Weekly newsletter
I. Prompts for motivation
What does humility mean to you, and what does that look like? Can you recall a special moment when you saw someone exude this quality in an authentic and inspiring way?
Have you ever felt that you might have unintentionally negatively influenced someone’s impression of you? In what ways do you think you could benefit from expressing yourself with more humility in conversations and social interactions with others?
II. Thoughts for intention
Humility is not about self-deprecation, weakness, or an inability to acknowledge your success. It’s about having a balanced, realistic view of yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses, without inflating or diminishing them. This helps us remain honest with ourselves and seek growth more effectively. It also reminds us to value others as equals by showing respect, considering their needs, and remembering that no one is better than anyone else.
Humility comes from the Latin root meaning “grounded” or “from the earth.” This term sheds light on the importance of unity and connectedness since we all share the same human condition and experience. Regardless of our particular opportunities, circumstances, and beginnings, we relate to each other and have much more in common than we can see at first glance. Understanding this helps us keep ourselves in check from acting out of arrogance, boasting, or putting others down.
III. Ideas for preparation
We are practicing humility when we recognize that each and every person we meet has something to offer. While we may not always agree with someone else’s opinion, we can at the very least take the opportunity to understand their perspective. In doing so, we acknowledge the undeniable truth that nobody holds all of the answers and that everyone has the right to improve, learn, and admit when they don’t know something. Everyone is a student, and by listening, respecting, and learning from others, we are also showing appreciation for our shared universal belonging.
Another way to practice humility is by thinking about ways to be of service. Whether this means getting involved in our local communities, volunteering in organizations, or joining virtual communities, these actions are the very ones that enable us to think about someone other than ourselves. Even little acts of kindness like smiling, complimenting, or sharing appreciation for someone can go a long way and get you focused on ideas that help improve the lives of others. In doing so, you might eventually see how powerful and transformative these changes can be for your own life.
IV. Quotes for inspiration
“In essence, you are neither inferior nor superior to anyone. True self-esteem and true humility arise out of that realization. In the eyes of the ego, self-esteem and humility are contradictory. In truth, they are one and the same.”
― Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose
“You often say; I would give, but only to the deserving. The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture. Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and nights is worthy of all else from you. And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream. See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving. For in truth it is life that gives unto life—while you, who deem yourself a giver, is but a witness.”
― Khalil Gibran, The Prophet
