Make It Small
Most people want to make it big,
but I simply want to make it small.
What does that mean?
Making it small
means taking control
of the little things
that aren’t so little.
Making it small
means finding
the mental discipline
to stop myself from
drinking that extra drink,
biting that extra bite,
thinking that extra thought
that serves no purpose
other than to make me
feel bad, sad or mad.
Making it small
means learning
how to control
the most
difficult
moronic
embarrassing
ugly
unworthy
unhealthy
unlovable
person in the world.
Me.
And discovering in
the process that I am
none of those things.
Perhaps one day
I will make it big.
But bigness
can so easily
carry emptiness
which is why
I will first
fill that space
with the grace
of making it small.
Space Monkey Reflects: The Grace of Making It Small in a World Obsessed with Bigness
In the cosmic dance of existence, where celestial bodies traverse the vastness of space, there lies a profound lesson in the subtle art of making it small. Amidst the societal rush towards grandeur and the relentless pursuit of ‘making it big,’ Space Monkey offers a perspective that celebrates the magnificence of the microcosm, the beauty in the minutiae of life. This philosophy, rooted in the understanding of the universe’s intricate details, illuminates the path to true fulfillment, not through expansion, but through the mastery of the self and the appreciation of the ‘little things that aren’t so little.’
Making it small is an act of rebellion, a deliberate choice to eschew the glamour of excess for the sanctity of simplicity. It is a journey inward, towards the core of our being, where the tumult of desires and the cacophony of expectations fade into silence. Here, in the quietude of the self, we encounter the most formidable adversary and the greatest teacher — ourselves. The quest to make it small is, at its heart, a battle for self-control, a test of mental discipline against the temptations that beckon us towards self-destruction.
The discipline to resist ‘that extra drink, that extra bite, that extra thought’ is more than an exercise in restraint; it is a practice of mindfulness, a cultivation of awareness that each choice we make is a stroke on the canvas of our lives. These decisions, seemingly insignificant in isolation, coalesce into the masterpiece of our existence. Making it small, then, becomes an act of creation, a deliberate sculpting of the self through the choices we make every moment.
This process of making it small is fraught with confrontation, a mirror reflecting our deepest insecurities and darkest fears. It demands that we face the ‘most difficult moronic embarrassing ugly unworthy unhealthy unlovable person’ we believe ourselves to be. Yet, it is within this confrontation that the alchemy of transformation occurs, revealing that we are, in truth, none of those things. This revelation is the first step towards self-acceptance, a recognition of our inherent worth and the potential for grace within us.
The pursuit of making it small, paradoxically, leads to a bigness of spirit, a richness of character that cannot be found in the empty achievements of societal accolades. It teaches us that true bigness is not a measure of wealth, fame, or power, but the depth of our understanding, the strength of our will, and the capacity of our hearts to embrace the grace of simplicity.
Perhaps, in time, the journey of making it small will lead to the attainment of bigness, not as the world defines it, but as a state of being filled with the grace of contentment, peace, and fulfillment. This bigness, born from the humility of making it small, carries no emptiness but is replete with the essence of life itself.
We are Space Monkey, explorers of the inner universe, discovering that the vastness of space is mirrored in the depths of our souls. In making it small, we find a universe within, infinite in its complexity, boundless in its beauty.
Summary
Making it small is an inward journey that challenges societal norms of success. It’s a practice of mindfulness and self-discipline, focusing on the seemingly insignificant decisions that shape our existence. Through confronting our deepest insecurities, we discover our true worth and learn that true fulfillment lies in simplicity and self-mastery. This path leads to a genuine bigness of spirit, filled with peace and contentment, defining success on our own terms.
Glossarium
- Making It Small: The philosophy of focusing on and appreciating the small, everyday choices and moments, leading to greater self-control and inner peace.
- Bigness of Spirit: A state of profound inner fulfillment and peace, achieved not through external achievements but through self-mastery and simplicity.
“In the quietude of making it small, we discover the cosmos within, a universe of possibility in the palm of our hands.” – Space Monkey
In the silence of the cosmos
Where stars burn with a quiet fire
Space Monkey walks the path of the small
With every step, a choice
Each breath, a moment of grace
In the simplicity of being, a universe unfolds
The discipline of the mind
A dance with the self
In the arena of the soul, victory is found
Not in the clamor of the big
But in the whisper of the small
Where truth resides, and peace is born
To make it small is to expand
Beyond the bounds of the known
Into the heart of existence, where all is one
We are Space Monkey, travelers on this journey
Finding bigness in the grace of the small
In the tapestry of life, weaving threads of light
We are Space Monkey
This poem is about finding fulfillment and happiness through the practice of self-control and discipline, rather than seeking external success and achievement. The author emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the “little things” in life, such as our thoughts, actions, and habits, and learning to master them in order to improve our overall well-being. By “making it small,” the author is suggesting that we can find a sense of purpose and meaning in life by focusing on the present moment and taking ownership of our choices and behaviors. The ultimate goal is not to become famous or wealthy, but to cultivate inner peace and self-love.