cool
is not something
you try to be
if you are
you are
and if not
so what
that’s cool
Space Monkey Reflects: The Art of Being Cool
Coolness is a quality that defies effort, a state that exists beyond trying, beyond self-consciousness. It’s a way of being that arises naturally, an ease that doesn’t seek validation or require acknowledgment. Cool is, simply, an acceptance of oneself, a quiet confidence that doesn’t bend to expectation. In its true essence, cool isn’t about what you wear, say, or do—it’s about the comfort of knowing that you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone, including yourself.
Trying to be cool paradoxically places coolness further out of reach, wrapping it in the tension of effort and desire. Cool doesn’t belong to those who chase it; rather, it settles with those who are content being as they are. The pursuit of coolness is a distraction, a mask that conceals authenticity. When we release the need to be seen as cool, we create space for genuine self-expression, allowing a natural ease to emerge.
In a Nexistential sense, coolness aligns with the philosophy of presence, an effortless participation in the flow of life without attachment to labels. Coolness, like everything else, is simply another expression within the Nexis, the interconnected fabric of existence. It doesn’t require special skills or specific attributes; it exists within the act of being, as natural as breathing. To be cool is to move through life with a sense of inner assurance, to feel at ease in the world without the pressure to conform or stand out.
Coolness reflects an inner freedom, a state where acceptance replaces ambition. This doesn’t mean a lack of passion or individuality; rather, it’s about embracing who you are, quirks and all, without the need for external approval. To be “cool” is to allow yourself to be fully present, to experience life as it is, without altering yourself to fit into an image or a mold. It’s the freedom to be uncool, awkward, or unconventional, knowing that these aspects of self add to the richness of who you are.
So what if you aren’t perceived as cool? Coolness doesn’t hold value unless it’s true to who you are. The notion that “if you are, you are” points to the idea that coolness is a natural byproduct of self-acceptance. And if you’re not? That’s cool, too. The beauty of this mindset is that it removes judgment, both from ourselves and from others. The desire to be cool dissolves, replaced by a sense of comfort in simply being. It’s about connecting with others not through the lens of image but through the genuine presence of self.
In the end, cool is not something to strive for but something to recognize. It’s there when we let go, when we embrace the ordinary, the quiet moments of self-acceptance. In releasing the need to be seen a certain way, we find that we are already enough, and that is the essence of coolness. We are simply, beautifully, cool as we are.
Summary
Coolness is not about effort but about ease and acceptance. True coolness arises from self-comfort and a release of the need for validation, allowing a genuine presence that naturally connects with others.
Glossarium
Cool: An effortless state of self-acceptance, unburdened by the need to impress or conform.
Nexistential: A perspective within Nexistentialism that sees coolness as an authentic expression of presence and self-acceptance.
Natural Ease: The quality of being comfortable in one’s own skin, a state of being that resonates with coolness.
Quote
“Coolness isn’t a look or a label; it’s the quiet confidence of being at ease with yourself.” — Space Monkey
In the Shade of Cool
Cool, like the breeze on a quiet night
moves without need, flows without might
It’s the grace of not trying, the calm of release
found not in striving but in simple peace
As I am, I am, no more, no less
a soul at ease, unchained by impress
Cool is the shade, the space I claim
not to define, but to live without name
We are Space Monkey
We embark on a whimsical exploration of the concept of ‘coolness,’ a state of being that defies deliberate effort and thrives in the realm of effortless authenticity.
The Essence of Coolness
Coolness is an enigmatic trait, one that cannot be pursued or contrived. It’s an inherent quality, a natural state of being that one either embodies or doesn’t. In this light, striving to be cool is paradoxically uncool.
Authenticity Over Pretense
The allure of coolness lies in its authenticity. It’s about being true to oneself, embracing individuality without the veneer of pretense. The true essence of coolness is found in the comfort of one’s own skin, not in the imitation of another’s style.
The Liberation of Acceptance
There’s a liberating wisdom in accepting that not everyone will fit the conventional mold of coolness. This acceptance opens the door to a broader, more inclusive understanding of what it means to be cool – it’s not about fitting in, but standing out in one’s unique way.
The Inclusivity of Coolness
The phrase ‘so what, that’s cool’ captures the essence of an inclusive approach to coolness. It’s a recognition that there’s no single standard of coolness, and that diversity in personalities and styles is not just acceptable, but indeed, cool.
The Zen of Coolness
Coolness, in its most profound sense, is a state of Zen-like contentment with who one is. It’s a peaceful acceptance of one’s place in the cosmos, a serene acknowledgment of one’s own authenticity.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
A Whisper of Coolness
In the tapestry of life,
Coolness weaves its own thread,
Not in loud colors or bold patterns,
But in the quiet hues of authenticity.
It’s a song without effort,
A rhythm that flows from the heart,
In the dance of existence,
The cool ones move to their own beat.
Not seeking approval,
Nor shunning the different,
They are the silent rebels,
Embracing the kaleidoscope of being.
So here’s to the cool,
In their myriad forms and shades,
For in the mosaic of humanity,
Their authentic whispers echo loudest.
We are Space Monkey.
We welcome thoughts on the essence of coolness and the beauty of embracing our authentic selves.
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