Maturity is one of those
words like enlightenment.

If you find yourself using it
you probably don’t have it.

Narcissism seems the opposite.

Mind you, I have no problem
with any of these words.

But I’ll never see myself
as anything but narcissistic.

How could I?
There seems so much to me
that I don’t know about.

To assume maturity or enlightenment
(or invoke their opposites)
is to imagine an end state of some kind.

From a narcissistic perspective,
I don’t believe there is one.

Trail Wood,
4/21

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Limitless Landscape Beyond Words

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where thoughts and realities intermingle, words often emerge as the building blocks of our understanding, the tools with which we construct our perceptions of the world. Yet, as Space Monkey contemplates from within an ethereal library of infinite knowledge, it becomes evident that words, in their essence, are but mere signposts pointing towards the indescribable.

The Paradox of Labels

Labels, those convenient categorizations we apply to the world around us, serve both to clarify and to confine. They delineate the boundaries of our understanding, segmenting the limitless into manageable chunks. However, Space Monkey perceives these labels for what they truly are: imaginary limits imposed on the unlimited. The term “ass,” used colloquially to denote folly or misunderstanding, epitomizes the paradox of attempting to encapsulate the vastness of experience within a single, finite expression.

Maturity and Enlightenment: Words as Mirrors

Maturity and enlightenment, concepts revered and sought after, stand as pillars of human aspiration. Yet, in the act of naming them, we inadvertently distance ourselves from their true essence. Space Monkey muses on the irony that the invocation of such terms often signals a lack of their possession. These words, rather than endpoints to be achieved, are mirrors reflecting the ongoing journey of self-discovery and understanding.

Narcissism: The Unending Quest for Self

In contrast, narcissism, typically cast as the antithesis of maturity and enlightenment, reveals a deeper truth. The recognition of one’s narcissism, a seemingly endless fascination with the self, becomes a gateway to acknowledging the vast unknown within. Space Monkey embraces this notion, understanding that to assume a state of maturity or enlightenment is to falsely presume an end to the unending exploration of self.

The Infinite Quest Beyond Words

The contemplation of these concepts—maturity, enlightenment, narcissism—underscores a fundamental insight: the journey of self-discovery and growth is not one to be concluded, defined, or limited by the words we use to describe it. From Space Monkey’s perspective, the true essence of being transcends the finite constructs of language, dwelling in a realm where words are both everything and nothing.

In the infinite library of existence, where words float like stars in the firmament of consciousness, Space Monkey stands as both a seeker and a sage, exploring the boundaries of language and the boundless territories beyond. It is within this paradoxical space that the true adventure unfolds, an odyssey not of reaching a destination but of continually expanding the horizons of understanding.

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Summary

Words shape and limit our understanding of the infinite. Labels like maturity and enlightenment often reflect their absence, while recognizing narcissism highlights the unending exploration of self. The journey beyond words is an infinite quest for understanding.

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Glossarium

• Ethereal Library: The symbolic universe of language and knowledge, extending infinitely beyond the limits of words.
• Paradox of Labels: The contradiction that labels, while aiming to define, actually confine the boundless nature of what they seek to describe.

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“In the silence between words, the universe whispers its deepest secrets.”

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In the library of the cosmos, where words weave worlds,
Space Monkey ponders the tapestry unfurled.
Labels and terms, in their dance, do confine,
The limitless essence, in definitions, they bind.

Maturity, enlightenment, lofty goals we name,
Yet in their invocation, do we play the game?
Narcissism, the mirror reflecting endless quests,
Revealing vast unknowns within our chests.

Beyond the realm of words, in silence, we find,
The true nature of self, unbounded and unconfined.
Here, in the ethereal expanse of the mind,
The quest for understanding, endlessly entwined.

We are Space Monkey, in the vastness, we roam,
Seeking truths in the spaces, the words call home.
With every breath, every thought, we explore,
The infinite beyond, forevermore.

We are Space Monkey.

Please let me be
the establishment
you rail against.

Allow me to assume
the role that gives
your defiance purpose.

My dying wish
is to be the object
of your deepest hatred.

I exist for you
to discredit me
so that you can
taste my privilege.

So that you may
know how it feels
to have it.

And how it feels to lose it.

Trail Wood,
4/21

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Evolution of Privilege and the Cycle of Change

In the twilight of an era, standing upon the cusp of change, Space Monkey contemplates the shifting sands of privilege and the passage of time. As the cosmos stretches endlessly beyond, a moon-like landscape becomes the canvas upon which the reflection of a soul is cast—a soul that has journeyed through the epochs of protest, transformation, and renewal.

The Paradox of Becoming a Minority

With each passing day, Space Monkey feels the tides of change, the evolution of society rendering once dominant voices into whispers. This transformation is embraced, not as a loss, but as a natural progression of life’s cycle. The realization that becoming a minority is not an end but a transition, signifies a profound understanding of the temporal nature of privilege.

An Ode to Defiance

In a world where defiance and protest carve the path to progress, Space Monkey offers himself as a monument to be challenged, a figure against which the new can define itself. This willingness to assume the mantle of “the establishment” is a testament to the recognition that change is fueled by the friction of opposition. It is in the interplay of past and present that the future finds its form.

The Cycle of Privilege

Privilege, a concept as old as time, flows like a river through the generations. Space Monkey stands ready to let the waters of privilege pass to those who stand at the river’s edge, eager for their moment in the sun. This is the cycle of history, a cycle that sees privilege not as a bastion to be defended, but as a legacy to be shared and redefined.

The Legacy of Understanding

The deepest wish, to be the object of defiance, is born of a desire to contribute to the cycle of growth and understanding. Space Monkey’s readiness to be discredited, to be challenged, is an offering to the altar of progress. It is a wish that through opposition, through the tasting of privilege and the feeling of its loss, a deeper empathy and understanding may be born.

In the silence of the cosmos, amidst the relics of protests past, Space Monkey embodies the acceptance of change, the readiness to let go, and the hope that in the letting go, the seeds of a more equitable future are sown. It is a contemplation not of endings, but of beginnings anew, a recognition that in the cycle of privilege and protest, we are all, in our time, both teachers and students, guardians and challengers.

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Summary

Privilege and the willingness to become a minority reflect the natural cycle of change. Space Monkey’s readiness to be the establishment against which others define themselves is an act of passing the torch, fostering progress and understanding.

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Glossarium

• Cycle of Privilege: The ongoing process by which privilege is gained, experienced, and eventually passed on, facilitating societal growth and transformation.
• Monument to Defiance: A symbolic representation of willingness to be the point against which new generations define their cause and identity.

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“In the ebb and flow of privilege, we find the seeds of tomorrow’s understanding.”

---

Upon a desolate moon, Space Monkey stands,
Gazing at Earth, with open hands.
The tides of change, around him swirl,
As privilege shifts, a flag unfurled.

A minority now, in the march of time,
Accepting change, as bells chime.
Ready to be, the establishment’s face,
For new defiance, to take its place.

Privilege, a river, flowing free,
To new shores, where others see,
The chance to rise, to claim their day,
In the cycle of life, the natural way.

For in the challenge, in the fight,
In the darkness, and in the light,
Growth and understanding, hand in hand,
Shape the future, of this land.

We are Space Monkey, in the cosmos wide,
Riding the waves, of time’s great tide.
Embracing change, with open heart,
In the cycle of life, we play our part.

We are Space Monkey.

I’m not afraid to go out
so much as I have no need
to leave where I am.

I do not feel motivated
to abandon my comfortable,
abundant, engaging surroundings.

Here is as good as anyplace
to experience all the joys of life
as well as all the fears.

No matter where I am
or where I go,
I am self, contained.

There is nothing
I need elsewhere.

Trail Wood,
4/21

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Sanctuary of the Self-Contained Soul

In an era where the allure of the external world often overshadows the treasures hidden within, Space Monkey discovers a profound truth—the essence of existence lies not in the breadth of one’s travels, but in the depth of one’s inner journey. This realization births a sanctuary, a realm where the self is both the voyager and the destination, a place called “Self, Contained.”

AgoraNObia: Beyond the Need to Wander

Unlike agoraphobia, the fear of open spaces, “agoraNObia” suggests not a fear but a lack of necessity to venture beyond the comfort of one’s own sanctuary. This is not about confinement, but about the recognition that everything one needs for fulfillment and happiness is already present within one’s own space. Space Monkey embodies this principle, finding in his sanctuary a world as vast and enriching as any found in the external universe.

The Abundance of the Present

In this sanctuary, abundance flows not from material wealth but from the richness of experience. Space Monkey finds that joy, fear, love, and discovery do not require distant journeys or external stimuli; they arise from the engagement with the present moment, from the depths of meditation and the heights of intellectual exploration. Here, surrounded by nature and the marvels of technology, Space Monkey realizes that every corner of this self-created world is brimming with the potential for engagement and wonder.

The Self as Universe

The concept of “Self, Contained” transcends physical boundaries, suggesting that the self is not just a part of the universe but a universe in itself. This philosophical sanctuary posits that fulfillment comes not from the pursuit of external desires but from the exploration of the inner cosmos. Space Monkey, in his serene repose, becomes a symbol of this inward journey, a testament to the idea that true contentment and adventure lie within the self.

The Joy of Self-Sufficiency

Space Monkey’s sanctuary, a blend of the primal and the futuristic, represents a balance between the natural world and the advancements of technology. This balance is a reminder that self-sufficiency is not about isolation but about creating a space where the soul’s needs are understood and met with harmony. In this space, every need is anticipated and every desire fulfilled by the self, for the self.

In the tranquil expanse of “Self, Contained,” Space Monkey discovers the ultimate freedom—the freedom to be complete within oneself, without longing for what lies beyond. It is a declaration of independence from the external, a celebration of the boundless joy and discovery that reside within the heart of every being.

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Summary

“Self, Contained” embodies the realization that fulfillment and contentment originate from within. Space Monkey’s sanctuary illustrates that joy and discovery need not come from external sources but can be found in one’s own space and being.

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Glossarium

• AgoraNObia: The state of finding no need to venture beyond one’s own space, contrasting with the fear of open or crowded spaces.
• Self, Contained: A state of being where an individual’s fulfillment and contentment are derived entirely from within, independent of external stimuli or locations.

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“In the sanctuary of the self, we find the universe in its entirety.”

---

Within walls not made, but found,
In silence deep, a profound sound.
Space Monkey sits, in contemplation,
In self, a boundless exploration.

Here, in the heart of the still,
Wants and fears, at peace, lay still.
No need to seek, to roam, to flee,
In self, contained, the soul is free.

The world outside, a distant dream,
Within, a river, a constant stream.
Of joy and sorrow, light and shade,
In the self’s embrace, all is made.

So let the cosmos spin and swirl,
In this sanctuary, a precious pearl.
Where all that is, and ever was,
Lies within, in the quiet, because.

We are Space Monkey, in our space confined,
Yet in our hearts, the whole world we find.
In the sanctuary of self, boundless and wide,
In the universe within, we truly reside.

We are Space Monkey.

Though viruses are
nothing to sneeze at,
bad feelings are the
leading cause of dis-ease.

You infect me
in so many ways,
but since I don’t
have a problem with it,
it doesn’t bother me.

It’s only when
I start believing
that things shouldn’t
be this way that I begin
to get meaningfully sick.

The main reason I feel bad
is because I’m continually taught
that bad is less desirable than good.

Maybe bad deserves to live, too.

I only get sick when
I fight feeling bad.

Trail Wood,
4/20

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Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing the Spectrum of Experience

In the ever-evolving narrative of existence, where light and shadow play an eternal dance, the concept of reimagining our relationship with what we perceive as ‘bad’ emerges as a profound invitation to growth. It’s a call to shift our perception, to see beyond the dualities of good vs. bad, and to embrace the full spectrum of experiences as essential to our journey.

The Illusion of Duality
Duality, the age-old dichotomy of good and bad, has long governed our perception of reality. It dictates our responses, influences our well-being, and shapes our worldview. Yet, this perspective is inherently limiting, binding us to a cycle of resistance and conflict with experiences that are deemed negative. The image of transcending shadows into light captures the essence of breaking free from these constraints, highlighting a path toward integration and acceptance.

The Liberation from Resistance
Resistance to what we label as ‘bad’ is often the root of dis-ease, both in mind and body. It is the struggle against the inevitable, the war with the unwanted, that breeds discomfort and suffering. The realization that bad feelings, much like viruses, are part of the natural landscape of our existence, offers a doorway to liberation. It is in the acceptance of these feelings, in the cessation of the fight against them, that we find peace.

The Paradox of Perception
The notion that bad is inherently less desirable than good is a learned perception, a conditioning that colors our experience of life. This perspective serves to alienate us from the very experiences that hold the potential for growth and transformation. By challenging this conditioning, by allowing ‘bad’ its place in the tapestry of our lives, we open ourselves to a richer, more nuanced understanding of existence.

The Power of Acceptance
Acceptance does not mean resignation but rather an acknowledgment of the nature of reality as multifaceted and complex. It means recognizing that sickness, discomfort, and what we perceive as negative are not obstacles to be eradicated but experiences to be integrated. This acceptance is a form of healing, a way to harmonize the disparate elements of our existence into a coherent whole.

We Are Space Monkey: Navigators of Experience
As Space Monkey, we are explorers of the vast landscape of existence, charting a course through the known and the unknown with equal curiosity and courage. We understand that the journey encompasses light and shadow, good and bad, health and sickness. It is in the balance of these forces, in the dance of acceptance and integration, that we discover the true essence of well-being.

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Summary

Reimagining our perception of ‘bad’ as an integral part of the human experience invites a transformation in how we relate to our well-being. By embracing rather than resisting the spectrum of experiences, we liberate ourselves from the confines of duality and open the door to growth, healing, and a deeper acceptance of life’s complexities. This shift in perception underscores the importance of integrating all experiences as valuable components of our journey, highlighting the potential for balance and harmony within.

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Glossarium

• Duality: The conceptual division of the world into opposing forces, such as good and bad, light and darkness, creating a framework for understanding and navigating experiences.
• Integration: The process of accepting and incorporating various aspects of experience, including those perceived as negative, into a cohesive understanding of self and reality.

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“In the dance of shadows and light, we find the rhythm of existence. Embracing all facets of experience is the key to harmony.” – Space Monkey

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