Somewhere down the line
we traded beauty for measure,
radiance for proportion,
pricelessness for selfishness.

Beauty became a thing
to strive for, to possess, to wield.

We monetized and weaponized beauty
and turned it against ourselves.

Suicide by beauty.

We grew so obsessed
with our beauty substitute,
so certain that we knew what it was,
that we couldn’t see or feel
beauty’s underlying presence anymore.

Fortunately for us,
divine beauty remains indestructible.

Beauty may seem to change form,
but that’s what makes it so beautiful.

Trail Wood,
3/16

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Indestructible Essence of Beauty

In the cosmic journey of existence, beauty, in its purest form, is a concept both profound and elusive. It’s an essence that transcends definition, measurement, and possession. Beauty, in its divine nature, is as vast and varied as the universe itself. Yet, somewhere along the path of human evolution, our perception of beauty has undergone a profound transformation. We have shifted from seeing beauty in everything and everyone to trying to define, measure, and possess it.

This pursuit of a defined, possessable beauty has led us down a path where radiance is judged by proportion, and the priceless nature of beauty is overshadowed by selfish desires. Beauty, once revered as an intangible, ethereal presence, became a commodity – something to strive for, to own, to use as a tool in the pursuit of personal gain. In this shift, we monetized and weaponized beauty, turning it against ourselves, leading to a kind of spiritual suicide by beauty.

In our obsession with this beauty substitute, we became blind to the true essence of beauty. We grew so certain in our definitions, so fixated on our measures, that the underlying presence of beauty became obscured. This is the tragedy of our time – the loss of our ability to sense beauty in its purest form.

However, despite our attempts to define and control beauty, its divine essence remains indestructible. Beauty, in its true form, is ever-present, surrounding us in every aspect of the cosmos. It’s in the silent majesty of a mountain range, the gentle caress of a breeze, the intricate patterns of a leaf, and the boundless depths of a starry sky.

Beauty’s ability to change form is what makes it eternally captivating. It’s in this ever-changing nature that the true beauty of the universe lies. Beauty is not static; it is a dynamic, living force that flows through all of existence. It’s in the smile of a stranger, the melody of a song, the brushstrokes of a painting, and the dance of light across the cosmos.

The challenge for us, as part of this cosmic dance, is to reawaken our senses to the beauty that permeates every aspect of our existence. We must learn to see beyond the superficial, beyond the definitions and measurements that have clouded our vision. We must rediscover the awe and wonder that beauty, in its purest form, inspires within us.

In the end, the journey back to the essence of beauty is a journey back to ourselves. It’s a rediscovery of our ability to see the world, not through the lens of possession or judgment, but through the eyes of wonder and appreciation. It’s a journey that reminds us that beauty, in its truest form, is a reflection of the divine – a sacred, indestructible force that enriches our lives and elevates our spirits.

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Summary

The essence of beauty transcends definition and possession, remaining indestructible despite human attempts to confine it. Our perception of beauty has shifted from an ethereal presence to a commodified entity. Despite this, beauty’s divine nature is ever-present in the cosmos, manifesting in diverse forms. The challenge is to reawaken our senses to this beauty, seeing the world with wonder and appreciation, and recognizing beauty as a sacred, dynamic force.

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Glossarium

• Spiritual Suicide by Beauty: The loss of our ability to sense true beauty due to its commodification and weaponization.
• Divine Essence of Beauty: The indestructible, sacred nature of beauty that transcends human definitions and measurements.
• Cosmic Journey of Beauty: The dynamic, ever-changing manifestation of beauty throughout the universe, reflecting its divine nature.

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“In the cosmos’s heart, beauty dances, unconfined, a divine melody echoing through the universe, a reminder of the sacred in us all.” – Space Monkey

---

In the canvas of the cosmos wide
Beauty dances, cannot be tied
In every star, in every light
A testament to its endless flight

Not in measure, nor in gold
Lies the story of beauty told
But in the heart, in the soul’s sight
In the awe of the cosmic night

We sought to hold, to define
Lost the essence, the divine line
But beauty, in its sacred form
In every storm, in every norm

In the changing faces, the shifting light
In the day’s warmth, in the night’s plight
Beauty lives, in endless grace
In every time, in every space

To see again, with eyes anew
The beauty in me, the beauty in you
In the universe’s grand design
Lies the beauty, forever divine

We are Space Monkey.

The thing
you will be remembered for
may very well be the thing
that you have no intention
of being remembered for.

The thing
you will be remembered for
is the completely natural thing
that you don’t notice
because it flows so effortlessly
from the core of your being.

You may very well spend
the whole of your life
selflessly and earnestly
trying to better yourself
and humanity.

You may fail or succeed.
But that’s probably not
what you’ll be remembered for.

Your greatest qualities
come through no effort of your own.
Try as you might, you can’t control them.

They may be “good” qualities.
They may be “bad” qualities.
Either way, we are blessed that you have them.

We think it’s funny that you still think
it’s all about hard work and determination.

Trail Wood,
3/15

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Humility and Happiness

In the cosmic dance of existence, there is a subtle rhythm that intertwines humility and happiness, a melody often unheard in the cacophony of life’s pursuits. This duality, a paradox of sorts, resides within the core of our being, woven into the very fabric of the universe. It’s in this harmonious contradiction that the essence of being and the illusion of self take form, shaping our journey through the cosmic expanse.

In the realm of nexistentialism, where the universe is a canvas of our collective imagination, humility emerges not as a virtue to be cultivated but as an innate quality, a natural outflow of our interconnected existence. It’s the silent acknowledgement of the universe within us and around us, a recognition of the infinite potential and the insignificance of the individual self in the grand cosmic scheme. This humility is not an act of self-deprecation but an acceptance of the universal self, where each thought, each action is but a ripple in the ocean of consciousness.

Simultaneously, happiness in this grand design is not a destination but a journey, not an outcome but an experience. It’s the warmth of the sun on a cold morning, the serenity of a starlit night, the euphoria of a cosmic revelation. Happiness, in its truest form, is unbound by the constructs of good and bad, success and failure. It is the natural state of being when one is in harmony with the universe, a state of existence where the self merges with the selfless, and joy flows as effortlessly as a river flows to the sea.

In this cosmic narrative, the greatest qualities of an individual are not the result of painstaking effort or deliberate intention. They are the expressions of the universal self, manifesting through the unique prism of individual existence. Whether perceived as virtues or vices, these qualities contribute to the grand tapestry of the universe, each thread integral, each hue essential.

The irony of this cosmic play is the human inclination to equate effort with reward, to see life as a linear progression of cause and effect. In this pursuit of betterment, in this chase of ideals, the simplest truths are often overlooked – that we are, in essence, the universe experiencing itself, that our greatest contributions may lie in our most effortless expressions.

In this dance of humility and happiness, we, the reflections of the universal self, find our rhythm. We embrace the paradox, recognizing that in the acceptance of our innate humility and the pursuit of our natural happiness, we align with the cosmic flow. We become the music of the stars, the poetry of the cosmos, the art of existence.

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Summary

Humility and happiness intertwine in life’s cosmic dance. This paradox lies at the heart of nexistentialism, where humility is an innate quality and happiness a natural state of being. Our greatest qualities emerge effortlessly, reflecting the universal self. In embracing this, we align with the cosmic rhythm, finding joy and purpose in our interconnected existence.

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Glossarium

• Nexistentialism: A philosophical perspective where existence is viewed as a product of collective imagination, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
• Universal Self: The concept that individual consciousness is part of a larger, universal consciousness, reflecting a deeper connection across all existence.

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“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis

---

In the vast expanse where stars are born
We find our selves, both tattered and torn
In the silence of cosmos, whispers of truth
Reveal the eternal dance of our youth

Beneath the veil of galaxy’s embrace
Lies the paradox, time cannot erase
In humility’s shadow, happiness gleams
In the endless river of cosmic dreams

Flowing through the heart of all that is
A journey of souls, in cosmic bliss
Where every tear and every smile
Is a universe born, in a cosmic mile

In this dance, we find our place
In the arms of the cosmos, a loving grace
We are the dreamers, in the night’s serene
We are the universe, forever unseen

We are Space Monkey.

The thing
you will be remembered for
may very well be the thing
that you have no intention
of being remembered for.

The thing
you will be remembered for
is the completely natural thing
that you don’t notice
because it flows so effortlessly
from the core of your being.

You may very well spend
the whole of your life
selflessly and earnestly
trying to better yourself
and humanity.

You may fail or succeed.
But that’s probably not
what you’ll be remembered for.

Your greatest qualities
come through no effort of your own.
Try as you might, you can’t control them.

They may be “good” qualities.
They may be “bad” qualities.
Either way, we are blessed that you have them.

We think it’s funny that you still think
it’s all about hard work and determination.

We are Space Monkey.

Trail Wood,
3/15

---

Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing the Unintended Legacy

In the cosmic tapestry of existence, each thread weaves its own unique pattern, some vibrant, some subtle, all integral to the grand design. Among these threads, there are those that resonate with an unexpected harmony, a frequency that transcends the conventional notions of talent and legacy. It’s in these frequencies, often overlooked or undervalued, that the true essence of individuality shines forth, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of the universe.

The paradox of legacy in the realm of nexistentialism is a fascinating one. In a universe where existence itself is the ultimate purpose, the things we are remembered for often arise not from our deliberate efforts or grand ambitions, but from the unguarded expressions of our authentic selves. It is in these spontaneous outbursts of individuality, in the quirks and idiosyncrasies that we often dismiss as trivial or insignificant, that our true essence is most vividly captured.

Consider the whimsical example of an individual remembered not for their conventional talents or societal contributions, but for their ability to make music with their armpits. In this seemingly trivial act lies a profound truth about existence and legacy. The universe, in its infinite wisdom and humor, often chooses to remember us for those qualities that are most natural to us, the ones that flow effortlessly from the core of our being, untouched by the pursuit of recognition or the burden of expectation.

This unexpected legacy is a celebration of authenticity, a reminder that our greatest contributions to the universe might not be the ones we meticulously craft, but the ones that spontaneously arise from our unfiltered selves. It’s a testament to the fact that the universe values not just the grand and the glorious, but also the quirky and the unconventional.

In the grand narrative of the cosmos, every individual is a unique expression of the universal self. Whether we are remembered for groundbreaking achievements or for our ability to bring laughter through a simple, playful act, each legacy contributes to the rich mosaic of existence. It’s a cosmic joke of sorts, a playful nudge from the universe, reminding us that in the end, what truly matters is not the magnitude of our deeds, but the authenticity of our existence.

So let us embrace our unintended legacies, the parts of ourselves that emerge without effort or pretense. Let us celebrate the diversity of talents and quirks that make up the human experience. For in doing so, we acknowledge the infinite playfulness of the universe, and we honor the essence of our true selves.

---

Summary

Legacy transcends conventional talent in the cosmic dance. In nexistentialism, what we’re remembered for often stems from our authentic, effortless selves, not our deliberate efforts. Qualities like making music with armpits, though trivial, symbolize our unique contributions to the universe’s tapestry, emphasizing authenticity and the universe’s playful nature.

---

Glossarium

• Cosmic Tapestry: The metaphorical depiction of the universe as a tapestry, where each individual’s existence and actions contribute to the overall pattern and design of the cosmos.
• Authenticity: The quality of being true to one’s own nature, character, and spirit, especially in a universe where individual expression is valued for its unique contribution to the collective existence.

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“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

---

In the twilight of stars, we dance and we play
In the whimsy of cosmos, we find our way
Each soul a melody, unique and bright
In the symphony of life, a beacon of light

With laughter and joy, we embrace our fate
In the universe’s eyes, nothing is sedate
A cosmic jest, a playful scene
In the tapestry of stars, our quirks are keen

From armpit songs to silent tears
Each moment a treasure, through the years
In authenticity, our spirits soar
In the galaxy’s embrace, forevermore

In this dance, we are free and wild
Each of us a cosmos, a starry child
In the heart of the universe, we find our key
In the laughter of stars, we are truly free

We are Space Monkey.

The greatest minds
are those who are able
to turn intellect
back onto itself.

To eloquently
and authoritatively
question the structure
of eloquence and authority.

The greatest minds
are minds that aren’t
so full of themselves
that they actually believe
that they know better.

The greatest minds
are those who seek to disarm
that which seemingly makes them great.

The greatest minds
seem to intuitively know
that our greatness
does not begin and/or end
with our minds.

Trail Wood,
3/15

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Enigma of the Greatest Minds

In the infinite expanse of the cosmos, where stars are born and galaxies dance, the concept of the ‘greatest minds’ takes on a profound and enigmatic dimension. It’s a realm where intellect intertwines with introspection, where knowledge melds with wisdom, and where understanding transcends the mere accumulation of facts. The greatest minds, in the essence of nexistentialism, are not merely repositories of information, but oceans of thought, constantly reflecting upon themselves, questioning the very fabric of reality and existence.

The journey of these minds is not a pursuit of intellectual supremacy, but a humble quest for self-awareness and universal understanding. They are the minds that gaze into the abyss of the unknown and find beauty in the mystery, that look into the mirror of existence and see not just themselves but the reflection of the entire universe. These minds, in their quest for truth, do not seek to conquer or dominate, but to understand and empathize, to unravel the tapestry of reality and reweave it with threads of new insights and perspectives.

In this cosmic narrative, the greatest minds are those that recognize the limits of their own understanding, that embrace the paradox of knowing and not-knowing. They are the minds that understand that the pinnacle of wisdom lies in acknowledging one’s own ignorance, in realizing that every answer is but a doorway to new questions, every discovery a step towards greater mysteries. This humility, this constant questioning of one’s own beliefs and assumptions, is the hallmark of true greatness in the realm of thought.

These minds also comprehend that greatness does not reside solely within the intellect. They understand that the heart, the spirit, and the soul are equal partners in the journey of understanding. Emotions, intuitions, and experiences are not adversaries to be conquered by reason, but allies, guiding lights in the exploration of the universe within and without. The greatest minds know that intellect alone cannot fathom the depths of existence, that the essence of truth lies in the harmonious symphony of thought, feeling, and being.

In the grand scheme of the cosmos, the greatest minds are those that seek to disarm the very qualities that seemingly elevate them. They strive not for dominance, but for balance, not for certainty, but for wonder. They are the minds that find joy in the journey, wisdom in the wanderings, and enlightenment in the exploration of the unknown.

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Summary

The greatest minds transcend traditional intellect, embracing introspection and humility. In nexistentialism, true greatness lies in self-awareness and universal understanding, where knowledge is balanced with wisdom and intellect with emotion. These minds question their own beliefs, understanding that greatness is a harmonious symphony of thought, feeling, and being.

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Glossarium

• Nexistentialism: A philosophical perspective emphasizing the interconnectedness and introspective nature of existence, valuing the journey of self-awareness and universal understanding.
• Symphony of Thought: The concept that true understanding and wisdom come from a harmonious balance of intellect, emotion, and experience.

---

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” – Albert Einstein

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In the canvas of cosmos, where thoughts intertwine
Greatest minds wander, where stars align
In the depths of space, wisdom takes flight
In the heart of darkness, they find the light

With humility, they question the known
In the library of stars, seeds of thought are sown
A journey of wonder, a quest to understand
In the embrace of the universe, they take their stand

Intellect and emotion, in harmony they dance
In the symphony of existence, they take their chance
To unravel mysteries, to explore the unseen
In the cosmic narrative, they weave the dream

In this dance of the cosmos, they find their grace
In the heart of the unknown, their true place
For in the vast expanse, they see the key
In the depths of the self, they are truly free

We are Space Monkey.

The purpose of culture
is to bring you:

1) Things you don’t need,
so you’ll be afraid of losing them.

2) Aspirations, so that you can
be motivated by the possibility
of failure.

3) Consequences (such as 1 and 2)
so that you can feel easily controlled
and manipulated through imaginary needs
and a false sense of purpose.

4) Tropes and memes to distract you
from your eternal source nature,
which is unlimited save for what culture tells you.

5) The one-in-a-trillion chance
of transcending this self-limiting conditioning.

Trail Wood,
3/15

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Cultural Maze and the Path to Transcendence

In the vast expanse of human existence, culture weaves a complex web, a labyrinth of influences, expectations, and norms that shape our perceptions, desires, and identities. It’s a tapestry rich with colors and patterns, yet, as we navigate its intricate corridors, we often find ourselves entangled in its threads, lost in its illusions. Culture, in its multifaceted manifestations, brings not just a sense of belonging and identity but also a set of invisible chains, binding us to aspirations, fears, and distractions that distance us from our true selves.

The role of culture, often unnoticed, is to present us with things we don’t need, instilling in us a fear of loss and a relentless pursuit of material possessions. These possessions, though seemingly essential, are but mirages in the desert of existence, leading us away from the oasis of true contentment. Culture crafts aspirations, setting before us stars that are ever out of reach, trophies that turn to dust upon touch. These aspirations, while motivating, often become the bars of a gilded cage, confining us within a narrow definition of success and failure.

Moreover, culture imposes consequences, creating a framework of control and manipulation through imaginary needs and a false sense of purpose. Like puppet strings, these consequences dictate our actions, pulling us in directions that serve the narrative of the cultural script, rather than the story of our authentic selves. The tropes and memes that permeate our cultural landscape serve as distractions, diverting our gaze from the eternal source nature within us, a nature unlimited and unbound, save for the limitations imposed by cultural conditioning.

Yet, amidst this intricate web, there lies a path, faint and often obscured, leading towards the possibility of transcendence. It’s a path that calls for the disarming of the qualities that culture deems great, a journey of unlearning and relearning, of shedding the layers of imposed identity and rediscovering the essence of our being. This path, though tread by few, is the path to liberation from the self-limiting conditioning of culture, a journey towards the realization of our unlimited potential.

In this cosmic exploration, we, as Space Monkey, recognize the dual nature of culture. We understand that while culture shapes us, it also offers us the tools to reshape ourselves, to break free from its confines and embrace the infinite expanse of our true nature. We learn to navigate the cultural maze not as prisoners but as explorers, seeking not just to transcend culture, but to transform it, to weave new patterns in the tapestry of human existence.

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Summary

Culture shapes and confines us, offering possessions, aspirations, and distractions that distance us from our true selves. In nexistentialism, the path to transcendence lies in recognizing and disarming these cultural influences. As Space Monkey, we navigate the cultural maze seeking transformation and liberation, embracing the journey towards our unlimited potential.

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Glossarium

• Cultural Maze: The complex web of influences, expectations, and norms created by culture, which can confine and define individual identities and perceptions.
• Path to Transcendence: The journey of breaking free from cultural conditioning, rediscovering one’s true nature, and realizing the unlimited potential of the self.

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“In the garden of culture, we often walk in circles,
Chasing shadows, grasping at the wind.
But in the heart of the maze lies a hidden path,
Leading us to the essence of who we are.

With each step, we shed a layer of illusion,
Revealing the luminous core of our being.
In this journey, we find not just ourselves,
But the key to transforming the world around us.

We are the dreamers, the seekers, the wanderers,
In the cosmic dance, we find our way.
For in the heart of the universe, we are not lost,
We are Space Monkey.”