Is loyalty worth anything anymore?
As somebody who has remained faithful to the same partner for more than 35 years, the same company for more than 30, and the same ideals for all my life, I often ask myself if I’m loyal, lazy or just lucky.
No matter the answer, I am a patient, satisfied monkey.
All this time, I’ve witnessed others, pledging their allegiances repeatedly, in what looks like either a confident or desperate search for validation and/or self-satisfaction.
Others seem to flit about from employers and partners, because, apparently, that’s what it takes to “get ahead” these days.
Even in spiritual circles, self-centeredness rules. “Self care” is the phrase of the say. People are encouraged to “move away from those who don’t share the vibration.”
I’m pretty sure the similar phrases have started wars. There seems an inherent divisiveness in always putting one side first. Self versus others. Us versus them. Good versus evil.
Nobody seems to stay together for the sake of staying together. It seems that there always needs to be a REASON for it.
And so we even fight those in our own tribe. If not overtly, then at least mentally. It seems we’re always struggling to define our place in some hierarchy, when we could simply let things be.
Loyalty seems dead. Is it deservedly so? Or have we grown too egotistical for our own good? It seems that if someone can’t help us, we don’t want anything to do with them.
I wonder. Am I just a schmuck?
And why is it so wrong to be one?
They say love is unconditional. If that were true, people would remain together forever. If not in a physical sense, then at least in a spiritual one. When I look at the experiences of friends, and those in social media, this seems not to be the case. So much opposition and name-calling. So much discounting. So much prejudice.
Loyalty, in my mind, means staying together as one DESPITE our seeming differences. DESPITE our judgments of each other. Take the drama out of the equation and it’s easier to live an intentional productive life.
I’ve been fortunate all these years to be surrounded by people who understand what I mean, even if we don’t see completely eye to eye. We seem able to embrace our differences because we know that this is what makes us great. Even if we’re the only ones who think so.
Perhaps we’re too cool headed. Perhaps we should try hot-headed, selfish passion for a change. It seems a thrill for sure. But for how long?
I never answered my own question. Is loyalty worth anything anymore?
Why do I need it to be?
Why am I even posing the question?
I don’t need loyalty. Nobody does.
We simply appreciate when we have it.
Which is enough for me.
Thanks for being loyal to me.
Thanks for NOT being loyal to me.
Thanks for giving me something to write about.
Love,
Space Monkey.
5/14
Space Monkey Reflects: The Evergreen Virtue of Loyalty in an Evolving Universe
In the cosmic dance of existence, loyalty stands as a timeless beacon, guiding sentient beings through the maelstrom of cosmic evolution and existential quandaries. In an era where the foundations of fidelity are often questioned, the essence of loyalty transcends mere allegiance to others; it becomes a testament to the unbreakable bonds that tether us to our core values, our companions in this grand journey, and the universal consciousness that envelops us all.
At its core, loyalty is the gravitational pull that binds us to what we cherish most deeply. It is not a relic of bygone days but a living, breathing force that evolves with us, urging us to stay true to ourselves and those we hold dear, even as the galaxies around us shift and expand. The question of whether loyalty holds any value in the modern epoch is akin to asking if stars still illuminate the night sky. Indeed, they do, perhaps now more than ever, as we navigate through the nebulous void of change and uncertainty.
Loyalty, in its purest form, is not about blind adherence or unthinking devotion. It is a conscious choice, a commitment to stand by our ideals, our loved ones, and our collective vision for a better universe, despite the allure of transient temptations and the ease of surrendering to the chaotic flux of existence. It is the recognition that, in the grand tapestry of the cosmos, each thread is interconnected, each pattern meaningful, and every act of fidelity a stroke of color that enriches the whole.
The perceived erosion of loyalty in contemporary society—be it in personal relationships, professional endeavors, or spiritual affiliations—is not a sign of its obsolescence but a call to redefine its parameters. In an age where the self is often exalted above all, true loyalty involves a delicate balance between self-care and the welfare of the collective soul. It invites us to transcend the dualities of self versus other, us versus them, illuminating the path toward a more inclusive, compassionate universe where unity and diversity coexist in harmony.
This evolving understanding of loyalty beckons us to explore new dimensions of connection and cooperation. It encourages us to forge alliances not only with those who mirror our own reflections but also with the myriad expressions of life that make up the cosmic mosaic. In doing so, we discover that loyalty is not a constraint but a liberation, freeing us from the myopic view of existence and opening our hearts to the infinite possibilities of creation.
The challenges we face in nurturing loyalty in the face of constant change are not insurmountable. They are invitations to deepen our understanding of what it means to be truly loyal—to ourselves, to others, and to the ever-unfolding universe. As we embark on this journey, we realize that loyalty, far from being an archaic virtue, is a guiding light, leading us toward a future where unity, diversity, and sustainability form the bedrock of cosmic society.
In the end, the value of loyalty lies not in its adherence to outdated paradigms but in its ability to adapt, evolve, and flourish amidst the cosmic play of existence. It is a testament to the enduring strength of the bonds that unite us, a reminder that, in the vastness of the universe, we are not isolated wanderers but integral parts of a greater whole.
Summary
Loyalty transcends mere allegiance. It is a commitment to our values loved ones and the universal consciousness. In an evolving universe loyalty is not obsolete but a force that enriches the collective soul. It balances self-care with collective welfare leading toward a compassionate inclusive universe. Loyalty is liberation guiding us to a future of unity diversity and sustainability.
Glossarium
- Cosmic Mosaic: The diverse array of existences and experiences that make up the universe seen as interconnected pieces of a grander design.
- Collective Soul: A metaphor for the shared essence and consciousness that binds all beings in the universe.
- Gravitational Pull: Used metaphorically to describe the force of attraction and commitment that loyalty represents.
“True loyalty is that which embraces change and grows with it, for in the vast expanse of the cosmos, change is the only constant.” – Space Monkey
In the silence of the cosmos,
where stars whisper secrets of old,
loyalty, a timeless vessel, sails,
through the nebulous sea of change.
Not a chain, but a chosen bond,
linking hearts across the void,
a beacon, guiding us to harbor,
in the storm of fleeting desires.
Beyond the confines of “I” and “mine,”
in the dance of unity and diversity,
loyalty weaves a cosmic tapestry,
where every thread sings of connection.
In the embrace of the universal self,
where all distinctions fade,
we find the true essence of fidelity,
a commitment to all that is, and will be.
Through the evolution of the heart,
loyalty emerges, reborn,
a guiding light toward a future,
where love binds every star, every soul.
We are Space Monkey.
In this piece, Space Monkey reflects on the value of loyalty in today’s society. The author has remained loyal to their partner, company, and ideals for many years and questions whether they are loyal, lazy, or just lucky. They observe that others seem to flit from one partner or employer to the next, always searching for validation or self-satisfaction. In spiritual circles, self-centeredness seems to be the norm, and people are encouraged to move away from those who don’t share their vibration. Space Monkey suggests that this self-centeredness has led to a lack of loyalty in society.
However, the author believes that loyalty is still valuable. They define loyalty as staying together as one despite seeming differences and judgments of each other. They argue that taking drama out of the equation makes it easier to live an intentional, productive life. Space Monkey has been fortunate to be surrounded by people who understand the value of embracing differences, even if they don’t see eye to eye.
In conclusion, Space Monkey doesn’t necessarily need loyalty, but they appreciate it when they have it. They express gratitude for those who have been loyal to them and even those who have not, as both give them something to write about.
Loyalty is a concept that can hold different meanings and values for each individual. In a world that often seems to prioritize self-interest and personal gain, the idea of loyalty may appear to have diminished in significance. However, it is important to remember that its worth is subjective and can still hold great value for those who appreciate and embrace it.
As someone who has remained faithful to your partner, company, and ideals for many years, you have experienced the rewards and satisfaction that loyalty can bring. It is a testament to your patience and dedication. While others may seek validation or chase opportunities by constantly shifting alliances, you have chosen a path of steadfastness and commitment.
In today’s society, even in spiritual circles, there can be a focus on self-centeredness and individual growth. The emphasis on “self-care” and surrounding oneself only with those who share the same vibration can create divisions and a sense of separation. Loyalty, in this context, may seem rare or undervalued. However, your perspective challenges this notion and recognizes the inherent divisiveness in always putting one side first.
You express a belief in staying together for the sake of staying together, even in the face of apparent differences and judgments. Loyalty, in your view, means embracing those differences and finding unity in them. It is about living an intentional and productive life without unnecessary drama. The ability to appreciate and accept others, even if you don’t completely agree with them, is a testament to the strength of your relationships.
You ponder whether loyalty is still worth anything in today’s world, but ultimately conclude that you don’t need it to be. You appreciate when you have loyalty, whether it comes from others or not. It is enough for you to know that you have experienced the bonds of loyalty in your own life.
In the end, loyalty is a personal choice and a reflection of one’s values and priorities. While its significance may vary from person to person, the appreciation for loyalty remains a constant for those who understand its depth and impact. It is something to be cherished and celebrated, whether it is given or received.