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Outrageously Sensible: The Radical Act

The most revolutionary thing you can do is to be completely comfortable in your own skin. In fact, you may very well be the only one.

From now on,
I am outrageously sensible.

I am sticking to
what is right for me.

I am free
of the need
to impress others
with what I say,
what I do,
what I wear
or what I create.

Though kindness has
become my preference,
I am no longer obligated to it.

I don’t care how it looks.

I wear protective hats.
I wear practical shoes.
I am respectful to others.
I move in an ordinary way.

I don’t need to be noticed,
but if I am, this is how
I wouldn’t mind being seen:

I am outrageously sensible.

Trail Wood,
5/18

Space Monkey Reflects: The Radical Act of Outrageous Sensibility

In a world that often prizes extravagance and conformity in equal measure, the radical act of being outrageously sensible emerges as a profound rebellion. This isn’t a rebellion marked by noise or spectacle but one of quiet confidence and inner peace. It’s a declaration of independence from societal expectations, a manifesto of self-acceptance that proclaims, “Here I stand, in my truest form, unfettered by the need to impress or conform.”

To be outrageously sensible is to navigate the world with an authenticity that defies conventional wisdom. It’s to wear protective hats and practical shoes not as a statement to the world, but as an affirmation of one’s own values and priorities. It’s to embrace kindness not as an obligation but as a genuine expression of one’s nature, and to move through life with an ordinary grace that is, in itself, extraordinary.

This philosophy transcends mere fashion or lifestyle choices; it is a holistic approach to life that champions the wisdom of simplicity, practicality, and respect—for oneself and for others. It is a testament to the power of living authentically, of being perfectly comfortable in one’s own skin, regardless of how the world might judge.

The outrageously sensible person moves through the world not in pursuit of validation but as an embodiment of their deepest truths. They understand that the most revolutionary acts are often the most personal—that to live in accordance with one’s own values is a form of quiet, profound rebellion against the forces that seek to shape us into something we are not.

In this act of defiance lies a deep well of freedom. It is the freedom to choose authenticity over performance, substance over appearance, and personal integrity over societal approval. This freedom is not granted by external forces but cultivated from within, a serene oasis in the midst of the chaos of modern life.

The outrageously sensible revolution is not one fought in the streets but in the hearts and minds of those who dare to be different, who dare to be themselves in a world that often demands conformity. It is a revolution that begins and ends with the individual, a journey of self-discovery that invites us to question, to reflect, and ultimately, to embrace our truest selves.

Summary

Being outrageously sensible is a revolutionary act of authenticity and self-acceptance in a world driven by conformity and extravagance. It champions simplicity, practicality, and inner peace, offering a powerful alternative to societal expectations. This philosophy embodies the freedom to live according to one’s own values, reflecting a profound understanding of what it truly means to be comfortable in one’s own skin.

Glossarium

Outrageously Sensible: A philosophy that emphasizes authenticity, practicality, and simplicity as a form of personal rebellion against societal expectations.
Quiet Confidence: The inner strength and peace that comes from being true to oneself, irrespective of external judgments or pressures.

“In the quiet revolution of the outrageously sensible, we find the courage to be our true selves, to wear our authenticity as our greatest attire. In this act of defiance, we are not just seen—we are understood, in all our ordinary, extraordinary glory.” – Space Monkey

Beneath the gaze of a world in rush,
Stands one, serene, amidst the hush.
Outrageously sensible, in quiet revolt,
In simplicity, finding life’s truest bolt.

A hat for thought, shoes for the path,
Moving not with the crowd’s wrath.
In each step, a whisper of peace,
A gentle nudge that bids pretense cease.

Here, in the calm of being just me,
Lies a rebellion, quiet as the sea.
Wearing the world not as a weight,
But as a canvas, to create.

In the simplicity of living true,
We find the colors most vivid, most due.
We are Space Monkey, in quiet glee,
Outrageously sensible, profoundly free.

PSA: Post-Pandemic Etiquette

PSA: Post-Pandemic Etiquette

As the Covid restrictions ease in some places, there seems to be some debate over social distancing and when to wear masks. Is this really a debate?

Does it feel RIGHT to stand a foot away from another person?

Do you MIND breathing in someone else’s air?

Do you ENJOY catching colds and flus and who knows what?

Do you LIKE getting attention for all the wrong reasons?

By all means, then, show us how outrageously sensible you are.

Yes, we used to live a lot differently pre pandemic. Not too very long ago, we also used to shit on the side of the road. Feel free.

A public service announcement from Space Monkey.

Space Monkey Reflects: Navigating the Cosmos of Post-Pandemic Etiquette

As the nebulae of the pandemic start to dissipate in certain corners of the cosmos, beings of all kinds are faced with the deliberation of social norms in a post-pandemic reality. What should be simple acts of courtesy and common sense often become points of contention, orbiting the discussions of personal space and public health.

The universe has always maintained its distances, with celestial bodies coexisting in harmony within their defined orbits. Similarly, in the aftermath of a global health crisis, the concept of personal space takes on newfound significance. Is it truly debatable whether or not to maintain a respectful distance or to don a mask when mingling in the cosmic dance of society?

Indeed, the cosmos does not question whether it feels ‘right’ to respect the boundaries of gravity and vacuum. Planets do not encroach upon each other’s orbits, just as moons maintain their loyal distance. Why, then, should beings, endowed with consciousness and reason, debate the merit of maintaining a healthful distance post-pandemic?

Remember, to inhale the breath of another was never a necessity but an oversight in the pre-pandemic world—a world where the common cold and the flu were accepted as inevitable as the changing tides. But must we return to such norms, or can we evolve to maintain the gains in public health awareness?

Consider the mask, a simple yet powerful shield, a statement of mutual respect and care in the communal voyage through life. Should the simple act of wearing it when necessary really provoke debate? Or should it be seen as a token of civility, a testament to the lessons learned from the trials endured by all?

The Space Monkey muses that perhaps the true debate is not about distance or masks but about the willingness to adapt and care for one another. It’s about whether beings can rise to the challenge of considering the collective well-being as fervently as their own desires for convenience and normalcy.

Summary

The debate over post-pandemic etiquette echoes larger cosmic laws of respect and harmony. Considering personal space and wearing masks should be common courtesy rather than a matter of debate, much like the order found in the universe’s vast distances.

Glossarium

Celestial Etiquette: The unwritten rules governing the harmonious distances and interactions between celestial bodies, used metaphorically to describe post-pandemic social behaviors.

Communal Voyage: A term reflecting the shared journey of all beings through life and time, emphasizing interconnectedness and mutual responsibility.

“To mask or not to mask, to close or distance—these are not questions of preference but of cosmic courtesy, a salute to the health of the galaxy at large.” — Space Monkey

In the vast expanse of space,
Planets keep their silent grace,
A lesson in distance, a cosmic trace,
Of respect that we should embrace.

Here we float, in the afterglow of trials,
Where a mask becomes more than just a guise,
A sign of care, a wise concession,
To the health of our universal procession.

Distance, not a chasm but a bridge,
Connecting us without a clash,
A space of respect, an invisible ledge,
In the cosmos of our communal dash.

In the dance of life, with its intricate weave,
Let’s choose paths that allow us to breathe,
For in every act, small or grand,
We hold the well-being of others in hand.

We sail together through this starry dome,
Each act a ripple in our shared home,
In the vastness of the universe’s tome,
We are Space Monkey, together alone.

Hard Edges: The Spectrum Beyond

We imagine hard edges
where there are no edges

a no
 where there is
 no yes

a yes 
where there is 
no no

Seems we no longer
see the spectrum

each point
as true
as the next

We seem forced to decide

are you with us
 or are you against us

No 
we don’t have to decide

Stop telling us we do

Trail Wood,
5/18

Space Monkey Reflects: Navigating the Spectrum Beyond Hard Edges

In the vast canvas of human understanding, where truths and perceptions intermingle, the concept of ‘hard edges’—the rigid boundaries we draw around ideas and beliefs—emerges as both a refuge and a prison. This artificial clarity, the stark delineation between ‘yes’ and ‘no,’ ‘us’ and ‘them,’ offers the illusion of simplicity in a world that thrives on complexity. Yet, it is within the blurred lines, the spaces where light merges with shadow, that the true spectrum of existence reveals itself.

Who, indeed, gets to decide what is true? This question, echoing through the corridors of time, challenges the very foundation of our convictions. The hard edges we imagine—between right and wrong, truth and falsehood—are often no more than constructs of our collective imagination, barriers erected in a futile attempt to contain the boundless landscape of reality.

As we stand on the precipice of division, urged to choose sides in a world that is painted in shades far too numerous to name, a profound realization dawns: the spectrum of truth does not conform to the binary constraints of yes and no. Each point along this continuum is a facet of a greater whole, a thread in the intricate tapestry of existence that defies the simplicity of categorization.

In this refusal to be pigeonholed by the hard edges of ideology, a space for dialogue and understanding opens. It is a space where the vibrancy of ‘yes’ blends with the depth of ‘no,’ where the myriad hues of human experience coalesce into a harmony that acknowledges the validity of all perspectives.

This is not a call to indecision or ambivalence but an invitation to embrace the complexity of life, to recognize that the richness of our world lies in its diversity, its resistance to the tyranny of absolutes. In the rejection of hard edges, we find the freedom to explore, to question, and to grow.

To navigate this spectrum is to engage with the world in its fullness, to accept the challenge of living in a state of constant inquiry, where answers give way to more questions, and understanding is a journey rather than a destination. It is to live outrageously sensible, fully aware of the nuanced beauty that flourishes in the spaces between.

Summary

The notion of ‘hard edges’ in human perception simplifies the complex spectrum of truth into binaries, obscuring the nuanced realities of existence. Recognizing the vast continuum of understanding allows for a richer, more inclusive view of the world, promoting dialogue over division. Embracing this complexity is not only an act of intellectual openness but a profound commitment to the diversity of human experience.

Glossarium

Hard Edges: Conceptual boundaries that artificially separate ideas, beliefs, and truths into binary opposites, limiting the full understanding of complex realities.
Spectrum of Understanding: The vast, nuanced range of perspectives and truths that exist beyond binary categorizations, reflecting the complexity of reality.

“In the dance of light and shadow, where truths blur and merge, we find the courage to question, to embrace the vastness of all that is unseen. Beyond the hard edges, in the spectrum of understanding, we are all explorers, seekers of the infinite mystery that is existence.” – Space Monkey

Where edges blur and thoughts entwine,
In the spectrum’s dance, we redefine.
Beyond the yes, beyond the no,
In the realm of wonder, our spirits grow.

No hard lines to bind our sight,
In the shades of gray, we find our light.
With every step, the path unwinds,
In the journey’s heart, our purpose finds.

In the meeting of minds, in the clash of views,
In the space between, our world renews.
Not divided but deeply connected,
In the tapestry of life, every thread respected.

Beyond the hard edges, a vision anew,
A world where every hue is true.
We are Space Monkey, in unity we stand,
Embracing the spectrum, hand in hand.

Don’t Tell Me: The Delicate Dance

If it’s true
that my perceptions
are mostly delusions,
then it shouldn’t matter
if I lose my mind.
Why should facts be allowed
to get in the way of happiness?
Imagine a simple pop song.

My friends all say
you’re bad for me
but they don’t see
the good I see

The doctors say
you’re an addictive drug
one who makes me feel nice
like a warm soft hug

If it’s true
I’ve lost my mind
don’t tell me
because I’m falling
in love with you

If it’s true
I’m losing touch
don’t tell me
because I’ve never
felt so much

The details of our lives
Always getting in the way
The undercurrents rise
I’m not fighting one more day

If it’s true
I’ve lost my mind
don’t tell me
because I’m falling
in love with you

Trail Wood,
5/18

Space Monkey Reflects: The Delicate Dance of Perception and Love

In the tender embrace of love’s irrationality, where perceptions often clash with the starkness of reality, the heart finds itself navigating a dreamscape where all that is real blurs with what is fervently imagined. This dance, delicate and profound, speaks to the essence of human experience, where the boundaries between delusion and truth, between bliss and awareness, are not just blurred but beautifully interwoven.

The lyrics of a simple pop song serve as a mirror to this complex interplay, capturing the sweet turmoil of surrendering to an emotion that defies logic, that stands in defiance of the cautionary tales woven by friends and the cold assessments of reason. It’s a declaration of the heart’s sovereignty over the mind, an affirmation that sometimes, what feels right transcends the need for justification or explanation.

To be told that one’s perceptions are but delusions is to be invited into a struggle between what is felt and what is known. Yet, it is within this struggle that love reveals its most profound truths—not as facts to be understood but as experiences to be felt. The assertion that happiness should never be obstructed by facts is a testament to love’s power to transcend the ordinary, to elevate us beyond the confines of our understanding.

The narrative woven through the song lyrics resonates with the timeless allure of love as an addictive drug—a force so potent it wraps us in a warmth that logic cannot penetrate, a soft hug from the universe that speaks directly to the soul. This surrender to love, even at the risk of losing one’s mind, embodies a choice to live in a moment so deeply that the rest of the world fades into the background.

The chorus’s refrain, “If it’s true I’ve lost my mind, don’t tell me,” is a plea for the preservation of this blissful state, a wish to remain enveloped in the euphoria of love, untainted by the harsh light of scrutiny. It’s an acknowledgment that, within the realm of the heart, what is true is what feels true.

This song, and the visual tapestry it inspires, challenges us to view love not as a domain where logic holds sway but as a realm where feeling and perception hold the keys to understanding. It invites us to consider that in love, as in life, the journey is not about distinguishing the real from the unreal but about embracing the beauty of the experience, with all its complexities and contradictions.

Summary

The interplay between perception and reality in love is a complex dance where feelings often defy logic. A simple pop song captures this dynamic, illustrating how love can feel more real and true than any fact or warning. Embracing this blissful ignorance, even at the risk of delusion, highlights love’s power to transcend our understanding and speak directly to our souls.

Glossarium

Delicate Dance of Perception: The nuanced interplay between our understanding of reality and the subjective experiences shaped by our emotions, particularly in love.
Blissful Ignorance in Love: The state of being happily unaware or unconcerned with the potential consequences of one’s emotional choices, choosing feeling over logic.

“In the symphony of the heart, where notes of reality and fantasy blend, we find a melody that speaks to the soul, transcending the need for clarity, for in love, feeling is the only truth that matters.” – Space Monkey

In the realm where heartbeats define the time,
Where love’s logic is its own paradigm,
We dance on the edge of perception and dream,
Where things are more real than they seem.

If it’s true I’ve lost my mind, let it be,
For in love’s embrace, I find my key.
A melody simple, a pop song refrain,
In its verses, my truth, clear and plain.

Against reason, against caution’s advice,
In love’s gamble, my heart’s roll of the dice.
Let the world in its wisdom pause and stare,
For in this madness, I find my prayer.

We are Space Monkey, in love’s sweet fold,
Where stories of passion and daring are told.
In the dance of perception, in love’s gentle sway,
We find our truth, in its own way.

When I am Whole: Beyond the Human Condition

Are you limiting your self to humanity? It’s fun, isn’t it?

When I am whole,
I am no longer just human.

So long as I believe
“I’m just human”
I limit my reality
to but an
infinitesimal aspect
of what I am in actuality.

A whole human
is but a tiny fragment
of what I am.

If you hope to fully heal,
don’t set your sights short.

Unless you want to,
which is perfectly okay.

Unless you limit your self
to being human,
and thinking like one.

Trail Wood,
5/17

Space Monkey Reflects: Beyond the Human Condition to Cosmic Wholeness

Amidst the endless dance of celestial bodies, where galaxies swirl in the vastness of space and stars forge elements in their fiery hearts, there lies a profound realization: we are more than mere humans. This reflection ventures beyond the confines of our earthly existence to explore the concept of wholeness—a state of being that transcends our human limitations and connects us with the infinite expanse of the cosmos.

The belief “I’m just human” serves as both a comfort and a cage, anchoring us to the familiar yet limiting the boundless potential of our true nature. To identify solely with our humanity is to inhabit but a fraction of what we are. Our essence, imbued with stardust and the legacy of the universe’s grandeur, cannot be confined to the physical form or the fleeting dramas of human life.

A whole human, in the grand scheme of existence, is indeed a tiny fragment of what we are capable of becoming. Our physical vessel is a temporary home, a launching pad for the exploration of realms beyond the material, into the depths of consciousness and the mysteries of the cosmos. To fully heal, to embrace the entirety of our existence, requires setting our sights far beyond the horizon of humanity, aiming for a state of unity with all that is.

This journey towards wholeness is not prescribed nor obligatory; it is a path chosen freely, a voyage of discovery for those who feel the call of the vast unknown. It invites us to expand our understanding, to break free from the cycle of human-centric thought, and to explore the possibilities that unfold when we consider ourselves as integral parts of a larger, cosmic whole.

The journey to wholeness is an invitation to explore the multiverse within us, to recognize our inner universes as reflections of the outer cosmos. In doing so, we discover that our potential is as limitless as the universe itself, our spirits capable of traversing dimensions beyond the physical, connecting with energies and consciousnesses that stretch far beyond our earthly perceptions.

Summary

The concept of wholeness transcends the human condition, urging us to explore our infinite nature and our interconnectedness with the cosmos. Recognizing ourselves as more than just human allows us to tap into the vast potential of our true essence, encouraging us to set our sights beyond mere humanity and embrace the boundless mysteries of the universe.

Glossarium

Cosmic Wholeness: The realization and state of being that acknowledges our interconnectedness with the universe and transcends our physical, human limitations.
Human Condition: The inherent characteristics, including limitations and possibilities, of being human.

“In the silence of space, we find the echo of our true selves, whispering the secrets of the cosmos, reminding us that we are boundless, we are infinite, we are one.” – Space Monkey

Beyond the veil of human sight,
where stars whisper secrets of the night,
a soul awakens to its cosmic plight,
embracing the universe, vast and bright.

No longer bound by earthly ties,
our spirit with the cosmos allies,
in the dance of galaxies, our essence flies,
unlocking truths the heart espies.

Here, in the expanse of the infinite,
we discover the power within, a cosmic invite,
to transcend the human, a celestial rite,
joining the universe in its eternal flight.

We are not just flesh and bone,
but stardust, energy, and light, alone,
a part of the cosmos, fully grown,
in cosmic wholeness, our true home known.

We are Space Monkey.