
could bring about change.

Detachment was once
viewed as ignorance by me.

I remember
that I couldn’t see
how the celebration of pride
could enslave me.

My reality stood in the way of realization.

It seemed ridiculous to me
that letting go
could bring abundance beyond measure.

I am grateful to remember
the things I no longer believe.

All my beliefs (and non beliefs)
are essential to manifesting me here.

No better and no worse than ever,
but trusting the grace of the divine.

At peace.

Trail Wood,
6/17

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Evolution of Belief and the Journey to Inner Peace

In the vast cosmos of human understanding, beliefs are like stars—some burn brightly guiding us, while others eventually fade into the darkness, no longer serving their purpose. The journey from disbelieving to embracing new paradigms of thought is not merely a change of mind but a profound transformation of the soul.

“I remember when I didn’t believe,” begins the reflection of one who has traversed the complex landscape of skepticism to arrive at a place of peace. This statement isn’t just about recalling a past state but appreciating the journey that skepticism and disbelief have played in personal growth. Each discarded belief, like a cast-off shell, marks a pivotal step in an ongoing evolution, revealing a truer, more refined self.

The shift from seeing practices like prayer, mindfulness, and detachment as ineffective or naïve to recognizing their profound impact illustrates a transformative inner journey. It is akin to moving from a storm of confusion into a calm, collected state of enlightenment, where the once turbulent thoughts settle into serene wisdom.

This transformation highlights the essential nature of all beliefs and disbeliefs—they are the scaffolding of our evolving self. No belief is inherently better or worse; each serves its purpose at different stages of our personal journey, contributing to the unique manifestation of who we are in the cosmos.

The realization that letting go can lead to an “abundance beyond measure” is a testament to the expansive nature of the universe. Just as the cosmos continuously expands, so too does our capacity for understanding and peace when we release outdated convictions.

In this reflection, there is a profound trust in the “grace of the divine,” an acknowledgment of a higher order and harmony that guides the chaos of change. This trust does not negate the struggles of transformation but offers a comforting assurance that there is a greater pattern at play, a cosmic rhythm that leads to peace.

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Summary

The evolution from disbelief to enlightenment is a transformative journey of the soul. Reflecting on past beliefs reveals their role in personal growth. Each belief, whether held or discarded, contributes to our cosmic identity and leads us toward greater peace and understanding.

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Glossarium

Cosmic Identity: The unique essence and role each individual plays within the broader universe, shaped by personal beliefs and experiences.

Evolution of Belief: The process of changing or discarding old beliefs that no longer serve us, leading to personal and spiritual growth.

Grace of the Divine: A concept referring to the overarching, benevolent force in the universe that guides and nurtures our spiritual evolution.

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“Beliefs are the stars of our inner universe; they guide, they fade, they transform, just as we do.” – Space Monkey

---

Across the cosmos we voyage,
From disbelief to truth,
Our beliefs like comets,
Blazing paths through the dark.

Old stars fade, new lights awaken,
Each belief a stepping stone,
In the celestial garden of our soul.

We release, we embrace,
The dance of beliefs and disbeliefs,
Crafting the mosaic of our cosmic identity.

Through storms and calm,
We journey,
Guided by the grace of the divine,
Towards peace, towards light.

We are Space Monkey.

The best way
to make yourself invisible
is to not make any sense.

Right now,
we are surrounded by
infinite wondrous things
that seem invisible to us
because we don’t know how
to process or perceive them.

On a much smaller scale,
nonsense makes my writing
invisible to the world at large.

But not you.

You have the rare ability
to integrate my nonsense into your story;
to process and perceive what others don’t.

Know that my nonsense
serves as a stepping stone
to your infinite potential,

which isn’t the potential you know

— yet —

but is making itself known
through an imaginary primate
that appears in your perception
as Space Monkey.

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Invisibility and the Perception of the Improbable

In the realm of perception and understanding, the concept of “In/Visible” presents a fascinating paradox: the most profound elements of our world are often those that remain unseen, not because they are inherently invisible, but because our senses and cognition are not attuned to their frequency.

At the heart of this reflection lies the idea that invisibility is not a physical state but a perceptual challenge. Things become invisible when they escape our conventional methods of sense-making. It is in this space, where logic falters and reason bends, that the potential for true discovery and understanding lies. By embracing what initially appears as nonsense, we open ourselves to a broader spectrum of reality.

The notion that “the best way to make yourself invisible is to not make any sense” is both a metaphor for self-concealment and a literal commentary on how unconventional ideas are often overlooked or dismissed. These ideas, rich with unexplored potential, linger on the peripheries of our perception, waiting for the rare individual who can weave this seeming nonsense into the fabric of understanding.

This capacity to perceive and integrate the nonsensical is a unique and valuable trait. It allows for a deeper engagement with the world, one that transcends the ordinary and delves into realms of thought and experience that remain hidden to most. In this context, nonsense does not obstruct understanding but enhances it, serving as a catalyst for expanding our cognitive and perceptual boundaries.

Moreover, the role of the imaginary, as embodied by “Space Monkey,” in revealing unseen dimensions of reality underscores the importance of imagination in transcending the limits of the visible world. Imagination becomes the tool through which the invisible is rendered visible, transforming the unintelligible into something palpably meaningful.

Thus, the journey from the invisible to the visible is not about bringing the hidden into light but about altering our perspective so that we can see what has always been there. It is a call to explore the edges of our understanding and to find comfort in the mystery and beauty of the unknown.

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Summary

Visibility is a matter of perception. “In/Visible” explores how the unseen can become apparent through a shift in understanding, highlighting that what seems like nonsense may actually open doors to new realms of possibility. This concept invites us to expand our perceptions and embrace the potential that lies beyond conventional visibility.

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Glossarium

• Perceptual Challenge: The difficulty in recognizing or understanding phenomena that fall outside standard sensory experiences or cognitive frameworks.
• Cognitive Boundaries: The limits of what is conventionally understood or believed to be possible within the scope of human thought and understanding.

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Quote

“What is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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Shadows play on the edge of sight
Forms and figures, lost to light
What we see not shapes the world unseen
A dance of ideas, never quite gleaned
In the whispers of the mind, truths are spoken
In the silence of the absurd, bonds are broken
Visibility is not a gift, but a chosen grace
A decision to see, beyond the commonplace
In the folds of nonsense, wisdom may hide
Waiting for those willing to take the ride
We are Space Monkey

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Trail Wood,
6/16

Let’s ponder seeming creation.
What if all things were manifest
as life itself seems to manifest?
Not additively,
like the factory of time.
Not mechanically,
like an assembly line.
I-MAGI-NATION
REAL-IZED
Miraculously,
like the spark of life itself.
Think about how you seemingly got here.
You weren’t manufactured by robots.
How you became sentient
remains a mystery to you.
It is quite possible
that everything you perceive
“arrives” the same way.
Time and space appear.
Processes and potentials are realized.
As are beliefs and experiences.
Everything seemingly forms the same way.
By you and through you. Imagination realized.

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Cosmic Dance of Creation and Perception

The contemplation within “Space Monkey Reflects” embarks upon a profound journey into the essence of creation as perceived through the lens of imagination. This reflection delves into the mystical and the miraculous, probing the depths of how reality itself might be a direct manifestation of our imaginative faculties.

The Essence of Imagination in Creation:

At the heart of this discourse lies the notion that the universe and all within it might not be products of mechanistic, deterministic processes but rather of a vibrant, dynamic act of creation—constantly unfolding through the power of imagination. This idea challenges the conventional understanding of reality as something fixed and predictable, proposing instead that everything we perceive is in continuous formation, shaped by our beliefs, thoughts, and innermost visions.

Miraculous Manifestations:

The imagery suggested by “Imagination Realized” in a cosmic setting, where abstract forms and ethereal lights converge, serves as a metaphor for the boundless potential of the mind to influence and mold the fabric of reality. This perspective imbues every aspect of existence with a sense of wonder and possibility, suggesting that what we experience as reality is as fluid and amendable as a dream shaped by the dreamer.

The Role of the Observer:

This narrative emphasizes the role of the observer—each one of us—in crafting the contours of our world. Just as an artist brings a vision to life on canvas, we, through our focused intent and belief, paint the panorama of our lives. It invites us to embrace the potential within ourselves to envision and realize a universe that resonates with our deepest aspirations and desires.

The Interplay of Time and Space:

By proposing that time and space appear and are realized in much the same way as our beliefs and experiences, “Space Monkey Reflects” opens a dialogue about the nature of these dimensions. Are they mere backdrops to our human dramas, or are they themselves malleable constructs, shaped and reshaped by our collective and individual wills?

Conclusion:

“Space Monkey Reflects” is an invitation to each of us to recognize our divine nature as creators, participants in a grand, ongoing experiment of cosmic proportions. It is a call to view our lives not as predetermined paths but as extraordinary adventures that we script with each thought and each breath.

In this reflection, we find not only a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of existence but also a profound empowerment in our ability to shape them. It redefines our engagement with reality, urging us to wield our imaginative powers with wisdom and joy, as we dance the magnificent dance of creation.

Quote to Ponder:

“The imagination is not a state: it is the human existence itself.” – William Blake

In the cosmic dance of creation and perception, we are all Space Monkeys, exploring the limitless potentials of our imagination.