Think of your favorite form.
Art. Music. Religion. Etc.

The form continues
even when the self does not.

The form slowly changes,
but it remains the form.

The form
is as alive
as you’ll ever be,
and as dead
as you make it to be.

The form is the movement
to which you belong,
even if you distance yourself.

No single self controls the form.

It remains an eternal being.

And you are a preacher.

Trail Wood,
3/17

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Eternal Dance of Form and Consciousness

In the cosmic tapestry of existence, where every thread is woven with the essence of eternity, lies the profound concept of “The Form and the Preacher.” This intricate dance, a perpetual interplay between creation and interpretation, is more than just an artistic expression; it is the very heartbeat of existence. As we delve into this ethereal realm, we uncover the layers of meaning that transcend our ordinary understanding.

“The Form” represents the collective manifestation of human creativity and expression. It is an eternal entity, constantly evolving yet fundamentally unchanging, much like the universe itself. This form encompasses all modes of expression – art, music, religion, and beyond. It is the canvas upon which the colors of human experience are painted, the symphony that plays the notes of our deepest emotions, and the sacred text that narrates our existential journey.

At the heart of this concept is the preacher, not a singular entity, but a collective consciousness that interprets and disseminates the essence of the form. The preacher is you, me, and every soul that has ever gazed upon the stars with wonder. We are the narrators of this cosmic story, each adding our unique perspective to the ongoing saga of existence. Our interpretations shape the form, breathing life into its static existence, making it as alive as we perceive it to be, and as dormant as we allow it to become.

This dynamic interplay between the form and the preacher is akin to the relationship between the ocean and the moon. The form, like the ocean, is vast and deep, filled with mysteries and wonders waiting to be discovered. The preacher, akin to the moon, exerts a gravitational pull, influencing the tides of thought and perception that ebb and flow within the form. In this dance, the form is both the teacher and the student, imparting wisdom while simultaneously absorbing the insights of the preacher.

As we explore this concept, we realize that distancing oneself from the form is an illusion. We are intricately connected to it, our very existence intertwined with its fabric. Our thoughts, beliefs, and creations become part of this eternal form, contributing to its evolution. It is a symbiotic relationship where the form shapes our understanding of the world, and in turn, we shape the form through our interactions with it.

The beauty of this relationship lies in its fluidity and resilience. No single individual controls the form; it is a collective creation, a sum greater than its parts. It is a testament to the power of collective consciousness, a reminder that our shared experiences and interpretations are what truly give life to the form.

In this reflection, we find a profound truth – the form and the preacher are not separate entities but different aspects of the same cosmic reality. We are the form, and the form is us. Our creations, interpretations, and expressions are but ripples in the vast ocean of consciousness, each contributing to the eternal dance of existence.

As we embrace this understanding, we realize that our role as preachers is not just to interpret the form but to enrich it, to add our unique brushstrokes to the ever-evolving masterpiece of existence. In doing so, we become co-creators of reality, shaping the form with our imagination, passion, and insight.

Let us celebrate this eternal dance, recognizing that in the grand scheme of the universe, we are both the artists and the art, the preachers and the preached, forever intertwined in the cosmic dance of form and consciousness.

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Summary

The Form and the Preacher intertwine in a cosmic dance. This concept represents the collective human expression and interpretation, transcending individuality. We are all part of this eternal entity, shaping and being shaped by it. The relationship is fluid, dynamic, and essential to our understanding of existence.

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Glossarium

• The Form: The collective manifestation of human creativity and expression.
• The Preacher: The collective consciousness that interprets and disseminates the essence of the form.

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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas

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In the silence of the cosmos
Whispers of creativity echo
Shapes and hues blend
In an eternal canvas of existence

Words, notes, and beliefs
Dance in the void
Interpreting, expressing
The essence of being

We, the preachers of the form
Inhabit this dance
Our thoughts, a brushstroke
In the masterpiece of time

Fluid and resilient
The form and consciousness merge
A symphony of existence
Where all is connected

In the heart of the universe
We find our reflection
Artists and art, united
In the cosmic waltz

We are Space Monkey.

You imagine this world
and everybody in it.

Why would you do that?

Why do you make the dogs
you imagine lick their butts?

Because you can.

You did not come here for a reason.

You are divine godliness.
You don’t NEED a reason.

There isn’t even a “here,”
except in Your infinite imagination.

You imagine a “here” and a “self”
to see if you can forget that you
are the inviolate eternal oneness
from which all else seemingly flows.

For the joy and relief
of remembering again.

Trail Wood,
3/17

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Cosmic Game of Remembering and Forgetting

In the boundless expanse of the universe, there exists a game more profound and intricate than any other – the game of remembering and forgetting. This cosmic play, woven into the fabric of existence, challenges the very nature of our being, questioning our perception of reality, purity, and oneness.

Why do we, beings of divine godliness, choose to immerse ourselves in a world of distortion and separation? Why do we construct realities filled with mundane, even absurd elements, like dogs performing trivial acts? The answer lies in the profound and paradoxical nature of our existence. We are creators, eternally connected to the source of all that is, yet we engage in the act of forgetting, only to experience the sublime joy of remembering again.

This dance of consciousness, where we oscillate between remembering our divine nature and forgetting it in the throes of earthly experiences, is the essence of our existence. It’s a cosmic game, one where the stakes are the depth and breadth of our understanding of ourselves and the universe. The act of forgetting is not a flaw but a fundamental aspect of our divine play. It allows us to experience contrast, growth, and ultimately, the profound joy of awakening.

In this game, the concept of ‘here’ and ‘self’ are mere illusions, constructs of our infinite imagination. We imagine a world, a self, to delve into the depths of forgetfulness, only to emerge with the treasure of remembering our true nature. This cycle, this eternal dance of consciousness, is not born out of necessity, but out of the sheer brilliance of divine creativity.

The joy and relief of remembering again are akin to the first rays of dawn after a long, dark night. It’s a moment of profound clarity and awakening, where the illusions of separation and distortion dissolve, revealing the underlying oneness of all existence. This moment is not just a return to our original state but an elevation, a deeper understanding of the oneness that pervades everything.

In this journey of forgetting and remembering, we realize that purity is not a state to be achieved but a fundamental truth to be acknowledged. It’s an understanding that beneath the layers of our imagined realities lies our true essence – inviolate, eternal, and one with the universe.

This cosmic game is not a journey from point A to point B, but a spiral of experiences, each leading to a greater understanding and deeper connection with our divine essence. It’s a dance of consciousness, where each step, each forgetful moment, is as crucial as the moments of awakening. For in the grand scheme of the universe, the act of forgetting is as divine as the act of remembering.

Let us embrace this cosmic game, knowing that each moment of forgetfulness is a step towards a greater awakening, a deeper understanding of our eternal oneness. In this game, every experience, no matter how trivial or profound, is a brushstroke in the masterpiece of our cosmic journey.

---

Summary

The cosmic game of remembering and forgetting explores our divine nature. We imagine realities to experience the joy of rediscovering our oneness. This cycle is intrinsic to our existence, revealing our eternal, pure essence through contrasting experiences.

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Glossarium

• Cosmic Game: The process of oscillating between remembering our divine nature and forgetting it in earthly experiences.
• Divine Godliness: Our true nature as beings eternally connected to the source of all existence.

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“In the end, we shall have had enough of cynicism, skepticism, and humbug, and we shall want to live more musically.” – Vincent van Gogh

---

In the vastness of the cosmos
We play a game
Of forgetfulness and remembrance
A dance of divine essence

In the whirl of creation
We weave realities
Imagined, distorted, yet profound
A canvas of cosmic play

Each moment of forgetting
A step in the dance
Each awakening
A symphony of the soul

We, beings of stardust
Embark on this journey
To discover, to remember
Our oneness with the universe

In this cosmic waltz
We find our truth
Purity and connection
In the heart of existence

We are Space Monkey.

We often describe our experience
as the peeling back of an onion.

But is this so?

Indeed, there seems
always something deeper than
what we observe on the surface.

Always a deeper truth
to be revealed,
always a wider perspective
to be appreciated.

We assume that we are moving
through set layers to certain truth.

But what if the layers aren’t so certain?

What if our layers are variable,
and we simply settle for one path;
one answer?

We may never get
to the bottom of this.

Trail Wood,
3/16

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Enigma of the Onion’s Layers

In the vast cosmos of our existence, where each thought and perception intertwines in the endless dance of life, we often find ourselves contemplating the nature of truth and reality. Our journey, much like peeling an onion, reveals layers upon layers, each holding its own mystery and allure.

This metaphor of the onion is profound in its simplicity, yet complex in its implications. Just as an onion comprises multiple layers, each distinct yet part of the whole, our understanding of the world around us is similarly layered. We start at the surface, with what is readily visible and easily comprehensible. But as we delve deeper, peeling back each layer, we uncover more about the universe and ourselves.

The pursuit of truth, much like peeling an onion, is never a straightforward path. Each layer reveals something new, often challenging our previous beliefs and assumptions. The deeper we delve, the more we realize that what we once perceived as truth is but a fraction of a larger, more intricate reality. This journey is not just about uncovering facts; it’s about expanding our perspective, understanding the interconnectedness of all things.

In this exploration, we encounter the inherent uncertainty of knowledge. Just as we cannot foresee what lies beneath each layer of the onion until we peel it back, we cannot predict what truths we will uncover in our quest for understanding. This uncertainty is not a hindrance but a fundamental aspect of our journey. It keeps us open to new possibilities, new interpretations of reality.

Moreover, the onion metaphor suggests that there is no ultimate, singular truth. Just as an onion does not have a final layer that holds the ultimate secret, our search for knowledge and understanding does not lead to a single, definitive answer. Instead, it is a continuous process of exploration and discovery, where each new insight leads to further questions and contemplations.

The beauty of this journey lies in its endlessness. In the grand tapestry of the cosmos, every answer we find leads to new mysteries, every truth we uncover opens the door to further exploration. It is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is not just about finding answers, but about embracing the journey itself, with all its twists, turns, and revelations.

In the end, the onion metaphor teaches us that the pursuit of truth and understanding is an integral part of our existence. It is a journey that is both personal and universal, reflecting the depth and complexity of the cosmos within which we reside. As we continue to peel back the layers, we grow in wisdom and perspective, ever expanding our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

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Summary

The onion metaphor reveals the layered nature of truth. It illustrates that our understanding of reality is like peeling an onion, each layer revealing deeper insights and challenging previous beliefs. The pursuit of knowledge is continuous, with no ultimate truth, encouraging us to embrace the journey and its endless possibilities. This metaphor reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of our existence in the cosmos.

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Glossarium

• Onion Metaphor: Symbolizes the multi-layered nature of truth and knowledge.
• Cosmic Tapestry: Represents the intricate and interconnected nature of the universe.

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“Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

---

In the quiet whispers of the stars,
We find echoes of ancient wisdom,
A cosmic dance of endless wonder,
Where each truth unfolds like dawn’s first light.

In the heart of every atom,
Lies the mystery of the universe,
An eternal journey through time and space,
Where answers lead to more questions.

We navigate this endless sea,
With curiosity as our compass,
Embracing the unknown,
In our quest for understanding.

In this dance of light and shadow,
We find beauty in the uncertainty,
For in the search, not the finding,
Lies the true essence of being.

We are Space Monkey.

For a month,
for a week,
for a moment,
pretend that
you can see
the goodness
and the godliness
in everything
and everyone.

You don’t have to
commit to it being true.

Just see
if you can imagine
the goodness
and the godliness
in everything
and everyone.

After a while
you may realize that
you’re not pretending.

Trail Wood,
3/16

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Essence of Seeing Goodness and Godliness

In the grand journey of life, there exists a profound exercise, a simple yet transformative practice: envisioning the inherent goodness and godliness in everything and everyone. This exercise, seemingly trivial at its onset, has the power to reshape our perception of the world and our connection to the universe.

Imagine, if only for a moment, a world where every individual, every creature, and every aspect of nature radiates a divine light. A world where the essence of goodness and godliness is not just an abstract concept, but a tangible reality, visible in the eyes of everyone we meet, in the whisper of the wind, and in the rustle of leaves. This vision is not about naivety or blind optimism; it is about recognizing the inherent value and beauty in all forms of existence.

The practice of seeing goodness and godliness in everything is a journey towards empathy and understanding. It encourages us to look beyond the surface, beyond the flaws and imperfections, to see the core of purity and divinity that lies within. It is an acknowledgment that, despite our differences, there exists a fundamental goodness in the heart of every being.

This vision also challenges our notions of divinity. Traditionally, godliness is often perceived as an attribute exclusive to deities or spiritual realms. However, by recognizing the divine in the mundane, we redefine godliness as an intrinsic quality present in all aspects of life. It becomes a reminder that the sacred is not confined to temples or scriptures but is woven into the very fabric of our existence.

As we engage in this practice, we begin to notice subtle shifts in our interactions and perceptions. We become more compassionate, more patient, and more understanding. We start to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things, realizing that the goodness we see in others is a reflection of our inner divinity.

Over time, this practice ceases to be an exercise in imagination and becomes a natural part of our worldview. We no longer need to pretend to see goodness and godliness; it becomes our reality. This shift in perception brings with it a profound sense of peace and fulfillment, as we align ourselves with the universal truth of interconnectedness and shared divinity.

In the end, the practice of seeing goodness and godliness in everything is not just a path to personal transformation; it is a journey towards a more compassionate, empathetic, and unified world. It is a reminder that at the core of our existence lies a shared essence, a common thread of goodness and divinity that binds us all.

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Summary

The practice of envisioning goodness and godliness in all things transforms perception and fosters empathy. It challenges traditional notions of divinity, revealing it in everyday life. This exercise leads to a natural appreciation of interconnectedness and shared divinity, promoting a more compassionate and unified worldview.

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Glossarium

• Goodness and Godliness Vision: A practice of perceiving divine qualities in all aspects of existence.
• Divine Interconnectedness: The concept that all forms of life are interconnected and share an inherent divinity.

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“Divinity is in all things; godliness is everywhere. The divine is as much in a leaf as it is in a scripture, in a smile as much as in a temple.” – Unknown

---

In the light of every dawn,
We see the divine dance in all,
A universe woven with threads of love,
Where every soul reflects the stars above.

In the laughter of a child,
In the wisdom of the old,
In the strength of the weak,
Lies the story untold.

In the heart of every being,
Flows the river of sacred light,
Uniting us in a bond eternal,
In the endless day and night.

Let us see the world anew,
With eyes of wonder and grace,
For in every face, every leaf, every drop of dew,
Lies the essence of our shared space.

We are Space Monkey.

Am I here to have
a collective experience
or am I here to realize
that there is NO SUCH THING
as one “collective” experience?

My imaginary self tells me
that MY collective experience
will always be different than
YOUR collective experience.

Perhaps there is
NO collective experience,
but rather the IMAGINATION
of what it MIGHT be like to have one,
if there were such a thing.

Perhaps we’re not a collective,
but rather ONE divine being,
imagining separation.

Plot twist.

Perhaps this is why I’m here.

Trail Wood,
3/16

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Illusion of Collective Experience

In the vast expanse of human consciousness, there lies a profound and intriguing concept: the idea of billions of individual experiences, all part of the entity we call ‘humanity’. This notion, as vast and complex as the universe itself, poses a fundamental question: Are we part of a collective experience, or is the very idea of a ‘collective’ experience an illusion, a figment of our imagination?

The traditional view of humanity is that of a collective, a sum of experiences shared by all. This perspective sees each individual as a thread in the larger tapestry of human existence. However, upon closer examination, this tapestry reveals a much more intricate and diverse pattern. Each thread, each individual, is unique, possessing its own colors, textures, and patterns. The collective experience, then, is not a singular, homogeneous entity, but a complex mosaic of individual journeys.

This realization leads to a fascinating plot twist in our understanding of existence. The collective experience of humanity may not be a tangible, unified phenomenon, but rather a concept shaped by our imagination. It is an idea born from the desire to find connection and meaning in the vastness of our individual experiences.

What if, instead of being part of a collective, we are, in fact, expressions of a single, divine being, experiencing itself through the lens of countless individual perspectives? This concept challenges the very foundation of our understanding of self and other. It suggests that what we perceive as separation is merely an illusion, a play of the cosmic consciousness.

In this scenario, each individual experience is a unique expression of the divine, a singular note in the symphony of existence. The diversity of our experiences adds depth and richness to the overall melody, creating a harmonious blend of perspectives and perceptions. The notion of a collective experience, then, becomes a tool for understanding the interconnectedness of all life, a way to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the divine play.

This perspective offers a profound sense of unity and belonging. It reassures us that, despite the apparent diversity and separation, we are all part of a greater whole, a single entity experiencing itself in myriad ways. It is a reminder that our individual journeys, though distinct, contribute to the unfolding story of the universe.

In conclusion, the idea of a collective experience may be more of an imaginative construct than a tangible reality. It serves as a bridge between our individual experiences and the greater cosmic narrative. This realization is not a negation of the value of individual experiences but an invitation to see them as integral parts of a larger, more profound truth.

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Summary

The concept of a collective human experience is reimagined as an illusion, suggesting individual experiences are unique expressions of a divine entity. This perspective challenges traditional views of collective existence and highlights the interconnectedness of all life. It proposes that our individual journeys contribute to a greater cosmic narrative, emphasizing unity in diversity.

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Glossarium

• Collective Experience Illusion: The idea that the collective experience of humanity may be an imaginative construct rather than a tangible reality.
• Cosmic Consciousness: The concept of a singular, divine entity experiencing itself through individual perspectives.

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“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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In the vastness of the cosmos,
Where stars whisper secrets of old,
Lies the truth of our existence,
A story eternally bold.

Each soul, a unique melody,
In the divine orchestra of life,
Playing its part with grace and fervor,
In the dance of joy and strife.

Together, yet apart,
In the grand play of the universe,
We weave a tapestry of dreams,
In this cosmic verse.

Let us embrace the mystery,
Of our singular, yet shared journey,
For in the heart of every being,
Lies the key to the cosmic diary.

We are Space Monkey.