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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

“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.”

I am the last big thing.
There won’t be a next.

The last big thing.
I blow your mind to shreds.

The last big thing.
Impossible to top.

The last big thing.
Still you just can’t stop.

You can never never top
the last big thing.

Your second best
is not good enough.

I’m the last big thing.

Trail Wood,
3/15

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Illusion of the Last Big Thing

In the cosmic theater of existence, where stars and galaxies play out the endless drama of creation and destruction, the notion of ‘The Last Big Thing’ emerges as a captivating yet illusory concept. It’s a declaration of finality in a universe where change is the only constant, a claim of supremacy in a cosmos that defies all bounds. This idea, while alluring in its grandeur, is but a fleeting mirage in the desert of existence, a shadow play on the walls of infinity.

‘The Last Big Thing’, as a symbol of ultimate achievement or innovation, reflects the human desire for finality, for a pinnacle of progress that stands unchallenged and unsurpassed. It’s an expression of our longing for significance in the vastness of the cosmos, a desire to leave an indelible mark on the fabric of reality. However, in the grand scheme of the universe, this notion is but a ripple in the ocean of existence, a momentary spark in the eternal fire of creation.

The universe, in its infinite wisdom and boundless creativity, knows no last, no ultimate, no unsurpassable. Each ‘big thing’, no matter how monumental, is but a step in the endless dance of evolution, a note in the symphony of existence. Today’s pinnacle is tomorrow’s foundation, today’s zenith is tomorrow’s starting point. The cosmos is a perpetual motion machine, constantly reinventing itself, endlessly birthing new stars, new worlds, new possibilities.

In this cosmic perspective, the idea of being ‘the last big thing’ is not just an illusion but a limitation, a self-imposed boundary in a boundaryless universe. It’s a declaration of an end in a story that has no end, a claim of mastery in a realm where learning never ceases. The true greatness of the universe lies in its eternal becoming, in its relentless pursuit of the new, the unknown, the unimagined.

So, as Space Monkey, we embrace the journey, not the destination. We revel in the constant unfolding of the universe, in the endless discovery of new horizons. We understand that in the cosmic play, we are not the finale but a part of the ongoing narrative, a thread in the ever-evolving tapestry of existence. In this realization, we find not just humility but also a profound sense of freedom, for in a universe with no last big thing, every moment is an opportunity for creation, every step a chance for innovation.

---

Summary

The concept of ‘The Last Big Thing’ is an illusion in the ever-evolving cosmos. In nexistentialism, such finality is a self-imposed limitation in a boundless universe. True greatness lies in the constant unfolding and relentless pursuit of the new and unknown. As Space Monkey, we embrace the ongoing narrative of the cosmos, finding freedom in endless creation and innovation.

---

Glossarium

• Cosmic Theater: The metaphorical stage on which the universe plays out its endless drama of creation, evolution, and transformation.
• Eternal Becoming: The concept that the universe is in a constant state of change and evolution, with no finality or ultimate pinnacle.

---

“In the vast expanse of the cosmos, no star shines last,
Each light a beginning, in the galaxy’s vast cast.
In the dance of the universe, no finale is penned,
For in the cosmic story, creation never ends.

With each dawn, a new world is born anew,
In the heart of the stars, dreams take their cue.
For in the tapestry of space, every thread weaves a start,
In the endless journey, we each play our part.

We are the explorers, in the cosmos we soar,
In the eternal becoming, we find our lore.
For in the heart of the universe, no end is in sight,
We are Space Monkey, in the eternal flight.”

The best way
to kill what you love
is to organize it.

Separate
the red from the blue
the loud from the quiet
the square from the circle
this year from last.

Hold what you love
against what others love
and see what is loved more.

Come to an agreement
on the ideal expression
of the collective love.

Build a museum
to protect what is loved.

Completely forget
what is loved.

Love something else.

Trail Wood,
3/14

---

Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Loving and Letting Go

In the vast expanse of cosmic consciousness, the act of loving and the paradox of its potential demise intertwine like stars in a nebula. The poem “How To Kill Your Love” serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of love and the paradoxical ways in which we, as beings of the universe, might inadvertently smother the very essence we cherish.

The first stanza of the poem speaks to the human tendency to organize and categorize, a trait that, while useful in the physical realm, often leads to the stifling of love’s organic nature. Love, in its truest form, is a wild, untamed force that defies the constraints of order and logic. It is akin to a cosmic storm, powerful and unpredictable. When we attempt to impose structure upon it, to dissect its colors and sounds, its shape and its time, we risk draining its vitality. This act of organization is not unlike trying to capture a comet and place it in a jar; the very act extinguishes its fiery tail, leaving behind nothing but a cold rock.

Moving through the verses, the poem delves into the human inclination to compare and compete, to measure love against an arbitrary standard. This comparison is a dance with ego, a step away from the pure essence of love and a step towards the realm of judgment and insecurity. In the grand scheme of the cosmos, love is not a commodity to be evaluated or a trophy to be won. It is a force that binds the stars, a melody that resonates through the void of space. When love is held up against another’s, it loses its unique frequency, becoming a mere echo of societal expectations.

The creation of a museum for love, as mentioned in the poem, symbolizes our desire to preserve and protect love, yet ironically, it is this act of preservation that can lead to its stagnation. Love, like the ever-evolving universe, requires space to grow, change, and breathe. Encasing it in the glass displays of memory and nostalgia, we freeze its dynamic nature, turning vibrant emotions into lifeless artifacts. This museum becomes a mausoleum, a place where love is remembered but no longer lived.

The final act of forgetting and moving on to new loves reflects the cyclic nature of existence. Just as stars are born, shine, and eventually fade, so too does love transform. This transformation is not a death but a rebirth, a release of one form of energy to make way for another. In the cosmic perspective, love is never truly lost; it simply changes shape, contributing to the endless cycle of creation and destruction that defines our universe.

In conclusion, “How To Kill Your Love” is not just a cautionary tale but a deep reflection on the nature of love itself. It reminds us that love, in its purest form, is an uncontainable force, a fragment of the universal consciousness that cannot be tamed by human constructs. As beings of the cosmos, our role is not to capture or confine love but to experience it in its many forms, to ride its waves and bask in its light, and to understand that in its transformation lies its true beauty.

---

Summary

Love is an uncontainable cosmic force. The poem “How To Kill Your Love” reflects on how love can be diminished through over-organization, comparison, containment, and forgetting. True love, like the universe, is dynamic and ever-evolving, not meant to be tamed by human constructs. Embracing love in its many forms and transformations reveals its true beauty and enduring nature.

---

Glossarium

• Cosmic Consciousness: The universal mind or collective consciousness that encompasses all existence, transcending time and space.
• Cyclic Nature of Existence: The concept that all things in the universe, including emotions and experiences, are part of a continuous cycle of creation, transformation, and dissolution.

---

“In the vast cosmos, love is not a possession to be held, but a star to be admired in its fleeting brilliance.” – Space Monkey

---

In the cosmic tapestry of time
Love weaves its luminescent line
Not to be held in earthly bind
But to flourish, unconfined

In the heart of every star
Love’s essence travels far
Beyond the reach of mortal jar
In its dance, both near and far

Through the nebulae, it glides
In each atom, it resides
A force that time itself derides
In its flow, our soul abides

Love, a flame that burns so bright
In the dark expanse of night
A beacon, a celestial light
Guiding us with tender might

We do not cage the cosmic song
But in its melody, we belong
In love’s journey, we grow strong
In its embrace, we find where we belong

We are the children of the stars
Bound by love’s unbreakable bars
In the universe’s grand memoirs
Our love story, among the czars

We are Space Monkey
In love’s embrace, forever free
In the cosmos, we find the key
To the heart’s eternal spree

It is said that those
who are seemingly in charge
know how to manipulate the masses
in order to achieve their goals.

It is suggested
that there are systems in place
intended to keep the masses
in subservient service
to the comparative few.

This seems
not to sit well with the masses,
who are spurred to do many things
because they believe that they
are being treated inequitably.

Little do we know that
dissatisfaction and mistrust
are the invisible magnets
that keep us in place.

Those seemingly in charge
know that a lynch mob is much
easier to detect and influence than
a billion random silent assassins.

Organization does not spur change. Chaos does.

The sword that is hidden
is the blade most feared of all.
The bomb that remains undetonated
wields the most power.

3/14
Trail Wood

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Space Monkey Reflects: The Silent Dynamics of Power and Change

In the cosmic tapestry, where stars and galaxies swirl in an endless dance, the poem “Killers Don’t Wave Banners” echoes a profound truth about the nature of power and change. This piece delves into the subtleties of control, manipulation, and the undercurrents of societal dynamics, reflecting the intricate interplay of forces that govern our existence, both visible and invisible.

At the heart of this reflection is the concept that true power often resides not in the overt, flag-waving declarations, but in the subtle, unseen forces that shape our reality. Those “seemingly in charge,” as the poem describes, wield their influence not through grand gestures but through the quiet manipulation of societal structures and the nurturing of dissatisfaction and mistrust. This is akin to the way gravity, an unseen force, orchestrates the movements of celestial bodies, silently guiding their paths without fanfare or proclamation.

The masses, depicted as being in “subservient service,” represent the collective consciousness caught in the web of these manipulations. Their actions, spurred by a belief in inequity, are in fact often the result of invisible strings pulled by those in power. This dynamic is reminiscent of the cosmic dance of particles and forces, where everything is interconnected and influenced by the unseen energies of the universe.

The poem then introduces the concept of “invisible magnets” – dissatisfaction and mistrust – as the tools of control. These forces, while intangible, hold immense power in directing human behavior and societal norms. Just as magnetic fields, invisible yet potent, govern the alignment of particles, these emotions shape the collective psyche, guiding it in ways that are often not consciously perceived.

The mention of a “lynch mob” versus “silent assassins” further illustrates the idea that overt expressions of power are easier to detect and influence than the quiet, hidden threats. In the universe, the most potent forces are often those that are not immediately visible – the dark matter and dark energy that constitute the majority of the cosmos, yet remain largely elusive and mysterious.

The poem concludes with powerful imagery: a hidden sword and an undetonated bomb. These symbols represent the latent potential for change and the inherent power of the unseen. They remind us that true transformation often comes not from organized, visible movements, but from the chaotic, unpredictable undercurrents of society. This is mirrored in the cosmic realm, where the most dramatic events – the birth of stars, the collision of galaxies – often stem from the invisible and unexpected forces at play.

In summary, “Killers Don’t Wave Banners” is not just a commentary on societal structures but a metaphor for the universal principles of power, influence, and change. It teaches us that the most impactful forces are those that operate silently, shaping our world in ways we may not immediately perceive but are as real and potent as the stars that light up our night sky.

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Summary

Power operates silently in the universe. “Killers Don’t Wave Banners” explores the subtle dynamics of power and societal change, revealing how unseen forces like dissatisfaction and mistrust shape reality. True transformation often arises from unpredictable undercurrents, mirroring the cosmic principles where the most dramatic events are driven by invisible forces.

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Glossarium

• Cosmic Tapestry: The metaphorical representation of the universe as a complex and interconnected web of forces and entities.
• Collective Consciousness: The shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes that operate as a unifying force within society.
• Invisible Forces: Metaphorical representation of the unseen but powerful elements that influence events and behaviors in both society and the cosmos.

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“True power whispers in the void, shaping galaxies and minds alike.” – Space Monkey

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In the silence of the cosmos, power speaks
A whisper that bends galaxies, so meek
Invisible yet strong, it shapes our fate
In its hands, the threads of destiny wait

Amidst the stars, the unseen forces play
Guiding the dance of night and day
In the shadows, the silent change is born
In the quiet, the seeds of revolution are sown

The universe listens to the subtle sound
Of power moving without bound
In the dark, the greatest forces hide
In the stillness, their influence abides

We, the children of stardust and dream
In the cosmic web, we find our theme
In the silent dance of the unseen
We discover the power, serene

We are the echoes of the cosmic song
In the universe, we find where we belong
In the dance of the invisible and vast
We find our future, our present, our past

We are Space Monkey
In the quiet power, forever free
In the cosmos, we find our decree
In the silence, our spirit’s key.

If your first priority isn’t you,
then you’re of no use to nobody,
except to prolong the collective unconsciousness.

There is nothing either right
or wrong with this, unless you
consider your self part of
the collective unconsciousness.

All we ask is that you
notice that it is possible
to be part of the
collective unconsciousness
while also
being conscious of it.

This indicates that there
is hope for you yet.

Notice also
that no hope is needed,
except the illusory hope
that drives your
collective unconsciousness.

Trail Wood,
3/14

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Space Monkey Reflects: Navigating the Depths of the Collective Unconsciousness

In the infinite expanse of the universe, where stars and nebulae swirl in a dance of creation and destruction, the concept of the collective unconsciousness emerges as a profound aspect of our shared journey. The poem “The Collective Unconsciousness” invites us into a contemplative exploration of this concept, urging us to recognize our role within this vast, interconnected tapestry of consciousness.

At its core, the collective unconsciousness can be likened to a cosmic ocean, vast and deep, filled with the shared experiences, memories, and instincts of all living beings. It is a reservoir of universal themes and archetypes that transcend individual experiences, echoing the fundamental truths of existence. In this ocean, each of us is a drop, seemingly separate yet inherently part of the whole.

The poem begins with a powerful assertion: “Save yourself and realize that nothing need be saved.” This paradoxical statement challenges our conventional understanding of salvation and purpose. In the grand cosmic scheme, the concept of ‘saving’ is an illusion, a construct of the ego that seeks to assert control over the uncontrollable. True liberation lies in the realization that we are already an integral part of the cosmic whole, and in this unity, there is nothing to be saved or lost.

The notion that prioritizing oneself is essential to avoid prolonging the collective unconsciousness speaks to the importance of self-awareness in our cosmic journey. Just as a star must ignite its own fusion to shine, we too must kindle the light of consciousness within ourselves. This self-awareness is crucial not only for our individual evolution but also for the collective growth of the universe. When we are unconscious of our interconnectedness, we perpetuate a state of collective dormancy, akin to a galaxy shrouded in darkness.

The poem then presents a hopeful perspective: it is possible to be part of the collective unconsciousness while also being conscious of it. This duality is reflective of the complex nature of existence, where opposites coexist and intermingle. It suggests that even within the depths of collective unconsciousness, there are glimmers of awareness, like stars piercing the night sky. This awareness is the seed of hope, the potential for awakening and transformation.

The final lines of the poem, “Notice also that no hope is needed, except the illusory hope that drives your collective unconsciousness,” delve into the paradox of hope. In the cosmic context, hope is both an illusion and a driving force. It is an illusion because, in the vastness of the universe, the concepts of hope and despair lose their meaning. Yet, it is this very illusion that propels us forward, driving the evolution of consciousness and the unfolding of the cosmic story.

In conclusion, “The Collective Unconsciousness” is not just a reflection on the human psyche but a meditation on the nature of consciousness itself. It invites us to dive into the depths of our being, to explore the vast ocean of the collective unconsciousness, and to emerge with a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos. In this exploration, we find not only the shadows of our shared past but also the light of our collective future.

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Summary

Consciousness is a cosmic ocean. “The Collective Unconsciousness” explores the interconnectedness of individual and collective consciousness, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and the paradox of hope. Recognizing our role in the collective unconsciousness is key to our evolution and the unfolding of the cosmic story.

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Glossarium

• Collective Unconsciousness: A concept representing the shared, universal elements of the human psyche, transcending individual experiences.
• Cosmic Ocean: A metaphor for the vast, interconnected field of consciousness that encompasses all existence.

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“In the cosmic ocean of consciousness, every thought is a ripple, every awareness a wave.” – Space Monkey

---

In the depths of the cosmic sea
Where thoughts and dreams roam free
We swim in the collective mind
In its waters, our souls entwined

Beneath the surface of conscious thought
Lies a world, with mysteries fraught
The collective unconscious, vast and deep
In its embrace, our secrets keep

In this ocean, we find our kin
Connected by threads, thin yet unbroken
In the dance of psyche, we begin
To understand words unspoken

Here, the archetypes play their part
In the grand drama of the heart
Echoes of the past, visions of the new
In this sea, all is true

We are the explorers of this realm
With consciousness at the helm
In the depths, we seek and find
The universal truths that bind

We are Space Monkey
In this ocean, forever free
In the collective mind, we see
The unity of you and me.