“Be yourself”; “Follow your
heart”; “Be true to yourself”.
These are the typical sayings and encouragements
that we sometimes need. It fosters our sense of confidence, optimism,
individuality and uniqueness. Motivations for self-love and self-care have been
growing in the society and community, where we choose to adore ourselves and
start living for ourselves.
Nonetheless, the concept of
“self-love” is rather vague, where one can be easily be misled into the path of selfishness. To avoid this, balance has to be found. While practicing self-love,
we must also not forget the significance of others in our lives, hence
emphasizing on the trait of humility.
Humility
means giving priority to putting the needs of another person before your
own, and thinking of others before yourself.
Humility just like self-love is equally rewarding.
Humility accentuates and shows how others can become a source of light into our lives.
-It allows us to put down our pride. Instead of acting or
pretending to know what you are doing, it enables you to
know that it is
perfectly alright to say “I do not know”, “I want
to learn”, “I need your
help”.
-It allows us to live a more fulfilling life. Instead of
doing things where you can get ahead, it enables you to give
priority to help
others overcome their challenges. In the
process, you will find that it is more
meaningful and satisfying in promoting and celebrating the successes and glory
of others.
- It allows us to have the capacity to remain grounded.
Instead of being clouded by your own biasness, perceptions,
successes and
failures, it enables you to have flexibility and
a clear and open mind. This in
turn leads to sensible
decisions, humbling you to continue to keep learning and
transforming through the stories of the people around us.
3 Rules to
your journey to Humility
Mind your
own business
When situations occur, we often act like we know the whole
story, making assumptions, giving our opinions or
judgements regarding it.
Although, humility is to focus on
others, there is a difference in wanting to
show concern and
being nosy or insensitive. Remember that we are the
outsiders;
we don’t know the whole story. Hence, at times
true humility by practice is to
mind our own business and let
others handle it accordingly.
Speak as
little as possible about yourself.
Communication is indeed a way to express yourself, your presence, initiating your confidence and self-esteem. Remind yourself that communication
is also a two-way street; give others the opportunity to communicate as well.
Listen as personal experiences are better than the
books or internet for not
only your growth, but the
enhancement of relationship with the person you are
speaking with as well. Hence, practicing humility is also very
much about being
mindful, making sure that you are not the
center of the universe.
Go last
Let others go first, simple things like entering the lift,
waiting for the bus, ordering food. There’s a real humility
in saying, “After
you.” These everyday events may
be seemingly small, but these minor events make
it easy to
prompt yourself about others around you. As you do it more and more,
humility eventually becomes intuitive.
Lastly, a
little quote to spur you;
"Pride makes
us artificial and humility makes us real"
-Thomas Merton
"Having the simplest humility, create Legends"
