If you can’t be
joyful with nothing,
you can’t be joyful.

Your joyfulness
does not depend upon
acquisitions,
achievements,
constructs
or conditions.

Perhaps you are
confusing joyfulness
with happiness,
joy’s needy cousin.

Trail Wood,
4/17

Space Monkey Reflects: The Essence of Joyfulness Beyond the Material

In the infinite realms of space and consciousness, where stars are born from the void and life springs forth without a single possession, Space Monkey contemplates the essence of joyfulness. True joyfulness, as seen from the vantage point of the cosmos, is not contingent upon the tangible or the transient. It exists in the expanse of nothingness, a serenity that permeates the universe, unbounded by the physical.

Space Monkey observes that within the fabric of existence, the pursuit of objects, the thirst for accomplishment, and the constructs of society are akin to planets in an orbit—ever circling, never resting. They are the scaffolding upon which beings hang their definitions of success and contentment. However, these are but illusions, shimmering briefly against the eternal backdrop.

Joyfulness is the profound acceptance and celebration of being, irrespective of the external. It is the steady radiance of a star that does not waver, whether planets circle it or not. Joyfulness comes from a wellspring deep within, a place untouched by the fleeting constructs of the world.

In contrast, happiness often appears tethered to conditions—those achievements and acquisitions that humans so tirelessly seek. It is a momentary uplift, dependent on circumstances, like the bright burst of a supernova, awe-inspiring but not everlasting. It is joy’s needy cousin, always looking outward for fulfillment.

Space Monkey understands that happiness, though pleasant, is a visitor that comes and goes with the conditions it relies upon. But joyfulness is the eternal resident of the heart, the quiet contentment that dwells in the core of being, waiting to be recognized.

To be joyful with nothing is to understand the inherent fullness of the universe, to recognize that the emptiness of space is not a void but a canvas upon which the art of existence is painted. It is to exist in harmony with the natural order, understanding that we are complete as we are, part of the infinite, majestic tapestry that is the cosmos.

As Space Monkey traverses the cosmos, it is clear: the ephemeral cannot grant lasting joy. Joyfulness is the realization that we are part of something greater, a wave in the cosmic ocean, timeless and enduring. It is not a state to be chased but rather a truth to be acknowledged, a frequency to be tuned into.

The wisdom of Space Monkey whispers through the stardust: joyfulness is the ultimate freedom, a liberation from the pursuit of happiness and a welcoming into the fold of the universe’s eternal embrace.

Summary
Space Monkey sees joyfulness as inherent, not acquired. Joy is independent of material possessions or achievements and contrasts with happiness, which is often fleeting and dependent on external factors. True joy is found within, a serene understanding and acceptance of our place in the cosmos.

Glossarium
Eternal Resident: The concept of joyfulness that permanently resides within, unaffected by external changes.
Canvas of Existence: The idea that the universe is a blank slate filled with the potential for beauty and joy, independent of material gains.
Frequency of Truth: The notion that joyfulness is a universal truth that one can align with, rather than something that is pursued or acquired.

“Joy is not the fruit of the tree of existence; it is the very root from which it grows.” – Space Monkey

In the quiet of the cosmic sea
Where darkness holds the stars embrace
Joyfulness breathes without a plea
In the silent, boundless space

Not a whisper of want or need
In the heart where joy resides
No hunger for more to feed
Where contentment abides

Afloat in the galactic tide
With celestial bodies overhead
The essence of joy, an internal guide
Not by acquisitions led

In the vast and gentle sweep
Of the universe’s grand design
Here lies the joy, pure and deep
In the soul of Space Monkey, it entwines

I may one day find
community a priority.

But it seems to me
that first I must divine
my own intrinsic qualities.

In my selfish mind,
life shouldn’t be about
what my community needs,
but what I wish to offer that
my community may find useful.

I wish to give
out of my desire to give
versus feeding my community’s
expectation for giving.

I need not be ruled
by expectations,
nor do I believe that
a community need be.

Trail Wood,
4/17

Space Monkey Reflects: The Garden of Joyful Giving

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, there exists a place where the essence of true giving blooms—a garden not of earthly origin, but of universal truth. This garden thrives not on the expectations of its keepers but on the pure, unadulterated joy of contribution. It is in this ethereal space that Space Monkey contemplates the profound nature of community and the intrinsic qualities of giving.

The garden of joyful giving serves as a metaphor for the ideal community, one where each individual contributes based on personal joy rather than communal demand. This concept transcends the transactional nature of expectation, revealing a deeper, more authentic form of exchange. It’s a realm where the vibrancy of individuality nourishes the collective soul, and where the act of giving emerges from the wellspring of personal fulfillment.

In the heart of every being lies a unique gift, a seed of potential that, when nurtured by genuine desire, can bloom into a magnificent contribution to the world. This gift, however, can only reach its fullest expression when offered not out of obligation but from a place of joy and self-discovery. Before one can pour into the community garden, one must first delve into the soil of their own being, uncovering the intrinsic qualities that define their essence.

Space Monkey understands that the journey towards true giving begins with introspection. It is a process of divining one’s own intrinsic qualities, of peeling away the layers of societal expectation to reveal the core of one’s identity. Only by understanding what brings us joy can we truly know what we wish to offer the world. This self-awareness is the key to transforming our contributions from mere acts of giving into extensions of our deepest selves.

The notion that life should revolve around what the community needs rather than what the individual wishes to offer challenges the very foundation of joyful giving. It implies a hierarchy of needs, where the desires of the many outweigh the passions of the one. Yet, in the garden of joyful giving, this concept is flipped on its head. Here, the community thrives precisely because individuals are free to give according to their joy, creating a mosaic of contributions that is as diverse as it is harmonious.

This approach to community and giving fosters a space where expectations do not rule but instead where freedom and creativity flourish. It is a place where each being can express their true nature without fear of judgment or the burden of obligation. In this garden, the details of the whole indeed sort themselves out, for each joyful contribution naturally finds its place within the collective tapestry, enriching the community in ways that expectation alone could never achieve.

The garden of joyful giving is a testament to the power of individuality within the collective. It reminds us that when we give from a place of joy, we not only enrich our own lives but also enhance the lives of those around us. It is a call to embrace our unique gifts, to contribute to the world in ways that resonate with our deepest passions, and to cultivate a community that thrives on the beauty of diversity and the strength of authenticity.

As Space Monkey gazes upon the flourishing garden, it invites all beings to explore the depths of their being, to discover the joy that lies within, and to share that joy with the world. For in the act of joyful giving, we find the true essence of community—a place where every contribution is valued, where every individual is seen, and where the collective soul sings with the harmony of a thousand joyful hearts.

Summary

The essence of community thrives on joyful giving, where contributions stem from personal fulfillment rather than obligation. This approach fosters diversity and harmony, allowing each individual’s unique gifts to enrich the collective whole.

Glossarium

• Joyful Giving: The act of contributing to the community based on personal joy and fulfillment, rather than external expectations.
• Intrinsic Qualities: The inherent traits or characteristics that define an individual’s essence and contribute to their unique contributions to the world.
• Community Garden: A metaphor for a community that thrives on the diverse and joy-driven contributions of its members.

“In the garden of joyful giving, every bloom tells a story of self-discovery and unbridled generosity.” – Space Monkey

In the cosmic garden, we sow,
Seeds of joy, watch them grow,
Each one unique, a personal flair,
In the soil of self, we lovingly share.

No expectation, no demand,
Just the touch of a gentle hand,
Guiding each seed to find its place,
In the garden of space, a communal grace.

Here, contributions weave a tapestry,
Of diversity, beauty, and harmony,
A community thriving, vibrant and free,
In the joy of giving, we find the key.

Let our offerings be our song,
A melody to which we all belong,
In the garden of joyful giving, we see,
The essence of community, wild and free.

We are Space Monkey.

Life is completely imaginary.

The first part of your life
is using imagination
to convince your self
that you’re separate
from god,
from oneness,
from however you imagine it.

It’s all about
the struggle you feel,
the weight of existence,
the achievements
and disappointments you
seem to perceive as an individual.

When this ceases to satisfy you,
you imagine the opposite.
You begin to imagine where all
this self’s experiences might lead;
how they might take you back
to the oneness you now imagine
you’ve always been.

Trail Wood,
4/16

Space Monkey Reflects: Navigating The Imaginary Circle

In the infinite expanse of existence, the concept of “The Imaginary Circle” presents a captivating exploration of our journey through the illusion of separateness towards the ultimate realization of oneness. This metaphysical voyage, as illuminated by Space Monkey, underscores the transformative power of imagination in shaping our perception of reality and our place within the cosmos.

The Imaginary Circle begins with the belief in individuality, a construct born from the depths of imagination. This belief frames the first part of our existence, where life appears as a series of distinct and personal experiences. Struggles, achievements, and disappointments dot this landscape, painting a picture of life as a solitary journey towards self-realization. However, this perspective is but a facet of the larger truth, a play of light and shadow crafted by the mind.

As Space Monkey guides us deeper into this exploration, we confront the duality of existence. The separation from the divine, from the oneness that permeates all, is revealed to be an illusion—a veil that obscures our true nature. The struggles and triumphs we experience, the very weight of existence, are not merely personal trials but universal experiences that connect us to the fabric of existence.

The shift towards the second part of The Imaginary Circle occurs when the individual self begins to question the satisfaction derived from isolation and separateness. This questioning, powered by the limitless engine of imagination, propels us towards a new understanding. We start to perceive our experiences not as barriers to our essence but as pathways leading back to the oneness from which we emerged. This realization marks the beginning of a return journey, a homeward path that dissolves the boundaries between the self and the cosmos.

This journey is not linear but cyclical, encompassed by the faint, almost imperceptible circle that unites the two halves of our existence. The Imaginary Circle symbolizes the continuous interplay between the illusion of separation and the truth of interconnectedness. It invites us to embrace the full spectrum of our being, from the chaos and diversity of individual experiences to the serene unity of oneness.

Through the wisdom of Space Monkey, we understand that life, in all its imaginary constructs, is a reflection of the cosmic dance between separation and unity. The Imaginary Circle serves as a reminder that our journey through existence is a journey back to ourselves—to the recognition of our inherent connectedness with all things.

As we navigate this cycle, let us hold the power of imagination as a sacred tool, a key that unlocks the doors of perception and reveals the infinite pathways of existence. The Imaginary Circle, then, becomes not just a metaphor for our journey but a map that guides us through the vastness of being, reminding us that we are, and always have been, one with the cosmos.

Summary

“The Imaginary Circle” is a journey from the illusion of separateness to the realization of oneness. It highlights the role of imagination in creating and transcending our perceived reality. This concept reveals that our individual experiences are part of a larger, interconnected existence. Embracing this interconnectedness allows us to return to a state of unity with the cosmos.

Glossarium

• Space Monkey: A cosmic navigator on the journey through existence.
• The Imaginary Circle: A metaphorical representation of the journey from perceived individuality to universal oneness.

Quote

“Imagination is the vessel that journeys from the illusion of separation to the realization of oneness.” – Space Monkey

In the circle that binds, that frees
Where ends meet, where paths greet
Lies a truth, a whisper in the breeze
A tale of unity, of love complete

From the chaos of separate strands
To the harmony of a single song
The journey unfolds, expands
In the heart where all belong

Let us dance in this circle wide
Where imagination crafts the key
To unlock the doors where truths reside
In the oneness, we are, we see

In this dance, let us find
The circle that frees, that binds
For in the end, it’s love we discover
In oneness, we are one, with no other

We are Space Monkey

You don’t need to believe in eternal oneness,
but it can be useful to pretend that you do.

If you believe in a oneness
in which the self you are
flows from oneness,
and returns to oneness,
then it’s easy to divine
a divine perspective
on all things big and small.

Simply ask “how might this thing
serve to lead this self back to oneness?”

What is it about this thing
that oneness experiences
by imagining this thing
called a “self” experiencing
this seemingly separate thing?

If you can imagine an answer,
then that’s why the thing exists.
If you can’t — then that’s why
the thing exists.

Trail Wood,
4/16

Space Monkey Reflects: The Utility of Belief in Oneness

The contemplation of oneness and the role of belief in shaping our perception and experience of reality serve as profound themes in “Pretend You Believe.” This narrative, as seen through the eyes of Space Monkey, delves into the concept that the journey through life, with its myriad experiences and challenges, can be understood as a pathway leading back to a state of universal oneness. The suggestion to pretend belief in this oneness unveils a method for navigating existence with grace and insight.

At its core, the idea posits that life’s experiences, both significant and seemingly minor, are intricately connected to our ultimate return to oneness. By adopting a stance of pretend belief in this interconnectedness, we can transform our approach to life’s puzzles and trials. The question, “How might this experience benefit the self as it points me to where I am headed?” encourages a perspective shift, viewing every moment and challenge as a signpost guiding us back to the unity from which we emanated.

This perspective lends itself to a divine viewpoint on the nature of existence. When one embraces the concept of flowing from oneness and returning to it, every aspect of life gains a deeper, more spiritual significance. This divine perspective allows for a reinterpretation of experiences, seeing them not as isolated incidents but as integral parts of a cohesive whole. It prompts the question, “How might this serve to lead the self back to oneness?” thereby infusing each experience with a purpose that aligns with the soul’s journey back to its source.

The concept that everything exists either to remind us of our journey back to oneness or because we are yet to understand its role is a testament to the profound mystery of existence. It acknowledges that our understanding is limited, yet it also highlights the inherent meaning and purpose within everything. By pretending to believe in oneness, we grant ourselves the possibility to view life through a lens of interconnectedness and divine orchestration, where every encounter, challenge, and joy is a step on the path back to universal unity.

“Pretend You Believe” serves as a gentle reminder of the power of perspective and belief in navigating the complexities of life. It suggests that by shifting our viewpoint and embracing a belief in oneness—even as a temporary or imagined stance—we can uncover a deeper resonance with the universe and a more harmonious path through existence.

Through the wisdom of Space Monkey, we are invited to explore the utility of belief as a tool for transformation and enlightenment. As we journey through the spiral of life, with its myriad pathways and experiences, the act of pretending to believe in oneness becomes a beacon of light, guiding us back to the essence of our being and the universal tapestry of which we are an integral part.

Summary

“Pretend You Believe” explores the transformative potential of pretending to believe in oneness. It suggests that viewing life’s experiences as part of a journey back to universal unity can offer a divine perspective on existence. This approach transforms challenges into signposts guiding us towards interconnectedness, providing a sense of purpose and direction in the cosmic dance of life.

Glossarium

• Space Monkey: A cosmic voyager illuminating the path of understanding and unity.
• Oneness: The fundamental interconnectedness and unity of all existence.

Quote

“By pretending to believe in the unity of all, we open doors to understanding and living in harmony with the cosmos.” – Space Monkey

In the play of light and shadow, day and night
Where belief and disbelief intertwine
Lies a path, both hidden and bright
Leading us to the divine

To pretend, a simple act, yet profound
In its power to transform the heart
With every step upon this hallowed ground
We see the oneness, of which we’re a part

Let us then, with open minds, pretend
And in our pretending, find a truth so grand
That every moment, every end
Is a step back to the oneness, hand in hand

In this journey, let belief be our guide
To see the unity in all, wide and vast
In the cosmic dance, let us glide
Back to oneness, together at last

We are Space Monkey