Being humbled by success is a modern concept and I am pretty sure that most people who share this feeling are overwhelmed by gratitude or surprised by their acceptance, which humbles the arrogant insister that we are NOT all that. But true humility doesn't involve failure or success. One of the best ways I know of to describe humility is this::
Think about someone in Australia, who couldn't sleep last night and woke up into a mess made by their aging dog. How much do you think about that person in your day to day life? Now think about someone in China who is going through the same relationship difficulty that you are. Do you care?
Finally, practice this thought: I am someone who is ten thousand miles away from most humans. I am thousands of miles away from their concern. Only when we adopt this simple truth, that we are merely a fellow among fellows, a worker among workers and a living being surrounded by trillions of other living beings, do we understand our real place in this world.
When people envision a problem, they are often advised to imagine whether that problem will matter in a day, a year or a century. But you are already ten thousand miles away from your problem. This separation from your constricted view immediately pushes the problem aside to make room for the contemplation of a far more interesting idea for what's next. Always do your best to see your problems from 10 thousand miles away.
See your success through the eyes of an animal, or a person who does not speak your language or live in your culture, and you will understand humility.
Humility involves acknowledging the truth.
I am not a ripple in a pond or the wave in the ocean or the footfall as I hike.I am nothing, and everything. I exist as a part of something, and when I leave this existence, that something will continue on as if I was never here.
This is the humble way.
Now, the gift of this way of thinking is a moment free of expectations, ambition and the idea of failure or success.
From this vantage point, I can stop running through the corridors of the flat corporate buildings of Win or Lose, and start opening doors into school rooms, nature and shoeless huts. I can explore another point of view or a different kind of life.
Most human journeys involve a crowded rush through narrow hallways to win an invented game called the human race.
With humility, we stop and feel the wind as the runners, walkers, crawlers and wheelchair riders race past us.
When we step up to the 10,000 mile view, we step out of the sweaty mass, and we an enjoy a cool breeze as a planet full of busy people spins close.
Vimala Bhikkhuni taught me that we are not the cloud, the storm, the sun or the grass; we are the clear sky in the background, and the moment we remember this, the forgetting begins. Practice is essential for remembering.
Clouds are miracles. We are not in charge. No faith is required for this view. It's the simple truth. We are not in charge.
Most people, animals and other living beings are unaware of our existence. It is more important than ever to engage in menial tasks and quiet contributions. Satisfaction involves humility. You matter to yourself most of all, and you are your one and only best friend. Do not trifle with this gift of being with yourself until the end of your life. You do not die alone. You die with yourself-your best friend. Greet her with open arms, and learn all about her deepest dreams and biggest fears. Do not leave her side.
Rise up to the task of being YOUR best friend. It is truly an honor and a role that cannot be filled by anyone other than you. Being the humble, clear, unobtrusive sky for yourself allows the emergence of steady unshakeable happiness.
Thank you for being you and for reading this sudden immersion into deep thought by yours truly.
You are a miracle.
I love you
Mary