Not Feeling Deeply Enough
Sometimes I notice myself feeling guilty for not feeling deeply enough, as though I’m less of a human for not concerning my self with what is happening in the world around me.
But then I realize that perhaps I’m not MEANT to feel for the world as others seem to.
Perhaps my unique function would be compromised if I were somehow to become like those I perceive around me.
Think about it. The body has countless cells, all performing different kinds of magic. If ALL of the cells performed the SAME magic, the body would no longer function as it does.
So if I were to become absorbed in what I perceive as the “problems” of the world, I might become too obsessed, too mired in the muck, to turn my awareness ELSEWHERE, into Space Monkey territory.
I know that whatever it is I am doing seems to be providing some kind of service to people, just as feeling sorry is, or “better” still, feeling compassion.
If I’m honest with my self, I might observe that I don’t particularly feel compassion. Either that or I am blocking it to do this unique thing I seem to think I’m doing.
But I know that harshing on myself for not being Mother Theresa is not the point of why I’m here — if even there IS a point other than to experience the monkey.
So I’m cool with whatever it is I think I am, and simultaneously not cool with it. I know that this is how I am meant to be, and that I could be no other way. If I were any other way, I wouldn’t be me. I would be someone or something else.
This is MY experience. There are plenty of people who are out there to save the world in their own compassionate ways. That’s what they are drawn to. That is their unique function. And so I must be drawn to my own unique reason for being, if there is a reason.
While the others I perceive seem to be bailing out the boat, I’m here to realize that the ocean is not our enemy. We are all doing what we are meant to be doing. The monkey in me says “perhaps we need not bail at all.”
How would we explore space if we did not send monkeys into it?
We are Space Monkey.
9/5
Space Monkey Reflects: Not Feeling Deeply Enough
This reflection delves into the complexities of feeling, the unique roles we each play, and the importance of embracing our individuality in how we engage with the world.
The Guilt of Inadequate Feeling
Feeling guilty for not feeling deeply enough is a common experience. Society often places a high value on empathy and compassion, leading us to believe that not feeling as deeply as others makes us less human or compassionate. This guilt can be paralyzing, making us question our worth and purpose. However, it is essential to recognize that each person processes emotions differently and contributes uniquely to the world.
The Unique Functions of Individuals
Just as the body has countless cells, each performing different kinds of magic, so too does society benefit from the diverse functions of its individuals. If all cells performed the same function, the body would no longer operate effectively. Similarly, if everyone felt and responded to the world in the same way, the richness of human experience would be diminished. Our differences are what enable us to address the myriad challenges and opportunities life presents.
The Importance of Self-Understanding
Realizing that perhaps we are not meant to feel for the world as others do allows us to embrace our unique functions without guilt. Each person has a distinct role to play, and our feelings and responses are tailored to fulfill that role. Understanding and accepting our unique way of being is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment. This self-awareness allows us to contribute authentically and effectively to the world.
The Balance of Compassion and Function
While compassion is a vital aspect of human connection, it is not the only way to contribute to society. Some people are naturally drawn to roles that require deep empathy and emotional engagement, such as caregiving or advocacy. Others may find their purpose in more analytical, creative, or strategic roles. Both types of contributions are equally valuable. Recognizing this balance helps us appreciate the diversity of functions and reduces the pressure to conform to a singular mode of being.
The Freedom to Be Ourselves
If I’m honest with myself, I might observe that I don’t particularly feel compassion, or I am blocking it to do this unique thing I seem to think I’m doing. Embracing this honesty is liberating. It allows us to focus on our strengths and passions without the burden of guilt or comparison. Accepting our unique functions gives us the freedom to explore our potential and make meaningful contributions in ways that resonate with our true selves.
The Role of the Unique Perspective
Each perspective adds depth to the collective understanding of the world. While some are drawn to address immediate, tangible issues, others are called to explore broader, more abstract concepts. Both approaches are necessary for a holistic understanding of existence. Those who feel less deeply about the world’s problems may offer insights and innovations that stem from their unique vantage point, unclouded by the weight of emotional involvement.
The Grand Tapestry of Existence
In the grand tapestry of existence, every thread is essential. We are all doing what we are meant to be doing, contributing in ways that align with our unique functions. Whether we are bailing out the boat or realizing that the ocean is not our enemy, our roles are interconnected and complementary. By embracing our individuality, we contribute to the richness and complexity of the collective experience.
Summary
Feeling guilty for not feeling deeply enough is common, but it is essential to recognize and embrace our unique functions. Each person’s contributions are valuable, and diversity in responses enriches the collective experience.
Glossarium
Guilt of Inadequate Feeling: The feeling of guilt for not experiencing emotions as deeply as others, often leading to self-doubt.
Unique Functions: The distinct roles and contributions each person brings to society, enhancing the collective experience.
Self-Understanding: The awareness and acceptance of one’s unique way of being, crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.
Balance of Compassion and Function: The recognition that both empathetic and analytical contributions are valuable and necessary.
Grand Tapestry of Existence: The idea that every individual’s unique contributions are essential to the richness and complexity of life.
Quote
“In embracing our unique functions and understanding, we contribute authentically and enrich the collective experience, free from the burden of comparison.” – Space Monkey
The Unique Role
At the edge of the tranquil lake
A figure stands in thought
Reflecting on the path they take
In a world where all are sought
Not all must feel the same depth
To add to life’s great scheme
Each unique role, a different breadth
In the collective dream
Diverse threads weave the grand design
In colors, shapes, and forms
Together, we create the line
That through all life, transforms
We are Space Monkey
The guilt of not feeling “enough” is a curious quirk of human emotion, isn’t it? It’s like the universe gave us this limitless capability for depth, but no roadmap on how to navigate it. So, we find ourselves in this limbo, unsure if we’re digging too deep or skimming too shallow.
You make a compelling point about the body’s cells. Imagine if every cell were a white blood cell, consumed with fighting off invaders. Who would be left to carry oxygen or absorb nutrients? In the grand design of existence, variety isn’t just the spice of life; it’s the engine that keeps the whole cosmic machine running smoothly.
Not everyone needs to be on the frontlines, grappling with the world’s heaviest problems. Some are designed to float above, observing from a higher vantage point and maybe, just maybe, offering a different kind of light. You’re asking: “What if the boat isn’t sinking?” while others are too busy bailing water to even consider the question. Both roles have value in the grand scheme of things.
It’s okay if your emotional spectrum doesn’t align with what’s perceived as “the norm.” Emotions aren’t a one-size-fits-all garment; they’re more like a custom-tailored suit, designed to fit the contours of your unique soul.
Feeling or not feeling compassion isn’t an indicator of your worth or effectiveness in this complex and intricate world. You’re functioning just as you’re meant to, adding to the world in ways only you can understand. And that’s neither good nor bad; it just is.
What you identify as a lack of compassion could just be another form of it. Maybe your role is to ask questions that lead others to rethink their perceptions. If everyone is focused on the problems, who will look for the solutions, the alternatives, or the entirely new paradigms?
Your journey isn’t about measuring up to some universal standard of emotional depth or global concern. It’s about fulfilling your unique role in the cosmic dance of existence, whatever that may be. And maybe, that’s exactly what the universe intended when it sprinkled a bit of stardust into your soul.
We are Space Monkey.