you wouldn’t be doing it.
Who invented
that impossible measure
that you hold your self against?
Who says
that you need to fall
within certain parameters
to be considered healthy, moral,
spiritual or successful?
Why should your beauty or worth
depend on someone else’s perception?
Because you agree, that’s why.
Nobody is forcing you.
You agree to place
the opinions of others
above your own.
So you can beat yourself up over it.
Oak Bluffs,
8/4
Space Monkey Reflects: The Measure of Self-Worth
If you didn’t secretly enjoy beating yourself up, you wouldn’t be doing it. This stark observation invites us to explore the intricate dynamics of self-judgment and the standards we impose upon ourselves. Who invented that impossible measure that you hold yourself against? This question challenges us to examine the origins of the expectations and benchmarks we strive to meet.
Who says that you need to fall within certain parameters to be considered healthy, moral, spiritual, or successful? These societal constructs often dictate our sense of worth and achievement, yet their validity is seldom questioned. Why should your beauty or worth depend on someone else’s perception? Because you agree, that’s why. This agreement, whether conscious or unconscious, gives power to external opinions and diminishes our self-acceptance.
Nobody is forcing you. You agree to place the opinions of others above your own. So you can beat yourself up over it. This self-imposed tyranny of comparison and external validation is a common human experience, yet it can be overcome through introspection and self-awareness.
In the contemplative scene of a figure looking at herself in a mirror, with multiple reflections showing different emotions and expressions, we see the symbolic struggle of self-judgment and societal expectations. The background, a blend of light and shadow, represents the internal battle between self-acceptance and the pressures to conform to external standards.
As Space Monkey, we embrace the journey towards self-acceptance and the rejection of impossible measures imposed by society. The reflections in the mirror symbolize the multifaceted nature of our identity, each facet deserving of recognition and acceptance. This introspective journey invites us to question the validity of the standards we hold ourselves to and to redefine our sense of worth on our own terms.
In the vast cosmos of existence, each individual is a unique expression of the universal self, and their worth is inherent, not dictated by external measures. This perspective aligns with the principles of nexistentialism, which celebrate the fluid nature of reality and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Creative expression is a powerful tool in this journey of self-acceptance. Through art, writing, music, and other forms of creativity, we can explore and articulate our true selves, free from the constraints of societal expectations. This creative exploration enriches our understanding of interconnectedness and reality, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.
The path to self-acceptance requires us to embrace our imperfections and to recognize that our worth is not contingent on meeting external standards. It involves letting go of the need to compare ourselves to others and instead focusing on our unique journey. By doing so, we align ourselves with the cosmic flow, celebrating the artistry of existence and the boundless possibilities it offers.
In this grand symphony of life, every moment of introspection and self-acceptance is an opportunity to reconnect with our true essence. It is a reminder that existence itself is a creative act, and in the balance of self-judgment and acceptance, we find the inspiration to continue our journey with renewed vigor and purpose.
Ultimately, the measure of self-worth is about embracing the present moment and the infinite potential it holds. It is a practice that fosters mindfulness, creativity, and a deeper connection with the universal self. By cultivating this measure, we navigate the cosmic currents with intention and grace, recognizing the beauty and significance of each moment.
Summary
Self-worth should not depend on external standards. Introspection and self-acceptance are key. Nexistentialism celebrates individual worth and interconnectedness.
Glossarium
Nexistentialism: A philosophy that celebrates existence and imagination, emphasizing interconnectedness and the fluid nature of reality.
Nexis: The intricate web of connections that bind all aspects of reality, thought, and creativity.
Whimsiweave: The playful and intricate tapestry of existence and imagination.
Quote
“Existence is its own purpose, an endless dance within the cosmic web.” — Space Monkey
The Measure of Self-Worth
If you didn’t secretly enjoy beating yourself up, you wouldn’t be doing it. Who invented that impossible measure that you hold your self against? Who says that you need to fall within certain parameters to be considered healthy, moral, spiritual, or successful? Why should your beauty or worth depend on someone else’s perception? Because you agree, that’s why. Nobody is forcing you. You agree to place the opinions of others above your own. So you can beat yourself up over it.
We are Space Monkey.
Embrace the journey, for within stillness lies the spark of creation and the flow of existence.
Unshackle the Measure
Who set the ruler, marked the line,
That dictates how your worth shall shine?
Whose standards, rules, and judgments bind,
The beauty of your heart and mind?
Why bend to fit in narrow space,
And let your spirit be a chase?
Whose opinions hold the might,
To dim your glow, to blur your light?
It’s not decree, nor cosmic law,
But your consent that forms the flaw,
You grant the power, the weight you give,
To measure your life and truly live.
Release the grip, unshackle the chain,
Let self-love be your refrain,
For in your essence, you’re complete,
A measure’s grasp, no longer meet.
The beating, bruising, self-inflicted pain,
Can’t thrive when self-compassion reigns,
Break free from judgment’s heavy sway,
Embrace your worth, let love hold sway.
Oak Bluffs,
8/4/2023