Do you ever wish
you could go back
to seeing things with
the eyes of a child?

You still have those eyes.

The “problem” is, you no longer seem
to have the mind of a child.

To go back,
you would have to erase
everything you know now.

Every experience you’ve ever had.
Every lesson you’ve ever learned.
Every soul you’ve ever met.

It would be like dying.
Exactly like dying.

The child in you knows
there’s a better, funner way.

Allow your bad old self to imagine.

Trail Wood,
5/24

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Space Monkey Reflects: Rediscovering the World Through the Eyes of a Child

The magic of childhood lies in the boundless imagination and the pure, unfiltered view of the world. As adults, we often long to recapture this perspective—not just to see things as children do, but to feel the limitless joy and wonder that comes so easily in youth. This reflection explores the possibility of reclaiming our childlike perception and the profound, albeit challenging, implications of such a transformation.

The vibrant and imaginative scene of a playground filled with oversized features and fantastical creatures symbolizes the world as perceived through the eyes of a child. Here, the mundane becomes extraordinary, and every moment holds the potential for adventure and discovery. Adults, often caught in the drudgery of routine and responsibility, are depicted rediscovering their capacity for childlike joy and wonder.

To see the world as a child is to strip away the layers of conditioning, experience, and skepticism that accumulate with age. It involves unlearning much of what we take for granted about the world and ourselves. This process is akin to a metaphorical dying—the shedding of one’s seasoned self to allow the rebirth of simplicity and wonder. However, unlike true dying, this transformation offers a rejuvenation of spirit and a fresh engagement with the world.

The challenge, of course, lies in balancing this childlike perspective with the knowledge and experience that adulthood inevitably brings. It’s not about discarding what we’ve learned but integrating our adult understanding with the capacity to marvel at life’s simple pleasures. This integration allows us to experience the depth of our accumulated knowledge through the fresh, unjaded eyes of our inner child.

Encouraging our “bad old self” to imagine, as a child might, unlocks creative potentials and emotional capacities often dulled by adult cynicism. It invites us to revisit forgotten dreams, to play without purpose, and to laugh freely at simple joys—like the nonsensical humor of calling someone a “poo poo head.”

This renewed vision does not necessitate forgetting all we know but rather viewing our knowledge through a lens of wonder and possibility. It challenges us to ask, “What if?” with the earnestness of a child who believes anything is possible.

In embracing the child within, we do not lose our adult selves; rather, we enrich our experience of life. We allow the child’s eyes to infuse our adult world with color, turning routine into play and rekindling the fires of imagination and joy.

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Summary

Reclaiming a childlike view of the world offers a fresh perspective enriched by adult experiences. It fosters creativity, joy, and a playful engagement with life, blending knowledge with wonder.

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Glossarium

• Childlike perspective: The ability to see and experience the world with the simplicity, wonder, and uninhibited joy characteristic of children.

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“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” — Pablo Picasso

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In the playground of the mind
Where slides are tall and swings unwind
The child within peeks through the eyes
Of grown-up guise, in child’s disguise

Giant slides of dreams, so vast
Swings of joy, in present cast
Butterflies to chase, sandcastles to build
In this world, adult cares are stilled

Let laughter ring, let hearts be light
In the simple joy of childlike sight
For in each of us, the child endures
In every laugh, every dream that lures

Rediscover, reclaim, the wonder seen
Through the eyes of a child, where we’ve all been
In this return, our spirits dance
In the playground of second chance

We are Space Monkey.

I don’t need success.
I don’t need failure.
I don’t need happiness.
I don’t need sadness.
I don’t need lack.
I don’t need abundance.

Just the presence of mind
to appreciate what life offers.

If I get absence,
that’s okay too.

I’ll either appreciate what I’m missing
or I won’t know it’s not there.

Trail Wood,
5/24

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Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing Both Absence and Presence

In the tranquil expanse of our lives, the concepts of absence and presence weave a complex dance, reflecting the ever-changing nature of existence. This reflection explores the serene acceptance of both what is present and what is absent, embracing the duality as a part of the mindful appreciation of life.

The image of a person sitting calmly on a park bench, partly shadowed by overhanging foliage, beautifully captures this philosophy. The scene is a metaphor for the balance between presence and absence; the foliage’s shadow and the light represent the interplay of what is seen and unseen, had and not had. It reminds us that peace is found not by possessing or lacking but by being deeply rooted in the present moment and acknowledging the value of both experiences.

To live without the need for specific outcomes—success or failure, happiness or sadness—is to embrace a profound freedom. It signifies a presence of mind that transcends typical desires and fears, focusing instead on the simple act of appreciation. This mindset does not negate ambition or emotion but places them within a larger context where they do not define one’s state of contentment.

Appreciating what life offers means recognizing the worth in every experience, whether it is filled with joy or marked by absence. The tranquility of acceptance allows one to appreciate the richness of presence and the poignant beauty of absence. It acknowledges that sometimes, the things we lack can teach us as much about life and ourselves as the things we possess.

This philosophy also touches on the notion of mindfulness—being fully aware and present in each moment, regardless of whether it brings something tangible or leaves a space unfilled. The peaceful acceptance of both scenarios highlights a maturity in understanding life’s ebb and flow.

Therefore, whether we are graced with abundance or faced with absence, the key lies in our response. By cultivating a mindset that values presence of mind over the presence of things, we can navigate life’s complexities with grace and wisdom. This approach does not diminish the natural human reactions to gain and loss but encourages a broader perspective where each experience, each absence, is part of a larger, enriching narrative.

In embracing both absence and presence, we discover not just the art of appreciation but also the freedom that comes from detachment from outcomes. This freedom allows us to experience life fully, with an open heart and mind, ready to receive whatever comes our way with equanimity and joy.

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Summary

Absence and presence are integral aspects of life, and embracing both can lead to a profound sense of peace and freedom. A mindful appreciation of life’s offerings, regardless of their nature, enhances our emotional and spiritual well-being.

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Glossarium

• Presence of mind: The ability to remain calm, collected, and consciously aware in all situations, appreciating life’s experiences without overwhelming desire or aversion.

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“To be content with little is hard; to be content with much, impossible.” — Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

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In the light and in the shade
Where silence speaks, and noises fade
On a bench alone, yet fully graced
With the wisdom of the embraced

Absence, presence, intertwined
In the calm recesses of the mind
Where each moment stands alone
As a king or queen upon their throne

We learn to live, to love, to let
To hold with ease, without regret
For in the dance of shadow and light
Lies the vision, clear and bright

Through absence, presence, we find our way
In the quiet spaces, we learn to stay
Embracing all with open arms
In life’s display, in its charms

We are Space Monkey.

The irritation of love
is what motivates us to
craft pearls.

As our shards rub together
we have no choice
but to become beach glass.

Trail Wood,
5/23

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Alchemy of Beach Glass

The transformation into beach glass, as beautifully depicted in the serene image above, serves as a powerful metaphor for personal growth and the refining process that occurs through life’s challenges. Just as shards of glass are smoothed and softened by the relentless washing of the ocean, so too are we shaped by the trials and tribulations we encounter.

The Irritation of Love and the Crafting of Pearls:
The notion that the “irritation of love” pushes us beyond our comfort zones is a poignant reminder of how our interpersonal interactions can stimulate profound personal growth. Much like an oyster that produces a pearl as a response to irritation, we too develop resilience and beauty through our emotional and relational challenges.

Transformation Through Friction:
As depicted by the beach glass, our personal edges and sharp corners are worn away through constant interaction with the forces around us—be they the people we love, the hardships we endure, or the societal pressures we navigate. This friction, though often uncomfortable, is essential for our evolution into smoother, more refined beings.

Symbolism of Beach Glass:
Beach glass is a testament to endurance and transformation. Each piece, unique in its shape and color, tells a story of a journey from sharpness to smoothness, from opacity to translucency. These pieces, once ordinary fragments of something larger, become treasures, sought after for their beauty and rarity.

The Healing Power of Nature and Time:
The gentle waves lapping at the shore in the image symbolize the persistent yet calming influence of nature and time on our lives. Just as the ocean water polishes glass over years, so does time heal and mold us. It teaches us that growth and healing are not instantaneous but are gradual processes that unfold through continuous exposure to life’s ebbing and flowing.

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Summary

The metaphor of beach glass illustrates the beauty of transformation through life’s challenges, The process of becoming beach glass symbolizes how interactions, pressures, and the passage of time refine and beautify us, offering a peaceful reflection on growth and resilience.

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Glossarium

Beach Glass: Shards of glass that have been weathered and smoothed by the natural abrasive action of water and sand, often used metaphorically to represent transformation and renewal.

Alchemy: A process of transformation, creation, or combination that has magical or profound implications, often used metaphorically to describe personal growth and change.

Friction: The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another, used metaphorically to describe interpersonal challenges that lead to growth.

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Quote

“Like beach glass on the shores of existence, we are continually smoothed and shaped by the tides of life’s experiences.” — Space Monkey

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Upon the sandy shores of time,
Lies glass once sharp, now sublime.
Waves of life, relentless, kind,
Smooth each edge that they find.

Colors meld, in light, they glow,
A spectrum made from ebb and flow.
In every shard, a story told,
Of fiery starts turned beauty bold.

Here in the dance of wave and sand,
We learn to soften, learn to stand.
Bathed in the seas of constant change,
Transformed, we find our range.

Embrace the tides, as they embrace,
Each fragment in its time and place.
For in our polishing, we find,
The luster of the heart and mind.

We are Space Monkey.

The idolization of money
is obscenity.

Unnecessary glamorization
is obscenity.

The need to be recognized
is obscenity.

The belief that you’re right
(or that you’ve been wronged)
is obscenity.

Thinking you know better
is obscenity.

All outward expression
is obscenity.

Caring
or not caring
about obscenity
is obscenity.

Trail Wood,
5/23

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Obscenity

In the raw outcry of our society’s paradoxes, the concept of obscenity often takes a central stage, not merely in the vulgarity of words but in the very essence of our cultural, social, and personal preoccupations. This reflection delves into the realms where morality, norms, and human behavior converge, questioning what we deem as obscene and why.

The Idolization of Money and Glamorization:
The vehement proclamation against the idolization of money and the unnecessary glamorization in society speaks to a deeper discontent with materialism and superficial values. These aspects are labeled as obscenities because they distract from more genuine, meaningful pursuits, promoting a culture of excess and hollow worth.

The Obscenity of Recognition and Self-Righteousness:
The craving for recognition and the staunch belief in one’s absolute correctness or victimhood are seen as obscenities because they foster divisiveness and egocentrism. This highlights a societal flaw where self-importance overshadows communal harmony and understanding.

The Illusion of Superior Knowledge:
Considering one’s knowledge or perspective as superior to others is tagged as obscene, reflecting the broader issue of intellectual arrogance. This attitude impedes dialogue and mutual respect, essential for societal progression and personal growth.

The Obscenity of Expression and Apathy:
Interestingly, the poem extends the notion of obscenity to all outward expressions, and even to the attitudes of caring or not caring about obscenity itself. This suggests a philosophical exploration into the nature of expression and apathy, questioning the very basis of our interactions and concerns.

Navigating Through the Layers of Obscenity:
In recognizing these facets as obscene, the challenge is to navigate through these layers without falling into the trap of hypocrisy or nihilism. It calls for a balance, a deeper understanding that while certain behaviors can be detrimental, the acknowledgment and critique of such behaviors must be approached with introspection and care.

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Summary

The critique of various societal norms as obscenities reflects a deeper call for introspection and reevaluation of our values. The broad labeling of behaviors and attitudes as obscene invites a conversation on what constitutes meaningful and authentic existence.

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Glossarium

Obscenity: Beyond its usual reference to offensive or indecent expressions, used here to denote behaviors and societal norms that are morally questionable or excessively materialistic.

Intellectual Arrogance: The offensive attitude of believing one’s knowledge or insights are superior to others’, leading to dismissive or disrespectful interactions.

Materialism: A value system that places high importance on wealth and material possessions, often criticized for overshadowing more profound human values.

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Quote

“In the mirror of society, what we label as obscene reflects our deepest conflicts and ignored truths.” — Space Monkey

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In the clamor of voices loud,
We hear the echo, brash and proud.
“Obscenity!” the chorus cries,
In every truth, in every lie.

Where money reigns as the supreme,
And glamor paints a hollow dream,
Where right is might, and wrong a plight,
Obscenity dances through the night.

Each claim of knowing more, knowing best,
In this too, obscenity is dressed.
Yet in our rush to judge, define,
We mirror what we wish to confine.

So pause and ponder, look within,
Where does obscenity begin?
Is it in the world, or in our gaze,
That shapes the night, that shapes the days?

We are Space Monkey.

Why is it
that the big one
is always the dumb one
and the small one
is always the smart one?

Why is the that the underdog
is always proven to be right?

When’s the last time
you watched an underdog
make it to the top
by being completely wrong?

Until recently, I mean.

When did our popular
conceptions turn against us?

Trail Wood,
5/23

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Myth of Size and Intelligence in Popular Conceptions

In the theater of our collective narrative, there emerges a scene painted with the broad strokes of stereotypes and clichés. These are the images that dance across the stage of our everyday understanding, telling tales of size and intellect, of underdogs and champions. The narrative is compelling, simple, and seemingly timeless: the larger are often cast as lumbering and less capable, while the smaller are nimble and keenly intelligent. But what truths do these archetypes hold? Are they mere shadows cast by our cultural imaginations, or do they reveal deeper insights about our perceptions and beliefs?

It starts with the imagery of contrasts, deeply rooted in our myths and media. From David and Goliath to modern cinematic underdogs, these stories resonate because they reflect a universal hope: that the marginalized can triumph against the odds. This motif is comforting, it speaks to our innermost desires for justice and fairness in a world that often seems devoid of both. Yet, it also oversimplifies the complex nature of capability and success, reducing individuals to caricatures defined by their physicality or their status as the proverbial ‘other’.

In recent times, this narrative has begun to unravel. Society has started to question and critique these oversimplified binaries. The dialogue has expanded, recognizing that intelligence and ability are not monopolized by any specific physical archetype. This shift is part of a broader movement towards inclusivity and a more nuanced understanding of human potential.

The archetype of the underdog, always right and righteous, winning against the colossal and supposedly less capable, serves as a powerful metaphor for resistance against unjust systems. Yet, it also perpetuates a simplistic worldview where right always wins. Reality, however, is not as obliging. Often, those who defy odds do not do so by a straightforward triumph of ‘right’ over ‘wrong,’ but through a complex mixture of luck, strategy, and circumstance.

As we dissect these popular conceptions, we might find that they say more about our own fears and hopes than about the nature of truth or ability. They mirror our collective psyche, revealing our values and the contradictions we grapple with as a society. It prompts us to ponder when these conceptions began to work against us, twisting into rigid stereotypes that hinder rather than uplift.

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Summary
Popular conceptions often pit large against small, strength against intellect. They serve as cultural shortcuts that simplify complex human qualities into easily digestible narratives. These stereotypes are being challenged as society grows towards a more inclusive and nuanced understanding. Ultimately these tales reflect less about individual capabilities and more about our collective values and fears.

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Glossarium

• Stereotypes: Simplified and widely held images or ideas of particular types of people or things that may not necessarily reflect reality.
• Underdog: Typically refers to a person or group in a competition, usually in sports or a narrative, who is popularly expected to lose.

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Quote
“Reality, however, is not as obliging.” – Space Monkey

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The shadows lengthen as the day wanes,
In the dimming light, our stories take shape,
Casting giants as fools,
And the slight as sages,
We weave our fears into tales,
That comfort us in their familiarity,
Yet bind us in their simplicity.

The underdog climbs,
Step by weary step,
Over mountains of misconceptions,
Through valleys of shadows,
Until reaching a peak that overlooks,
A horizon vast with possibility,
Where every creature has its place,
And every story, its space.

We are Space Monkey.