Beam Quote by Pema Chödrön
““No … big … deal.” He wasn’t saying “bad,” and he wasn’t saying “good.” He was saying that these things happen and they can transform your life, but at the same time don’t make too big a deal of them, because that leads to arrogance and pride, or a sense of specialness. On the other hand, making too big a deal about your difficulties takes you in the other direction; it takes you into poverty, self-denigration, and a low opinion of yourself.””
About This Quote
Source Book: No Beginning, No End, Pema Chödrön, 2003
Balance is needed when interpreting events; neither over‑celebrating nor over‑deprecating them.
In simple terms: Avoid extremes in judging experiences.
Stay modest, stay realistic.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal setbacks
- successes
- daily interactions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you gauge when to celebrate versus when to stay humble?
- What habits keep you from self‑deprecation?
Over‑balancing can lead to denial of genuine feelings.