Sure… smile, offer gratitude for the kindness, celebrate the connection, keep breathing. The success or failure of the object/moment that inspires the compliment/criticism doesn’t belong to us, we stand on the shoulders of countless heroes and fools. Using maps drawn by others, etc. We’re a part, but just a part. 🙂

This is trickier to see when we come into awareness through mind altering substances. One friend described it as “hallucinogens are like seeing the top of the mountain. Meditation is like actually petal-ling to the top on our little bike.” Your mileage may vary.

Namaste, friend, may your pride and shame unweave into laughing humility. Its only life, no biggie. 🙂

With warmth,
Matt