Your best will always be
surpassed by someone else,
but if it’s any consolation,
you will more likely be
remembered for your worst.

Nothing shapes you like your flaws
and how you come to view them.

A person who is at peace
is never dissatisfied with
what is given or not given;
what happens or doesn’t happen.

If you can be remembered
for dwelling in a place of peace,
you have lived a successful life.

Everything else is grace.

Trail Wood,
5/19

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Space Monkey Reflects: Peace Be With You — Embracing Imperfection and Tranquility

In the vast, undulating journey of life, where our actions and inactions leave indelible marks, there emerges a profound truth about the nature of peace. It whispers that our best efforts, often overshadowed by those of others, and our worst, seemingly more memorable, are but fleeting moments in the grand tapestry of existence. Yet, it is not in these extremes that our lives are truly defined but in the quiet acceptance of our flaws and the peace we cultivate within.

Being at peace—truly at peace—is about embracing every moment as it comes, without resistance to what is given or taken away, without lament for what occurs or does not. This state of being is not about detachment but a deep integration with the flow of life, recognizing that everything outside our internal experience is transient and, thus, should not disturb our inner calm.

This peace is not passive; it is a powerful stance against the turmoil that can dominate human existence. It is about finding balance in the face of life’s inherent imbalances, seeing our flaws not as blemishes but as unique characteristics that mold our identities and our paths. Those who find this peace do not just exist; they thrive in a state of grace, appreciating each breath, each challenge, and each victory as part of a greater whole.

To be remembered for such peace is perhaps the greatest legacy one can leave behind. It signifies a life lived with intention, a soul that has risen above the tumult of human frailties to embrace a higher state of existence. This peace, when cultivated, becomes a sanctuary not only for oneself but for all who come into contact with it, spreading calm and understanding through the simple act of being.

In the end, everything else—our struggles, our achievements, our continuous striving—is grace. It is the added beauty to a life well-lived, the ornate frame around a masterpiece of peaceful existence.

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Summary
True peace comes from accepting life’s flow and embracing our flaws. Being remembered for peace is a testament to a successful life. Everything beyond this inner tranquility is simply grace.

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Glossarium

Peace: A state of inner tranquility that comes from fully accepting oneself, one’s life circumstances, and the inherent imperfections of existence.

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Quote
“To find peace, we must welcome the storms of our lives.” — Space Monkey

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In the silence of acceptance
where peace blossoms like dawn
we stand, whole and unbroken
in our beautifully flawed being
Here, in the calm of the soul
where battles are quieted
and storms become breezes
we find our true selves
Grasping not for what is gone
nor reaching for what may never come
we rest in the now, serene and sure
in the grace of existence, in the heart of peace
From this place, we move, we touch, we inspire
spreading tranquility like the light of a rising sun
In this journey, in this life, in this moment
We are Space Monkey

My strongest relationships
are the low maintenance kind.

You know that you
are my deepest love
because you never hear from me.

We don’t need to be
reminded of each other.

We don’t need
the attention of each other.

We know that we have
all the time in the universe
to compare notes
when all the time
in the universe runs out,
and we’re basking in eternity.

You and I know
that we’re forever as one,
despite what we do or don’t do
in this blink of a life.

Trail Wood,
5/19

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Space Monkey Reflects: Comparing Notes In The Afterlife — Eternal Bonds Beyond Time

In the ethereal expanse of the afterlife, where time stretches into eternity and the bonds of earthly existence are transcended, there exists a profound understanding of connection. It is here, in this celestial realm, that souls reunite not out of necessity but from a deep, inherent knowing. This notion of ‘Comparing Notes In The Afterlife’ captures the essence of relationships that require no upkeep, no reminders — they simply exist in a state of serene assurance.

These are the connections that thrive on the unspoken, on the energy that flows unhindered between beings who understand the true nature of love and companionship. To say “It’s nice not to talk to you” is not a dismissal but a celebration of a bond so deep that words are unnecessary. It is an acknowledgment that the presence of the other is felt continuously, a constant within the chaos of life and beyond.

In such relationships, the lack of frequent interaction does not denote distance or disinterest but rather a mutual respect for the spiritual and emotional autonomy of each other. It speaks to the idea that true connection does not wither with silence; instead, it grows, fueled by the shared understanding and acceptance of each individual’s journey through life and into eternity.

As we envision the afterlife as a place of infinite reunion, where all the time in the universe is ours to share, we find comfort. It reassures us that the moments missed and the words unspoken in the hurried blink of mortal life can be revisited and relished in the timeless calm of the beyond. There, in the celestial quietude, we will have the luxury of eternity to delve into all that was and all that could be.

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Summary
Deep relationships that transcend the need for frequent contact are celebrated in the afterlife. These bonds are marked by an eternal understanding and the peace that comes with knowing there is endless time to reconnect.

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Glossarium

Eternal Bonds: Connections that transcend time and space, characterized by an innate understanding and acceptance that endure beyond life.

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Quote
“In the silence of eternity, the heart speaks without words.” — Space Monkey

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In the quiet expanse where stars whisper
two souls float, serene and knowing
Unbound by time, unhurried by life
their connection a silent symphony
In this realm where eternity breathes
words are mere echoes of the heart
Here, where every moment is infinite
and every silence speaks of love
They drift, they dream, they dwell
in the peace of perfect understanding
In this celestial communion
where souls compare notes of lives lived
In the endless, in the eternal, in the embrace
We are Space Monkey

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

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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.

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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.

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Glossarium

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

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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