"Caring for each other with patience, tolerance and humility is part of what it means to walk a spiritual path." — Radhanath Swami
I have been thinking about another part of the "rainbow of love" and that is humility. My angels tell me that humility is an important virtue that brings balance to our lives and they also admit that in this day and age humility is not very popular. We seem to reward self-promotion and flashiness, being on show, being first.
I have come to think of humility as is suggested by coming from the latin word "humus" which means soil, ground, or dirt. That sense of being grounded, having my feet firm in the earth, being in touch with reality. It is not just about what I think I am worth or what other people think I am worth, but about the true awareness of our worth. Recognising our value and the value of the others around us, being connected to the greater or bigger picture of which we are but a small part. Being the best person, we can become. Thinking about what more we can do, rather than the less we can do. For me being humble is about serving others in a way that is for their good as well as my own. To do this I need to appreciate not only my strengths but also my weaknesses.
Maybe we can live out the virtue of humility as we head toward Christmas and into a New Year — Let's go about our business without needing to draw other people's attention to us, giving the best of ourselves and asking for help if needed. Let's not worry about what other people think about us when we do good things, let's be thankful when things turn out well. Let's recognise that we don't know everything, and we can always learn more, from young and old. Think first of the good things that can come out of something, be open and listen to those around us. Each of us can help change the world we live in, so don't hide your abilities.
I have enjoyed sharing bits about the special qualities of humility. As Simone Weil said, "Humility is attentive patience." Some say we can learn most about humility and patience by saying very little. This week my friends, be humble, be teachable and always keep learning. Arohanui.
Shirley-Joy