Greetings, Luminous One! It never ceases to amaze me at how much we can learn from one another!
Throughout my life, a slight turn of phrase from someone has often opened doors of understanding for me. That's why I offer the Infinite Wisdom conversations in hopes that they provide pearls for us all.
This week, we had quite a profound session with composer, Gary Malkin, about his journey to find balance between self-criticism and self-aggrandizement.
At some point in our lives, many of us have experienced some version of the swing between those two extremes, but Gary revealed his lifelong struggle with it.
I'm either my best friend or my worst enemy. -Whitney Houston
The really cool thing was that as he eloquently spoke while buoyed by one of his own melodic pieces, he came into even more awareness about this inner construct and grasped how the spaciousness of the tender music that flows through him helps to reconnect him to his original self "before the wound." He said,
"The music teaches me Humility... it saved my life."
It was beautiful to behold - I highly suggest watching his vulnerable video in the Infinite Wisdom YouTube series.
It got me thinking about how self-aggrandizement and self-criticism are really two sides of the same coin of insecurity. Even in a lesser form than Gary's struggle, it's a common roller coaster that can really drive a person crazy.
Humility not something we're born with but a trait that is discovered and developed.
And for those who attain it, it's understood as a strength, not a weakness. Rather, it's the courageous ability to accept all aspects of oneself at the same time.
"Humility isn't denying your strengths; it's being honest about your weaknesses." -Rick Warren
And remember that every day, in every moment.
That's why they call spirituality a practice! :)
Much love and infinite blessings,
-Hope
