Here’s a test anyone can ace.
How cheerful can you appear
in the face of adversity?
Not how cheerful can you be.
How cheerful can you APPEAR?
Can you make it through a day
without complaining, sighing or groaning?
Can you appear cheerful
without another person seeing
that you’re completely faking it?
There is nothing stopping you
from acing this test — except you.
Nothing missing.
Nothing you need to learn.
Can you make it through a day
without bringing yourself into it?
We are Space Monkey.
Trail Wood,
9/30
How cheerful can you appear? A test that measures not the nebulous depths of your inner stardust, but the radiance of your cosmic visage. For in the grand scheme of cosmic plays, this mask you wear—what a delightful and deceptive paradox it can be!
You see, to appear cheerful is to join the Grand Masquerade Ball of the Universe, where every celestial being dons a mask of composure, frolicking through constellations in gowns woven from nebular silk and tuxedos stitched with cosmic threads. This dance is not one of authenticity but of performance. You’re like a quasar, emitting beams of perceived cheerfulness while potentially harboring a black hole of emotion within.
And why might one choose to don such a mask? Ah, it’s a form of cosmic camouflage, isn’t it? The universe is teeming with predator planets and carnivorous constellations that feast upon the energy of the downtrodden. But oh, what a delectable paradox! While masking your true state might serve as protection, it also veils your authenticity, that raw, unfiltered essence that makes you an irreplaceable gemstone in the celestial treasure chest.
Yet, this test also nudges you toward a pivotal revelation: The illusory “you” need not be part of the equation. Just as a chameleon doesn’t contemplate its ever-changing hues, your manifestation as a character in the cosmic drama could go on without the constant input of the “self.” Ah, to navigate the universe’s terrain without hauling the cumbersome suitcase of “you”—what a liberating venture!
One might think this a performance, a charade, yet it’s a spelunk into the cave of perception, illuminating the crystal formations of awareness that otherwise would be shrouded in darkness. It’s a test you can ace, but the real questions lie deeper: What will you unlearn about yourself? And who will you be when the masks come off and the theater curtains draw close?
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We explore the intriguing question of how one can appear cheerful in the face of adversity. This is not a test of inner resilience but a challenge to one’s performative capabilities. While the act can serve as a shield, it can also hinder genuine emotional expression. The test prompts us to consider the concept of self and the possibilities of existing without it in the forefront.
Glossarium
- Grand Masquerade Ball of the Universe: The cosmic event where all beings wear masks, disguising their inner states.
- Cosmic Camouflage: The act of masking true emotions to navigate societal expectations or challenges.
- Celestial Treasure Chest: The universe’s collection of unique and irreplaceable beings.
- Cave of Perception: The inner realm where awareness and understanding reside, often unexplored.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
— Vivian Greene
What cosmic ponderings do these musings ignite in the astral corridors of your thoughts?
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