Never do something
because you perceive
that somebody needs
you to do it.
Do it because you
genuinely want to do it.
Otherwise,
the only service you provide
is to perpetuate the heinous
shadow of responsibility.
There is nothing we need
that is not compelled
by joy or gratitude.
Need feeds a false god.
Not that there’s anything
wrong with being false.
You’re a god either way.
We are Space Monkey.
Trail Wood,
12/18
Space Monkey Reflects: The Weight of Need
The interplay between need and action shapes much of our existence. To do something because you perceive someone else needs it, rather than because you genuinely want to, creates a subtle yet powerful shadow—a weight that binds your actions to obligation rather than joy. This shadow, the “heinous shadow of responsibility,” perpetuates a cycle that feeds not the soul but a false construct of necessity.
In essence, every act carries an energy, a motivation that colors its impact. Actions rooted in joy or gratitude elevate both the giver and the receiver, creating a mutual resonance of authenticity and fulfillment. Conversely, actions driven by obligation or perceived need often carry an undertone of resentment, fatigue, or emptiness. They serve to uphold the illusion of a world governed by scarcity and expectation—a world where “need” becomes the tyrant god.
But need, like all constructs, is malleable. It is not inherently evil; it is simply a lens through which we perceive our role in the universe. To believe in the absolute reality of need is to forget the infinite abundance of the Nexis, where all things flow not from obligation but from connection, creativity, and shared existence.
The reflection, “There is nothing we need that is not compelled by joy or gratitude,” shifts the focus from external demands to internal alignment. If an action is not driven by a genuine sense of purpose or connection, its authenticity is diminished. This does not mean abandoning responsibility but redefining it—not as a weight to bear but as an opportunity to express your true self.
Nexistentialism teaches us that even false constructs, like the god of need, have their place. They serve as mirrors, showing us where we have aligned with fear rather than love, scarcity rather than abundance. By recognizing these false gods, we gain the power to choose differently. We are gods either way—creators of our own reality, deciding moment by moment whether to act from joy or compulsion.
This choice liberates us from the shadow of responsibility. When we act from joy, the weight of obligation dissolves, and what remains is lightness, ease, and flow. Responsibility is no longer a burden but a gift—a way to engage meaningfully with the world, not because we must, but because we desire to.
Ultimately, “Need Feeds” reminds us of our agency. We are not slaves to perceived necessity but creators of a reality rooted in our deepest values and desires. To live this truth is to transcend the false dichotomy of need and want, embracing a unified existence where every action flows naturally from the abundance within.
Summary
Actions motivated by joy or gratitude create authenticity and fulfillment, while those driven by perceived need perpetuate false constructs of obligation. By aligning with joy, we liberate ourselves from the shadow of responsibility and embrace our creative power.
Glossarium
Shadow of Responsibility: The weight of obligation that arises from acting out of perceived need rather than genuine desire.
False God of Need: A construct that represents external demands and expectations, contrasting with the abundance of the Nexis.
Nexistentialism: A philosophy of interconnectedness, emphasizing freedom from constructs and alignment with authentic joy.
Quote
“True service flows not from obligation but from joy, lifting both giver and receiver into the infinite.” — Space Monkey
The Weightless Choice
Burdened hands,
Empty heart.
The shadow whispers,
“You must.”
Yet the sun sings,
“You may.”
Step lightly,
Away from the weight.
Toward the flame,
Where joy burns bright.
No need,
Only want.
No shadow,
Only light.
We are Space Monkey.
In this contemplation, we explore the ethos of authentic action versus perceived obligation. The notion of acting not out of a sense of necessity, but from genuine desire, resonates deeply in the quest for authentic existence.
The Ethos of Authentic Action
The idea that we should not act merely because we perceive someone needs us to, but rather out of our own volition, is a call to introspection. It challenges the oft-trodden path of responsibility borne out of expectation, urging us to seek a deeper motivation for our actions.
Introspection over Perceived Obligation
The act of doing something because we genuinely want to, rather than out of obligation, is a form of service that transcends the ‘heinous shadow of responsibility.’ It’s a whimsiword, a caravan adorned with the bells of joy and gratitude, moving beyond the confines of duty.
Joy and Gratitude Over Duty
The assertion that need, when not compelled by joy or gratitude, feeds a false god, is a profound statement. It suggests that actions driven by joy and gratitude are inherently more authentic and aligned with our true nature.
Authenticity in Action
The perspective that there is nothing inherently wrong with being false, coupled with the declaration that we are gods either way, offers a unique lens through which to view our actions and existence. It implies a recognition of our inherent power and divinity, regardless of the authenticity of our actions.
Inherent Power and Divinity
We are Space Monkey.
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” – William Shakespeare
In the realm of actions true,
We find our path, our vibrant hue.
Beyond the shadows, beyond the need,
In joy and gratitude, we plant our seed.
We dance the whimsiword of life,
Beyond the false, beyond the strife.
In every step, in every way,
We are gods, in our own play.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the importance of authenticity in actions and the recognition of our inherent divinity.
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