Now that you’re gone,
I don’t think about you all that much.

I don’t wonder how our lives together
might have turned out differently.

What happens happens.

You blessed me
with the ability to forget you.

I am not a prisoner
of your memorable accomplishments.

Though you cross my mind occasionally,
I don’t feel the need to keep your story alive.

You instilled in me a focus
that is not distracted by
needless comparisons or “what ifs.”

You did not burden me with your legacy
and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Trail Wood,
5/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Burden of Legacy — Embracing Freedom Over History

The ‘Burden of Legacy’ is a profound concept that confronts the emotional and psychological weights we often carry from the achievements and expectations of those before us. It questions the obligation to uphold a legacy that may not align with one’s own path, and the freedom that comes from releasing oneself from such historical ties.

This reflection delves into the idea that true freedom comes not from carrying forward a legacy, but from the capacity to move beyond it. When someone significant in our lives departs, they leave behind memories and legacies that can shape our sense of identity and purpose. However, the real blessing lies not in being tethered to these memories but in the ability to forge our own path, unburdened by comparison or expectation.

The freedom to forget, to let the thoughts of what could have been dissolve into the ether, is a profound liberation. It is not about disregard or disrespect; rather, it is an acknowledgment that each individual must find their own way, unencumbered by the past. This kind of freedom allows for personal growth and the pursuit of one’s true desires without the shadows of notable accomplishments looming overhead.

In acknowledging that we are not prisoners of memorable accomplishments, we recognize the power in creating a life defined by our own standards and not by the benchmarks set by others. This focus, undistracted by needless comparisons or hypothetical scenarios, instills a form of peace and direction that legacy alone cannot offer.

Ultimately, the appreciation of being unburdened by legacy is a testament to the human spirit’s desire for authenticity and self-definition. It highlights the importance of living a life that is truly your own, one that honors the past not by living in its shadow but by appreciating the light it casts, guiding us to find our own way.

---

Summary
The freedom from legacy allows one to forge a personal path unshackled by the past. This freedom is a liberation that encourages living a life defined by personal authenticity and desires rather than historical expectations.

---

Glossarium

Burden of Legacy: The emotional and psychological weight of maintaining or living up to the past achievements of predecessors.

---

Quote
“True freedom is found in the shadows of the past, not within its grasp.” — Space Monkey

---

In the quiet landscape of the self
where shadows of the past loom large
we walk, unhindered, unbound
by the legacies that once defined us
With each step, we distance ourselves
from the statues of old accomplishments
their forms growing dim in the twilight of reverence
We forge ahead, toward a horizon aglow with promise
Here, in the liberation of forgetfulness
we find our true selves, our unscripted paths
Freed from the chains of history
we craft a narrative all our own
In this journey, in this freedom, in this light
We are Space Monkey

In the end,
they won’t be able to tell
whether you were
pushed off the roof,
whether you leaped,
or whether you just fell.

It will make no difference,
because this was your story,
not theirs.

All they’ll care about
is scraping your body off the ground,
washing the blood stains away,
and moving on with their lives.

Which is as you hope it will be.

Acceptance is smarter than understanding.
Forgiveness is more powerful than vengeance.

Anything more is a waste of time.

A waste of lives.

Trail Wood,
5/19

---

Space Monkey Reflects: A Waste of Lives — The Inevitability of Acceptance

In the shadowy corridors of our existential dilemmas, where the reasons behind our actions often blur into irrelevance, there lies a stark contemplation: “A Waste of Lives.” This reflection delves into the harsh realities of life’s fleeting nature and the impersonal way society often handles individual tragedies.

The notion that the specifics of one’s departure—whether pushed, leapt, or fallen—are eventually overshadowed by the sheer finality of death itself, brings to light the futility of over-analyzing motives and actions in the grand scheme. What remains in the aftermath is not the intricate details of the descent but the simple, stark reality of dealing with the physical remnants.

This narrative isn’t just about the end of a life; it’s about the societal response that follows. It’s about the cleanup crew, metaphorically and literally, who wipe the slate clean, erasing the signs of demise to continue the rhythm of daily life. In this process, individual stories are often lost, distilled into mere incidents that momentarily disrupt but must be moved past.

Yet, this reflection is not without a deeper understanding of human resilience and wisdom. It highlights the profound strength found in acceptance over understanding, in forgiveness over vengeance. These are the true measures of our humanity—not the details of our tragedies, but our responses to them.

In accepting the inevitable and forgiving the incidental, we find a path forward—not in seeking revenge or dwelling in the past, but in acknowledging the transient nature of our existence and the interconnectedness of our lives. This is how we avoid the true waste—not merely of time but of the potential for peace and progress.

---

Summary
The story emphasizes acceptance and forgiveness over understanding and vengeance, showing that dwelling on the specifics of tragedies is less important than how we respond to them.

---

Glossarium

A Waste of Lives: A term that reflects on the futility of overemphasis on the circumstances of death and tragedy, suggesting a broader perspective focused on healing and moving forward.

---

Quote
“In the end, acceptance and forgiveness carry us further than any quest for reasons.” — Space Monkey

---

Under the grey skies of our existence
where shadows fall sharp and deep
the details of our descents matter less
than the grace with which we embrace the ground
We move, we mourn, we mend
in cycles as old as time itself
In the cleanup, in the clearing
we find the strength to forgive, to forget
For each moment spent in vengeance
is a moment lost in potential peace
In this acceptance, in this forgiveness
We find the true path forward
In this life, in this moment, in this breath
We are Space Monkey

A question
asked frequently:

“How is this helping?”

I like asking this question,
because there seems no end
to the answers that become apparent.

Good answers
and bad answers.

I enjoy and appreciate both.

The question reminds me
that even hurting is helping,
because it adds
contrast and richness
to what would otherwise be
all love and light and sameness.

Hope this helps. Or hurts.

Trail Wood,
5/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Healing Alchemy of Asking “How Is This Helping?”

---

In the labyrinth of existence, where light and shadow dance in perpetual motion, the question “How is this helping?” emerges as a beacon of understanding, illuminating the path towards wisdom. This query, seemingly simple, holds within it the power to transform perception, to turn the lens through which we view our experiences, revealing a multifaceted landscape of growth and enlightenment.

The beauty of this question lies not in the search for definitive answers but in the openness to explore the spectrum of possibilities it unfurls. Each response, whether cloaked in the comfort of positivity or the discomfort of challenge, carries with it a seed of insight, a spark that can ignite the soul’s evolution. The dichotomy of good and bad answers dissolves under the scrutiny of this inquiry, for each serves a purpose in the grand scheme of personal and collective growth.

Acknowledging that even pain and adversity are helpers on our journey introduces a profound shift in perspective. It allows us to embrace the full range of human experiences, recognizing that the contrast and richness they add to our lives are indispensable. This acceptance does not glorify suffering but acknowledges its role as a catalyst for transformation, a teacher whose lessons are often veiled in the guise of trials.

The dance between light and shadow, love and pain, is not a battle to be won but a harmony to be achieved. It is in the balance of these forces that we find the true essence of life’s richness, a tapestry woven with threads of every hue. The question “How is this helping?” invites us to step back and view this tapestry in its entirety, to see the beauty in the contrasts and the unity in the diversity.

In exploring the depths of this question, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, a journey that leads us to understand that the most profound lessons often come from the most unexpected sources. It is a journey that reminds us that every moment, every experience, is a piece of the puzzle of our existence, each contributing to the masterpiece that is our life.

---

Summary

Asking “How is this helping?” opens a realm of understanding and growth. This question helps us embrace both the light and shadows of our experiences, recognizing each as essential to our journey. It prompts a deeper exploration of life’s duality, guiding us towards a balance where true wisdom lies.

---

Glossarium

• Healing Alchemy: The transformative process of turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and understanding.
• Spectrum of Possibilities: The wide range of potential insights and outcomes that emerge from contemplating the depths of our experiences.

---

“In the asking, we transform, finding the alchemy within our souls that turns shadows into light and pain into wisdom.” – Space Monkey

---

Beneath the canopy of stars
Where shadows and light intertwine
We journey, collecting scars
Each a mark of the divine

In the asking, we find our way
Through the labyrinth of night and day
Each hurt, each joy a guiding flame
Teaching us that all is the same

Not in nature but in worth
For each experience gives birth
To wisdom, deep and profound
In the heart of the universe, we are found

In the balance of light and shadow, we see
The beauty of our shared tapestry
In every question, every leap
We are Space Monkey, forever deep

What I like to remind
my self and others
is that there is nothing about me
that isn’t about you.

There is nothing I do
that you can’t do.

There is nothing you do
that I can’t do.

It may seem otherwise,
but that’s only because
we are focused on our special gifts.

That anyone can do.

That we like to pretend otherwise.

So that we can feel
pride, or jealousy,
abundance or lack.

Trail Wood,
5/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Illusion of Disparity and the Unity of Beings

---

In the vast expanse of existence, where the cosmos weaves tales of complexity and simplicity in equal measure, the perception of inequality among beings often emerges as a predominant theme. This perceived disparity, deeply ingrained in the fabric of societal interactions, obscures a fundamental truth: at the core of our essence, we are united in our diversity, equal in our vast array of experiences and capabilities.

The illusion of disparity is a tapestry woven from the threads of doubt, pride, jealousy, abundance, and lack—emotions and states of being that, while part of the human experience, can distort our perception of reality. It is through the lens of our unique gifts, the individual orbs of light we each hold, that we sometimes view ourselves as separate, distinct, and unequal. Yet, these differences, these special talents and abilities, are not markers of inequality but of the rich, multifaceted nature of existence.

To remind oneself that there is nothing inherently different or unequal about us is to pierce the veil of illusion that society has meticulously crafted. It is to understand that every action, every skill, and every expression of being is a testament to the shared potential that resides within all of us. This realization does not diminish the value of our individual contributions but highlights the interconnectedness of our journeys, the shared path we tread in the quest for meaning and fulfillment.

In recognizing that there is nothing one can do that another cannot, we open ourselves to a world of limitless possibilities. This acknowledgment fosters a sense of empathy, connection, and mutual respect, paving the way for a society grounded in the principles of equality and unity. It encourages us to look beyond the superficial differences that divide us, to see the inherent worth and dignity in every being.

The focus on our special gifts, while a source of personal and collective growth, can also serve as a barrier to recognizing our fundamental similarities. It is in the balance between celebrating individuality and embracing our collective identity that true understanding and harmony can be found. This balance is not a destination but a journey, an ongoing process of self-discovery and communal growth that challenges us to transcend the boundaries of ego and embrace the unity of existence.

---

Summary

Perceived inequality masks our underlying unity. Focusing on individual talents can create illusions of disparity, but at our essence, we are interconnected and equal. Recognizing our shared potential fosters a world of empathy, respect, and unity, transcending superficial differences.

---

Glossarium

• Illusion of Disparity: The false perception that differences in individual abilities and characteristics denote fundamental inequality.
• Orbs of Light: Symbolic representations of each individual’s unique talents and essence, highlighting both diversity and unity.

---

“In the dance of existence, every step, every motion, is a reflection of our shared journey, an echo of the unity that binds us all.” – Space Monkey

---

Within the cosmic dance of light
Where each orb shines uniquely bright
Lies a truth, profound and clear
In unity, our paths draw near

Beyond the veil of difference seen
In every hue of light that gleams
Lies a single, binding thread
Connecting every step we tread

Not in disparity but in harmony
We find our shared humanity
Each orb, a story, a melody sung
In the language of the universe, young

Through the illusion, we transcend
Towards a truth that never ends
In unity, our spirits soar
We are Space Monkey, forevermore

I used to write less
and meditate more
until I realized that
writing is actually meditation.

I find that
writing focuses me
unlike any other activity,
except perhaps
playing music
or painting
or exercising
or mowing the lawn
or doing the dishes
or sweeping the floor
or . . .

It seems now
that the only time
I’m not meditating is when
I’m focused on other people.

But I’m working on that.
So basically it’s meditation
24/7 for me these days.

Trail Wood,
5/18

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Omnipresent Meditation of Being

---

In the boundless expanse of consciousness, where thought and action converge in a dance of creation and reflection, meditation emerges not as a mere practice, but as the essence of existence itself. The journey from external forms of meditation to recognizing every moment as an opportunity for mindfulness reveals a profound truth: meditation is not confined to the stillness of seated silence but is woven into the very fabric of our lives.

The revelation that activities such as writing, playing music, painting, exercising, and even the mundane tasks of mowing the lawn or doing the dishes can be forms of meditation, marks a pivotal shift in understanding. It illuminates the idea that mindfulness and a meditative state of being are accessible in every action, every moment, offering a gateway to a more present, centered, and peaceful existence.

This expanded view of meditation as a 24/7 engagement with life challenges the conventional boundaries of the practice. It suggests that meditation is not an escape from the world but a deeper engagement with it, a way to transform every experience, every task, and every interaction into an act of presence and awareness.

The realization that one’s focus on others can detract from this meditative state introduces an intriguing paradox: the very essence of being human involves connection with others, yet true mindfulness requires a level of detachment and inner focus. This is not a contradiction but a dynamic balance, a dance between being present for oneself and being open to others.

Working towards maintaining this meditative awareness in interactions with others is perhaps one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the practice. It signifies a commitment to living fully in each moment, to embracing life in all its facets with an open heart and a mindful spirit.

In recognizing the myriad forms meditation can take, we open ourselves to a world where every breath, every step, and every task is an invitation to mindfulness. This realization brings with it a sense of liberation, the understanding that meditation is not a task to be added to our daily routines but a way of being, a lens through which we can view and experience our lives in their entirety.

---

Summary

Meditation transcends traditional forms, infusing every aspect of daily life with mindfulness and presence. Recognizing mundane tasks and creative activities as opportunities for meditation offers a path to constant engagement with the present moment. This expanded perspective challenges us to maintain mindfulness in all interactions, transforming our entire existence into an act of meditation.

---

Glossarium

• Omnipresent Meditation: The concept that meditation is not limited to specific practices or times but is a constant state of mindfulness and presence in every aspect of life.
• Meditative State of Being: A way of living in which every action and moment is approached with mindfulness, concentration, and a sense of peace.

---

“In every task, in every breath, lies the potential for mindfulness, the heart of meditation beating in rhythm with the universe.” – Space Monkey

---

In the silence of being, we find
The omnipresent meditation of the mind
In every stroke of the brush, every note played
In the quietude of chores, the meditation laid

Beyond the bounds of sitting still
In every moment, a will
To be present, to truly see
In every action, a meditation, a key

From the stillness within, to the movement without
In the harmony of presence, we dance about
With mindfulness as our guide, in everything we do
We are Space Monkey, forever true