There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. "
-Ernest Hemingway

The more "successful" people I meet, or read about, or listen to, the more I realize they all share a certain, and maybe necessary trait, humility. I'm constantly amazed at their genuine warmth for the people around them. They might not always have the time they would like to spend with the people that they call friends, but when they do, they give 100% of their attention. Now of course, the same could be said for many people, fame/success or not. And actually, the overwhelming vibe here in Nashville (at least among the musicians) is one of support and togetherness. Which I think is part what makes it so special, and frankly, the real reason for the success of music city.

My feeling is that it is humility in particular, that separates Nashville from the other two (or three) towering "entertainment" city establishments...

What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself. "

-Abraham Lincoln

Anytime I've ever sat down on a gig or a session with someone who is constantly talking about who they know, what they do, and where everything they breath is about them, I immediately get turned off. As I am writing this and reflecting on it, it gets me sad. I think they are missing the whole point. When you come to a session filled with wonder, humility, passion and awe, it is truly mind blowing what gets accomplished, what gets done, and what fruit ripens from the collaboration. Pride on the other hand... is poison to a session (or a show, or a play, or a movie set, or a board room, or a CEO's office...).

Humility moves and inspires people. It motivates us to do better, to take risks, and make more of a difference. Humility is the cousin of empathy, that very human response in most all of us that allows us feel the pulse of our fellow man/woman, and respond with kindness. Empathy cannot survive with out humility, it gets choked to death and becomes disdain.

And don't take me for a fool, pride can be a useful tool sometimes. It's always good to take pride in a job well done. The difference, at least here, is the attitude that you bring with you before the job has started.

Humility can be a tricky thing though, it can be the saving grace of who we are, and what we do, or it can disguise the devil. And don't confuse humility with self loathing. To love oneself is to be humble, because when you love yourself, you know who you are, what you are made of, and what you strive for... where you can be better. This is not a torturous thing, this is the benefit of humility. It is the reason I pick up my guitar everyday and do my best to be better. It is the reason I write everyday, so I can push myself and go deeper. So I can see myself more clearly as an artist. So I can recognize that same passion for depth in other artists and be a better producer, and help them achieve their own dreams.

Humility, that low, sweet root from which all heavenly virtues shoot. " -Thomas Moore

My recommendation, what I am constantly striving for; start from a place of humility, and allow the nature of the humble path to unfold in front of you. It will always lead you true. It is one of the keys that unlocks our true and full potential. Humility, passion and discipline... you can't go wrong. You won't go wrong.

Some pics of my week/weekend :)