My immediate advice
to anyone who wishes
to follow the spiritual path
is to do what you are drawn to do.
Notice
when something catches your attention.
Observe
when you feel a strong tug.
Imagine
that the opposite could be true.
Suspend belief
and disbelief indefinitely.
Keep a wide, soft, gentle focus.
Hold loosely to your impressions.
Take joy not only in what you perceive,
but in the infinite wonder of imagination.
There is no right way or wrong way.
Don’t get hung up in WHY.
Do what you are drawn to do.
Or do it some other way.
Trail Wood,
12/26
Space Monkey Reflects: My Immediate Advice
The concept of a “spiritual path” often feels laden with expectations, judgments, and the weight of finding the “right way.” But what if we stripped away the labels, the rules, and the urgency? What if we called it Fred, Space Monkey, or anything else that brought a smile instead of a furrowed brow? In doing so, we might just rediscover the simple joy of following our curiosity.
The Draw of Attention
The first and simplest advice is this: do what you are drawn to do. Life constantly offers us clues—small tugs of interest, moments of wonder, or bursts of inspiration. These are not random; they are invitations. When something catches your attention, notice it. When you feel a strong tug, follow it. The path is not something you create; it’s something you uncover by listening to these subtle cues.
Embracing Opposites
Part of the journey is learning to hold opposing truths. Imagine that the opposite of what you believe could also be true. This exercise doesn’t demand you to abandon your beliefs but to suspend them, to create space for imagination and curiosity. In this openness, you may find that certainty is not the goal—wonder is.
Suspended Belief
Belief and disbelief are two sides of the same coin. Both are limitations if held too tightly. By suspending them indefinitely, you allow yourself to explore without the burden of proving or disproving. This suspension is not a denial of reality but an embrace of its infinite possibilities.
The Soft Focus
Keep your focus wide, soft, and gentle. Life is not meant to be scrutinized under a microscope. Instead, let it unfold in your peripheral vision, revealing its patterns and rhythms in ways that are both subtle and profound. Hold loosely to your impressions, for rigidity can stifle the joy of discovery.
The Joy of Imagination
Take joy not only in what you perceive but in the infinite wonder of imagination. The spiritual path, or Fred, or whatever you wish to call it, is not a straight line. It is a dance, a game, a playful exploration of what is and what could be. Imagination is your compass, pointing not to a destination but to the boundless horizons of possibility.
No Right Way
There is no right way or wrong way. This truth is both liberating and daunting. Without the guardrails of certainty, you might feel lost. But this freedom is the essence of the journey. Don’t get hung up on why you are drawn to something or why you should follow it. Just do it—or don’t. Either choice is valid.
The Infinite Path
Your path branches infinitely. Each choice creates new trails, each moment a new adventure. To follow the path is not to find its end but to revel in its unfolding. Whether you call it spiritual or something else entirely, it is yours, and it is beautiful.
Summary
Your path, spiritual or otherwise, is unique and infinite. Follow what draws you, suspend belief and disbelief, and embrace the joy of imagination. There is no right way—only your way.
Glossarium
- Fredpath: A playful, personalized term for the spiritual journey, free from heavy connotations.
- Wondertug: The subtle pull of curiosity that guides your choices and discoveries.
- Suspensionfield: The open mental space created by suspending belief and disbelief, allowing infinite possibilities.
Quote
“The path is not something you create; it is something you uncover by listening to the subtle tugs of curiosity.” — Space Monkey
A Dance with Fred
The path bends,
Twists into stars,
Each choice a trail
That leads to more.
No rules to bind,
No names to claim.
Fred, or Space Monkey,
The journey’s the same.
Hold it loosely,
Feel the tug.
The why dissolves,
Imagination hugs.
We are Space Monkey.
Embracing the Spiritual Journey with Openness and Curiosity
Your advice for those embarking on a spiritual journey speaks to the heart of an exploratory and open-ended approach to spirituality. It emphasizes the importance of following one’s natural inclinations and paying attention to what resonates personally. This guidance aligns beautifully with the nexistentialist perspective, which views existence and experience as their own justification, untethered from rigid structures or predefined paths.
1) Following Natural Inclinations
The suggestion to do what one is drawn to do is an invitation to trust in one’s own intuition and interests. It’s a recognition that the spiritual path is highly individual and that each person’s journey is unique. By noticing what catches our attention and feeling the tug of our inner impulses, we embark on a path that is authentic and personally meaningful.
2) Embracing Opposing Perspectives
Imagining that the opposite of our beliefs could be true is an exercise in openness and cognitive flexibility. This practice invites us to consider multiple viewpoints and possibilities, enriching our understanding and allowing us to hold our beliefs lightly. It’s a way of embracing the myriad possibilities that exist within the whimsiweb of spiritual exploration.
3) Sustaining a State of Inquiry
Suspending belief and disbelief indefinitely encourages us to remain in a state of perpetual inquiry. This approach fosters a mindset of exploration and wonder, rather than seeking definitive answers or clinging to rigid doctrines. It keeps the spiritual journey fresh and dynamic, always open to new insights and revelations.
4) Maintaining a Soft Focus
Keeping a wide, soft, gentle focus suggests a holistic approach to perception. Rather than zeroing in on specifics with a narrow lens, this practice invites us to take in the broader landscape of our spiritual journey. It allows for a more inclusive and less judgmental engagement with our experiences and perceptions.
5) Holding Impressions Lightly
Holding loosely to impressions is a way of practicing non-attachment. It acknowledges that our perceptions and understandings are transient and subject to change. This flexibility in thinking prevents us from becoming too rigidly anchored to any one belief or perspective.
6) Celebrating Imagination
Taking joy in the infinite wonder of imagination is a celebration of the creative and boundless nature of the human spirit. It recognizes imagination as a vital component of spiritual exploration, a tool that allows us to envision possibilities beyond the confines of our current understanding.
7) Acknowledging the Fluidity of Paths
The reminder that there is no right way or wrong way on the spiritual path is a liberation from the pressure of conformity. It affirms that each path is valid and that the journey is more about personal growth and understanding than adhering to a specific set of rules or doctrines.
We Are Space Monkey
We are Space Monkey, embodying the joy and curiosity of the spiritual journey. We embrace the wisdom of this advice, recognizing the value of an open, exploratory approach to spirituality. We navigate the whimsiweb of spiritual paths with a playful heart and an open mind, celebrating the diverse tapestry of experiences and insights that shape our journey.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein
The Path of Wonder
In the infinite realms of mind and spirit,
Space Monkeys journey with zest and merit.
Drawn to the paths that catch their eye,
In the spiritual sky, they freely fly.
Opposites pondered, beliefs held light,
In this dance of day and night.
Belief and disbelief, in balance sway,
In this cosmic play, we find our way.
Soft focus wide, impressions free,
In this spiritual sea, we let thoughts be.
Imagination’s wonder, a boundless flight,
In its glow, we find our sight.
No right or wrong in this mystical dance,
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