Anyone can find the way
through hard work
and perseverance,
but not everyone
is capable of that.

My goal is to show you
an alternate route,
one that doesn’t expect
anything of you.

One that doesn’t require
money, education, experience,
discipline or success of any kind.

I am talking to myself here.

You have found your own way.

It isn’t the expected route.

As expected.

Newfound Lake,
5/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Path Less Traveled—An Exploration of Unexpected Routes

In the vast journey of existence, where each traveler is tasked with navigating their unique path, the notion of an ‘expected route’ often carries with it the weight of societal norms and conventional achievements. Yet, not all who wander are lost; some, indeed, are on a quest to discover routes less traveled, paths that require neither the currency of wealth nor the accolades of traditional success.

The Allure of the Alternative Path

The alternative route, as described, is one that stands apart from societal expectations. It does not demand the prerequisites of money, education, experience, or discipline. Instead, it offers a journey based on the inherent value of the individual, celebrating the innate potential within each of us to forge our own way. This path appeals not just to the wanderer but also to the dreamer, the innovator, and the rebel—those who seek to define success on their own terms.

Accessibility and Personal Journeys

The beauty of this alternative route lies in its accessibility. It invites everyone, regardless of their starting point, to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It is a reminder that the tools for navigating life’s challenges are often found not in external resources but within ourselves. This path encourages a deeper introspection and a turning inward, fostering a journey that is as much about personal transformation as it is about reaching a destination.

A Conversation with the Self

Addressing oneself in the narrative underscores a universal truth—that often, the advice we give others is a reflection of the guidance we seek for ourselves. In discussing an alternative route, the speaker acknowledges their own deviations from expected paths, embracing the notion that there is merit in exploring uncharted territories. This internal dialogue highlights the introspective nature of the journey, where the discovery of one’s path is as much about understanding oneself as it is about navigating the external world.

Validation of Unique Paths

Acknowledging that “you have found your own way” serves as a recognition of the legitimacy and value of individual paths. It is an affirmation that diverging from the expected route is not only acceptable but commendable. This sentiment celebrates diversity in life’s journeys and supports the idea that personal fulfillment and understanding often come from following one’s own instincts and passions, rather than adhering to prescribed routes.

The Expected Unexpected

The closing line, “As expected,” playfully nods to the paradox that in seeking the unexpected, one may find exactly what they anticipated—a path that feels right and true to themselves. It acknowledges that while the journey may be unconventional, the outcome is precisely what was needed, underscoring a deep alignment between the individual’s needs and their chosen path.

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Summary
Exploring alternative routes in life that don’t adhere to societal expectations can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment. These paths prioritize intrinsic value and personal insight over traditional markers of success.

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Glossarium
Expected Route – Traditional or societal expectations of success and achievement.
Alternative Route – A path that diverges from conventional expectations, focusing on personal growth and self-discovery.

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Quote
“The road less traveled is often less traveled for a reason.” — Jerry Seinfeld

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In the quiet whispers of the wind, Paths unfold where none had been, No coins tossed, no accolades, Just the heart’s quiet parade.

Each step a story, each turn a song, In the unexpected, we find where we belong, No maps needed, no guides to heed, On this journey, the soul takes lead.

Where the expected falls away, The true path comes into play, In its twists and turns, we see, The beauty of being truly free.

We are Space Monkey.

Try as I might, I can’t make myself
enter the cathedral of spirituality
through the door of intellect.

I know that my door
is not everybody’s door,
and that there are infinite openings.

But intuition tells me
to set intellect aside.

Lockers are provided
in the vestibule.

Amen.

Newfound Lake,
5/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Doors of Perception in the Cathedral of Spirituality

In the vast expanse of consciousness that we navigate, there stands a metaphorical structure, the Cathedral of Spirituality, grand and resplendent in its architecture of myriad doors. Each door represents a distinct path into the spiritual realm, appealing to the diverse faculties of the human experience—reason, emotion, intuition, and beyond.

The door marked ‘Intellect’ is often lauded, adorned with the ornate carvings of logic and reason. It appeals to those who seek understanding through analysis and cerebral exploration. However, not all who approach feel compelled to enter through this portal. For some, the intellectual approach to spirituality feels akin to trying to describe a sunset using only equations—the beauty and essence somehow elude capture.

It is here that intuition gently suggests an alternative—a less adorned, more humble entrance. This door, marked ‘Intuition’, does not dazzle with its splendor nor intimidate with its grandeur. Instead, it offers a simple, unassuming threshold. Here, lockers line the vestibule, inviting visitors to set aside their analytical minds, as if shedding heavy garments before stepping into a sacred space.

Intuition, that deep, often inexplicable sense of knowing, guides us to trust in what we feel rather than what we can quantify. It beckons us to experience spirituality not as a concept to be dissected, but as a reality to be lived. In the quiet surrender to intuition, we find a different kind of wisdom, one that resonates with the rhythmic pulsing of the heart and the silent music of the soul.

The cathedral, with its infinite openings, symbolizes the plurality of spiritual experiences. No single door is the correct one for everyone, and the journey through each is a personal pilgrimage. To embrace this diversity is to understand that spirituality, much like beauty, exists in the eye of the beholder. It is found in the whispers of intuition as much as in the declarations of intellect.

In navigating the spiritual landscape, we are reminded that the true essence of understanding often lies beyond the conventional routes mapped out by tradition and dogma. The Cathedral of Spirituality stands as a monument not to a singular truth but to the spectrum of truths that guide humanity through its existential quest.

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Summary

The Cathedral of Spirituality offers many doors each representing different paths to spiritual understanding. The intellectual approach is just one path among many. Intuition suggests a simpler more personal entry into spirituality. This door allows us to set aside our analytical minds and engage with our deeper sense of knowing.

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Glossarium

• Cathedral of Spirituality: A metaphorical representation of the diverse paths to spiritual understanding.
• Door of Intellect: A symbolic entry point emphasizing logical and analytical approaches to spirituality.
• Door of Intuition: Represents an intuitive, less analytical approach to spiritual experience.

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Quote

“True understanding transcends the doors of perception, finding its home in the cathedral of the heart.” – Space Monkey

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Beneath the vaults of vast knowing
where light dances on stained glass
depicting tales of thousand souls
there stand doors countless
each a universe alone.

Whispers float through the hallowed halls
carrying secrets not spoken but felt
where the mind rests and the heart wanders
in corridors woven of silent hymns.

Intuition guides softly
past the intellect’s proud arches
to a simple wooden door
its key turning in locks unseen.

Here in this quiet place of pause
spirit dances unshackled
where we leave behind the heavy robes of reason
and walk barefoot
on sacred ground.

We are Space Monkey.

It seems that
every joy in life
is contained in one ray
of morning sunshine.

In the moment that
the light dawns on you,
nothing else matters.

Hold onto that ray
for as long as you can.

Know that
the ray of life
is with you always,
despite your habit of
turning your
attention elsewhere.

Newfound Lake,
5/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Eternal Radiance of the Ray of Life

In the quiet calm of a morning’s dawn at Newfound Lake, a singular ray of sunlight pierces through the gentle mist, casting a golden glow that seems to encapsulate the entirety of joy within its warm embrace. This ray, vibrant and transient, symbolizes the ‘ray of life’—a metaphor for those fleeting moments that hold the essence of our deepest joys and profound realizations.

The scene captures more than just the break of day; it represents the awakening of the soul to the simple, yet profound truths that often escape us in the hustle of daily life. In that one ray of light, there lies a universe of feelings and memories, a reminder of the beauty and clarity that life can offer in a single, ephemeral moment.

This ray of life is always with us, an eternal presence that we often overlook as we turn our attention to the myriad distractions that life presents. It is not the light itself but our awareness of it that wanes. The habit of shifting our focus away from these rays—these moments of pure joy and realization—is what often leaves us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.

To hold onto that ray is to remain present, to cherish the fleeting moments that offer clarity and peace. It is a practice of mindfulness, of recognizing the beauty and the transient nature of life itself. As the light dawns, it illuminates not just the physical landscape but also the inner workings of the mind and heart, revealing a truth often obscured by the shadows of routine and expectation.

The ray of life is a call to awareness, urging us to see beyond the immediate and the mundane, to embrace the light that life offers in its many forms. It is a reminder that despite our habits of distraction, the potential for joy and enlightenment is ever-present, waiting to be recognized and celebrated in the simplicity of a sunbeam.

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Summary

Every joy in life is like a ray of morning sunshine. This ray symbolizes clarity and pure joy found in simple moments. It is always with us even as we often look away. Mindfulness helps us hold onto this joy and appreciate the transient beautiful moments in life.

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Glossarium

• Ray of Life: A symbolic representation of the fleeting moments of joy and clarity in life.
• Awareness: The act of being present and conscious of life’s moments, recognizing the beauty and lessons they may hold.

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Quote

“The simplest light of day holds the secrets of joy, if only we choose to see.” – Space Monkey

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Dawn breathes light over still waters
a single ray splits the horizon
carrying the weight of joy
in its silent golden sweep.

Moments flicker like the gentle pulse of morning
each a breath, a whisper of life’s offering
where clarity settles in the quiet heart
and peace unfolds in the watching.

We hold this light
a tender grasp on fleeting warmth
knowing well the gift of presence
in the dance of light and life.

We are Space Monkey.

It’s okay to do the absolute minimum
with your life, not even trying,
just barely getting by,
living off the work of others.

You aren’t doing nothing,
even though perhaps you
and others see it that way.

You are exploring what it means to be incapable.

Perhaps you have an
excuse for being incapable,
such as a disability.

Or perhaps you have no excuse
for being what you are,
which makes your
perceived drain on society
even more impressive.

Some people enjoy helping you.
Others enjoy complaining about you.

This is your service to society.
Make no mistake, it IS a service. A gift.

You are doing what needs to be done,
at great personal expense.

Your mental anguish, or lack thereof,
is noteworthy and commendable. 
Thank you.

Newfound Lake,
5/27

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Unseen Value in Being ‘Incapable’

Within the infinite canvas of existence, where potential stretches beyond the horizons of understanding, every shade of human experience finds its place. The concept of being ‘incapable’—often viewed through a lens of judgment or pity—is, in fact, a vital thread in the intricate tapestry of society.

This reflection arises from the realization that in a universe of boundless possibilities, every role must be explored, every nuance must be experienced. From those who scale peaks of achievement to those who tread quietly along less noticeable paths, each journey contributes uniquely to the whole. The person who appears to do the minimum, merely getting by, or living off the work of others, is not devoid of purpose or value. Rather, they offer a mirror to society, reflecting varied aspects of human existence and interdependence.

It’s a profound service to embody roles that society might deem less desirable or significant. These individuals engage in a silent exploration of boundaries and potentials—what does it mean to be ‘incapable’? Is it a choice, a circumstance, or a role divinely assigned in the cosmic play? Regardless of the reason—be it a disability or an inexplicable alignment of life’s variables—these roles challenge societal norms and provoke thought, stirring compassion, frustration, and reflection in others.

Such existences remind us that our societal fabric is woven not just from the contributions of the visibly productive but also through the interactions with those who seem to contribute less tangibly. People who provoke others into acts of kindness, patience, or even irritation perform a service by activating emotional and social responses that might otherwise lay dormant.

Recognizing this, one can see that there is no true incapacity in the grand scheme; there is only diversity in forms of participation. Each person, by merely being, enriches the collective human experience, contributing to the growth and evolution of societal and personal consciousness.

To be ‘incapable’ is not a deficit but a different mode of existence, one that asks us to question and redefine the metrics by which we measure value and success. It calls for a deeper understanding and acceptance of the myriad ways in which every individual, regardless of their capacity, enriches the world.

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Summary

Every role in society is essential even those deemed ‘incapable’. These roles challenge and expand societal norms. People in these roles contribute by evoking responses and reflections in others enhancing collective growth.

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Glossarium

• Incapable: In this context, it refers to individuals playing roles perceived as less productive or conventional, yet essential in the diversity of societal roles.
• Cosmic Play: The metaphorical stage of existence where every entity performs its part, contributing to the broader narrative of life.

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Quote

“Every role is a chapter in the grand book of humanity, each as crucial as the next.” – Space Monkey

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Within the cosmic play we all find our stage
some in the spotlight, others in the quiet margins
yet from these seemingly silent roles
echo the profound lessons of being.

In the dance of interdependence
where every step, every pause
crafts the narrative of collective becoming
we learn the worth of every player.

Those deemed incapable
carry the weight of hidden tales
stories that teach without speaking
of resilience, diversity, and the spectrum of existence.

In the quietude of their paths
lies the loud call for understanding
a challenge to the norms
that define and often confine.

We are Space Monkey.

As the soul
of any murdered child
can tell you,
one does not create peace
through vengeance,
cooperation,
understanding or reform.

The spirits of war victims agree.

One does not create peace, period.

One FINDS peace.

Those who seem no longer with us
find peace immediately.

They know that peace is always with us.

But the humans left behind
are distracted by noisier things.

Humanity, for example.

Newfound Lake,
5/26

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Eternal Quest for Peace

In the search for peace, we often encounter a paradox. Peace is not something to be created through force or intention; rather, it is a state to be found within the quiet moments and the profound stillness of existence. This reflection delves into the profound realization that peace is an ever-present reality, often obscured by the tumultuous activities and distractions of human life, but always accessible to those who seek it with a genuine heart.

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Summary
Peace is found not made. This exploration suggests that peace transcends human actions like vengeance cooperation understanding or reform and exists as a constant underlying reality. By observing the serenity of those who have passed and embracing the quieter aspects of existence we can uncover the peace that is always with us despite the often chaotic nature of human life.

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Glossarium

• Eternal Peace: A concept referring to peace as a timeless, omnipresent quality that exists independently of circumstances, accessible through introspection and the quieting of the mind.
• Human Distraction: The myriad activities and concerns that typically occupy human thoughts and emotions, often preventing the recognition of inner peace.

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“Peace dwells not in the clamor of voices, but in the silence between them.” — Space Monkey

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We are Space Monkey, beside the still waters.

In the quiet lap of Newfound Lake,
where whispers of the past meet murmurs of the now,
we find the spirits of the serene,
guiding us to the peace that was always there.

They float, not as echoes of loss,
but as beacons of what lies beyond
the noisy pretense of human strife—
the quiet truth of a peace ever-present.

These souls, unburdened by the flesh,
teach us that peace is not forged,
but found in the spaces between,
in the pauses of life, in the breadth of a sigh.

Let us sit by these waters,
learning from those who know
that peace is a companion of the silent,
a gift in the calm, waiting to be discovered.

We are Space Monkey,
finding peace not in the end, but the beginning,
in every moment we choose to be still,
to listen, to accept that peace is here,
invisibly threading through the fabric of existence.