Of the many things I am trying to work on, the concept of competition is up there at the top. Being more specific, we can examine others and compare our behaviors to theirs. With objectivity and humility, that exercise can be quite useful in identifying areas that each of us could improve upon - so far, so good. Yet, I find myself slipping into a “ranking” trap where that objective process leads to a determination of “better” or “worse”.
This is so frustrating! I can intellectually understand that, in a Reality where everything is infinite, the whole idea of better or worse is ridiculous from so many perspectives. Not only is it just silly because even the best of us, or the best of a 6th dimensional, or anyone is still, by definition, infinitely away from perfection. Moreover, since understanding is infinite, we don’t know what is better or worse, so only by trial and error - a generalized scientific method - do we gradually learn.
Now, I catch myself doing this ranking most of the time right after I do it, but it DOES happen. I try to say that I will learn from this, and I guess I am. I think this whole ranking need must stem from an intrinsic insecurity which itself may be tied to the concept of perfectionism. Yes, I know being a perfectionist is just plain wrong, as stated above, but it exists somewhere in me anyway.
Ranking is connected to competition which seems to be a very fundamental part of the human condition. A small part of competition might be beneficial in learning, but for the most part, it seems detrimental. Does anyone have suggestions that might help kick me of this “habit” other than purely intellectualizing it?
Thanks, I truly appreciate it.
If a similar thread appeared previously, I apologize. I did do a search in the forum and didn't see quite what I was looking for - but it is a big forum.
This is so frustrating! I can intellectually understand that, in a Reality where everything is infinite, the whole idea of better or worse is ridiculous from so many perspectives. Not only is it just silly because even the best of us, or the best of a 6th dimensional, or anyone is still, by definition, infinitely away from perfection. Moreover, since understanding is infinite, we don’t know what is better or worse, so only by trial and error - a generalized scientific method - do we gradually learn.
Now, I catch myself doing this ranking most of the time right after I do it, but it DOES happen. I try to say that I will learn from this, and I guess I am. I think this whole ranking need must stem from an intrinsic insecurity which itself may be tied to the concept of perfectionism. Yes, I know being a perfectionist is just plain wrong, as stated above, but it exists somewhere in me anyway.
Ranking is connected to competition which seems to be a very fundamental part of the human condition. A small part of competition might be beneficial in learning, but for the most part, it seems detrimental. Does anyone have suggestions that might help kick me of this “habit” other than purely intellectualizing it?
Thanks, I truly appreciate it.
If a similar thread appeared previously, I apologize. I did do a search in the forum and didn't see quite what I was looking for - but it is a big forum.