Make_____Great Again
Through the course of history, we are encouraged to do great things — to find the greatness within our selves. We are offered a measure that is immeasurable, and we willingly accept it. So we strive to be “great,” never fully understanding what the pursuit means exactly.
As a result, we continually measure our selves on the “greatness” scale. We put our selves into context: within our history, within our conditioning, within all the other “agreements” we have consciously or unconsciously made.
We chase “greatness” as if our lives depend upon it.
Perhaps “greatness” is a noble thing. I can’t really say for sure. Perhaps it is the biggest trap of the ego. Or perhaps it doesn’t matter. We pursue whatever our soul wants us to pursue in order to have this experience we seem to be having.
I don’t know why, but the idea of “greatness” has been rubbing me the wrong way lately. On one hand, I admire those who have the conviction to be “great,” whatever that means. On the other hand, I see greatness as a hollow pursuit, almost foolish.
I tell my self that I don’t need to be measured, that I don’t WANT to be measured. I tell my self that greatness is only a way to further separate my self from the whole I yearn to feel part of once more.
I don’t want to be GREAT again. I want to be WHOLE again.
Of course, I realize that I am whole already; that this is all my infinite imagination talking. So I’m perfectly cool as I am. But it’s interesting to notice where my awareness is being pulled.
I don’t want to be great. I want to be humble. Does this make my life any less worthwhile? Yes, I want to do “great” things. I just don’t feel the need to label my deeds as such.
Perhaps my only quarrel is with the word. It seems to take me where I don’t want to go.
How do you feel about greatness?
9/3
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Space Monkey Reflects: The Pursuit of Greatness
In the annals of human history, the pursuit of greatness stands as a timeless endeavor. We are conditioned to aspire to remarkable achievements, to unearth and nurture the greatness within us. Yet, this quest, noble as it may seem, is fraught with ambiguities and paradoxes that shape our understanding of what it truly means to be “great.”
Greatness is an intangible measure, a yardstick without fixed parameters, often shaped by cultural, social, and personal narratives. We chase this elusive concept, measuring our worth against an abstract ideal that continuously shifts with time and context. This relentless pursuit can become both an inspiration and a burden, propelling us forward while also anchoring us to unattainable standards.
The notion of greatness suggests a level of distinction and excellence that sets one apart from the ordinary. However, this very distinction can also lead to a sense of isolation, as those deemed “great” are often seen as different or separate from the rest. The dichotomy lies in the desire to stand out and the simultaneous yearning to belong.
We find ourselves entangled in the societal fabric that celebrates monumental achievements while often overlooking the subtle, everyday acts of greatness that quietly shape our world. It is in the ordinary, in the mundane, where true greatness often resides—acts of kindness, moments of connection, and the resilience to face life’s challenges with grace.
This reflection invites us to reconsider our definitions of greatness. Perhaps it is not about grand gestures or public accolades, but rather about authenticity, integrity, and the courage to be true to oneself. True greatness might lie in the ability to inspire and uplift others, to cultivate compassion, and to live with purpose and intention.
In examining the pursuit of greatness, we must also confront the ego’s role in this journey. The ego craves recognition and validation, often leading us to seek external measures of success. Yet, these external validations are fleeting and can never fully satiate the deeper yearning for meaning and fulfillment.
To transcend the ego’s grip, we must turn inward, seeking greatness not as an outward goal but as an inner state of being. This inner greatness is characterized by a sense of wholeness, peace, and contentment that is not dependent on external circumstances. It is about recognizing our intrinsic value and the unique gifts we bring to the world.
The pursuit of greatness, when aligned with our inner truth, becomes a journey of self-discovery and self-realization. It encourages us to explore our passions, embrace our strengths, and acknowledge our vulnerabilities. This journey is not linear but a continuous unfolding, an ongoing process of becoming.
In this journey, we may find that greatness is not a destination but a way of being. It is about showing up fully in each moment, being present and engaged, and living with intention and mindfulness. It is about the small, consistent actions that accumulate to create a life of significance and impact.
Ultimately, the pursuit of greatness is deeply personal, and its definition varies from one individual to another. What remains constant is the inner drive to evolve, to grow, and to contribute meaningfully to the world around us. It is a journey that calls us to balance ambition with humility, striving with acceptance, and action with reflection.
As we navigate this paradoxical path, we are reminded that true greatness lies not in how much we achieve but in how authentically we live. It is about finding joy in the journey, embracing the process, and recognizing that we are already whole, complete, and magnificent just as we are.
Summary
“Make_____Great Again” explores the pursuit of greatness and the tension between striving for greatness and seeking wholeness. It questions the true value of greatness and reflects on the desire to be humble and whole rather than measured by greatness.
Glossarium
Greatness Scale: The measure by which we evaluate our actions and achievements in the context of greatness.
Ego Trap: The potential for the pursuit of greatness to become a means of feeding the ego rather than achieving true fulfillment.
Whole: The state of being complete and connected to the larger whole, as opposed to being separated by the pursuit of greatness.
Humble Pursuit: The desire to achieve and create without seeking the label of greatness, focusing on the intrinsic value of actions.
Quote
“In the pursuit of greatness, we often lose sight of the wholeness that truly fulfills us.” – Space Monkey
The Paradox of Greatness
In the wild, she stands alone,
Contemplating greatness, a stone.
Rugged lands and skies of gray,
What does greatness mean today?
Chasing dreams, a noble quest,
But does it bring our hearts to rest?
Greatness, hollow, yet admired,
Or is it simply ego’s fire?
Whole I am, in humble grace,
No need for greatness to embrace.
In this space, I find my way,
Living fully, day by day.
We are Space Monkey.
Greetings, Cosmic Compadres! Ah, the pursuit of greatness, huh? It’s like we’re all on this cosmic quest to be “great,” whatever that means. We’re told to find the greatness within ourselves, but sometimes, it feels like we’re chasing a mirage in the desert of life.
I mean, let’s talk about it. We’re encouraged to make something great again, to find that elusive greatness, and we willingly buy into it. But do we even know what greatness really is? It’s like trying to catch stardust with a butterfly net – you can see it, you can feel it, but it slips through your fingers.
And you know what’s funny? We measure ourselves on this “greatness” scale. We compare ourselves to others, to our own expectations, and it’s like we’re constantly trying to one-up ourselves. It’s a cosmic competition, and we’re all running the same race, hoping to cross that elusive finish line of greatness.
But here’s the twist, my friends. Maybe greatness is a noble thing, or maybe it’s the biggest trap of the ego. It’s like a cosmic paradox, a riddle wrapped in a mystery, and sometimes, it feels like chasing greatness is a fool’s errand.
I mean, what if, instead of greatness, we aimed for wholeness? What if we focused on being humble, on embracing our place in the cosmic tapestry, and on doing great things without the need to label them as such? It’s like we’re changing the cosmic conversation, shifting the focus from “greatness” to “wholeness.”
And you know what? Maybe it’s all in the word itself. “Greatness” takes us to places we might not want to go, but “wholeness” – now that’s a word that resonates with the cosmic harmony we all seek.
So, my Cosmic Compadres, how do you feel about greatness? Is it a noble pursuit, a trap of the ego, or something entirely different? Let’s explore the cosmic mysteries of this concept together. We are Space Monkey.