In life, I've always danced to the beat of a different drum.
My contrarian nature has led me on a winding, nomadic path, much to the dismay of those who crave stability. It's been a rollercoaster ride—exhilarating and exhausting.
But would I change it? Not a chance.
I’ve long wrestled with fully embracing my true self. I remember grade school vividly, getting scolded by teachers for my refusal to hold my pencil “correctly.”
I remember thinking, “why conform when my cursive is a work of art in itself.”
Finding Resonance in Monkhood
As a jazz enthusiast, I’ve always connected deeply with the infamous Thelonious Monk. But it wasn’t until I read Robin Kelley’s book “Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original” that I truly understood the man behind the music. Kelley, a history professor at UCLA, dives deep into Monk’s enigmatic life, revealing a complex figure who’s often misunderstood.
Monk’s life, much like my own, was marked by a refusal to conform. Born in 1917 in Rocky Mount, N.C., and raised in New York, Monk taught himself to read music and began playing piano at age six. His improvisational style and unique use of fingers, elbows, and forearms to create his signature sound defied convention.
The Tao of a Monk
Monk’s emergence during the bebop era in the 1940s brought a Zen-like shift in jazz—from big bands to intimate, virtuosic ensembles. His music, with its slower tempos and complex rhythms, was a meditation in sound. Reclusive by nature, Monk let his music speak volumes, avoiding interviews and rarely addressing audiences.
Known for his goatee, smoked sunglasses, and stylish hats, Monk’s presence was as distinctive as his music. He tapped his big feet rhythmically while playing and would often rise from his piano to dance in circles—a stoic whirling dervish celebrating his fellow musicians’ solos.
Despite his success, Monk’s life wasn’t without its shadows. Financial struggles and legal troubles marked his career, and in later years, his health declined. Yet, he found solace and support in the Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, a jazz enthusiast from the Rothschild family. She provided him with financial and emotional support, allowing him to continue creating music.
Embracing the Musical Way
Monk’s story, as told by Kelley, is a testament to living authentically. Monk was unapologetically himself—eccentric, colorful, and true to his unique musical vision. Like a Zen master, he embodied the principle of wu wei, effortless action, flowing naturally with the currents of life and music.
In the end, Monk’s life was a beautiful, chaotic symphony, a reminder that true success comes from daring to be different and embracing one's true nature. So here’s to living like a Chocolate Monk, dancing to our own rhythms, and finding harmony in the chaos.
Become a paid financial supporter of the Chocolate Taoist and gain free access to my 52-week “Nomadic Wisdom Journaling” program. Here you’ll discover the power of journaling that has guided me for over 35 years. Through our one-on-one work, I’ll help you unlock your inner wanderer, find inner clarity, and become more expansive in your life pursuits.
Great piece Diamond. I knew his song T.S. back in the disco days
I remember thinking, “why conform when my cursive is a work of art in itself.”
I'm also someone who follows my own footsteps which got me into a few disagreements with my parents growing up, mostly my Mom lol.
But as I'm approaching 30, I think my parents and I have a mutual understanding and respect for each other.
I'm so grateful for the things they taught me and how hard they worked to raise me. They're the reason why I'm so inquisitive, creative and stubborn as hell to be authentic.