In a caring woman with a lovingkind heart who consoled my desperately crying dear father when during one night, he was lost in a delusion of being completely deserted; in a dear one returing out of Love; in nature, in its humble presence, trees standing tall for ages and reliably providing life-giving oxigene while in the same time reducing opposite matter, flowers in all of their innocent beauty of color and scent; in a capitain i had the honor to meet shortly who navigates with humility in heart.
My thoughts come to my son who is very talented in so many ways. Very creative and an excellent writer. He has grown so much in the last 10 years and yet does not boast about all of his accomplishments. It stands out to me because his father had a big ego and others within my extended family.
I recently encountered humility by realizing I need to continue to work on a very difficult challenge that I thought I’d “finished.” The only way out is through, and clearly life is showing me that I’m not out (though I thought I was). That’s a big serving of humility right there.
I have always considered humility to be a very attractive trait in a human and I am proud to say that one of the most humble people I know is my oldest son, Matt. He has always been very soft spoken but hard working. He is currently a Major in the US Air Force and it wasn’t until recently, when we started talking about some performance standards they use in his current position, that I asked if I could see his, out of curiosity. Well, I was blown away by what I read! He very rarely talks about his accomplishments so I had no idea just how much he has accomplished. But besides the accomplishments, I was more impressed with how little he felt the need to share this with me or his dad. His humility showed such a beautiful side of the “boy” that I already adored so much!
When I was young
I never gave a thought to the functions of my body . . .
I took it all for granted;
jumped and climbed and ran,
and danced my way through my youth.
Since I’ve grown old,
things
don’t work the way they used to.
I rebelled for about five years,
insisting
that this is not who I am,
but deep down I knew that this is what I was becoming.
My hip finally became too painful to do even basic things,
like cooking and cleaning,
let alone refinishing furniture
or working in the garden.
The first time I used a cane to go grocery shopping
I was mortally embarrassed and ashamed,
when it got to needing a walker,
I stopped going.
I could feel my right hip creak
every time I moved,
and heard ‘bone on bone’.
Other people
could hear it to.
Long story, short . . .
I finally received a hip replacement,
and went through 6 weeks of PT.
The walker went away by the end of the week,
and the cane found its way back to the umbrella stand in the hall,
and now I can walk pretty well.
But that whole five years that I fought my way through,
was very painful . . .
emotionally, physically, and spiritually,
and I don’t advise anyone
to be too proud to admit that they need help.
Those years taught me humility,
especially when I finally surrendered,
and allowed myself to be helped.
What a burden those five years were . . .
I suppose they were needed
in order for me to get my bearings and grow,
but I am happy they are over.
I fully appreciate that I can walk again,
but no longer take my health for granted.
I am old
and humble,
but not cowed.
I can still rise to the occasion as needed. ♥
Sparrow, I’m touched by your sharing. In the past I lived with 2 problematic knees. One was caused by a work injury. I had no idea how depleting and agonizing it is to body, mind, and spirit to live with chronic pain. Im grateful that was five and six years ago, post surgeries. I now loan out the walker to others. Namaste.
I immediately think of my dad. A hard working man, who has done so much for me and my siblings. Always willing to help others in whatever way he can. A very calm and humble man. I love him with my whole being.
Happy late new years! I’ve been on vacation with my family and haven’t been able to post on here. Missed y’all and hope everyone is doing well. 🧡
I guess I would say that anyone who is will-ing instead of will-full, lives from the soul not the ego, is expressing humility. For me, the humble person seeks awareness not gratification and is willing to be vulnerable and many times “shakes in his or her boots” but chooses to proceed!
Hasidic Saying on Responsibility and Humility
“As the saying goes, man must have two pockets into which he can reach at one time or another according to his need. In his right pocket he must keep the words:”For my sake was the world created.” And in his left pocket: “I am dust and ashes.”
I feel like the minister of my Unitarian Universalist congregation models humility. She gives wonderful sermons and has been a powerful force of social justice in our community and also really gives wonderful pastoral care. She is a pretty amazing person, and really seems connected to a loving spiritual force. And yet she also is honest when she is feeling tired or angry or hopeless and she role models being comfortable with her imperfections. And I never get the feeling that she thinks that our church community is all about her, she gives us the feeling that it is all about us.
For a number of years I’ve been active in a spirituality service group. I’ve held a variety of leadership roles and now know the info about the “who’s and how” things happen. When I’m asked questions it can feed my ego to provide the answers many seek. However, I know I’m no longer in a leadership role. I’m politely encouraging the question askers to contact those now in leadership roles. I don’t always do this perfectly, but I’m getting better at it. Happy Day 2 of this New Year of adventures awaiting all of us! 💫
I don’t know that I *have* recently encountered humility. I checked the dictionary definition to check my understanding of the word. From Merriam-Webster, “freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble.”
I don’t view pride as a bad thing when I’m taking honest pride in my accomplishments. (Arrogance is different–I wouldn’t take pride in that.)
For me there are some gendered things at work behind this word. Generalizing broadly here based on reading research years ago, women are socialized to give credit to the team, men to take individual credit for their work. Humility hasn’t served women all that well in the workplace; it’s a disadvantage when going after a promotion, for example.
Knowing this, and serving as a woman leader in an agency and profession that are both male-dominated, I make sure I recognize the accomplishments of women around me and I own my own accomplishments so other women can feel free to do the same. This doesn’t mean bragging; it means honesty with myself and with others (and I do always give credit to my team as well).
Someone being genuinely humble in the spiritual sense of the word would be a rare encounter. I think of people like Mother Teresa or Thich Nhat Hanh. I’m humble in my efforts toward mindfulness and compassion.
Looking forward to reading how this question landed for others.
My art teacher is humble.
He allows students to progress in their own time.
He reaches out to help only after students request help
or only after asking if he may show a student something.
For me this makes for a peaceful atmosphere
where kindness prevails.
Where mistakes are allowed
and are part of the process.
All artwork is valid.
No okay from the teacher is needed.
I appreciate William, my art teacher.
He is humble.
William puts the will and ego of his students
before that of his own.
♥️
Incredibly, today’s Gospel and today’s reflected question have the same keyword: “humility.” Listening to other people wholeheartedly is where I encounter humility. It’s not about the place, but about myself.
My husband is a great Chef. He went to culinary school when he was young, worked under a French Master Chef, and has done some really great things during his career over the past 23ish years. The past two years have been tough. Our restaurant really killed his confidence. But we got away from that, trusting that things were going to get better. And now here we are in this big city. We put our business aside, and he started looking for jobs, getting some great offers. He took one as an Exec Sous Chef at a country club, and they absolutely love him. They love his food, the way he works, the way he leads… he is regaining his confidence, but he is so humble in the process. I actually have to remind him when he’s talking about work that he was hired for a reason. It’s really nice watching him bloom again.
My mom told me that I needed to stay in 3rd grade for Vietnamese for at least 2025. I wanted to go to 5th grade, but she wouldn’t let me, because it would be skipping steps. As Charlie said, “Pride comes before fall.”
I enjoy being in 3rd grade. Leveling up faster requires handling more pressure. Bigger gloves for bigger hands. Going step by step fits me better than cutting corners. Age is just a number.
I turned 33 yesterday. My English is like an adult. My Vietnamese is like a grade school child.
Being a child is comfortable. Life is simple. Don’t have to think too much. A typical day only consists of: eating, sleeping, studying, and playing.
I think the saying is “pride goeth before the fall”, and I am often guilty of this.
As I tackle projects that are unfamiliar, I am often reminded of my limitations, and forced to do things twice. Tis the nature of things, I guess.
As pride (ego) falls away, this becomes less painful.
It is a reminder to stay humble and in a beginners mind.
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In a caring woman with a lovingkind heart who consoled my desperately crying dear father when during one night, he was lost in a delusion of being completely deserted; in a dear one returing out of Love; in nature, in its humble presence, trees standing tall for ages and reliably providing life-giving oxigene while in the same time reducing opposite matter, flowers in all of their innocent beauty of color and scent; in a capitain i had the honor to meet shortly who navigates with humility in heart.
My thoughts come to my son who is very talented in so many ways. Very creative and an excellent writer. He has grown so much in the last 10 years and yet does not boast about all of his accomplishments. It stands out to me because his father had a big ego and others within my extended family.
I recently encountered humility by realizing I need to continue to work on a very difficult challenge that I thought I’d “finished.” The only way out is through, and clearly life is showing me that I’m not out (though I thought I was). That’s a big serving of humility right there.
Earth School, Drea. She is an insistent teacher. You are right where you need to be. Godspeed.
Thank you Mary. “Insistent teacher” is spot on. I appreciate your support.
I have always considered humility to be a very attractive trait in a human and I am proud to say that one of the most humble people I know is my oldest son, Matt. He has always been very soft spoken but hard working. He is currently a Major in the US Air Force and it wasn’t until recently, when we started talking about some performance standards they use in his current position, that I asked if I could see his, out of curiosity. Well, I was blown away by what I read! He very rarely talks about his accomplishments so I had no idea just how much he has accomplished. But besides the accomplishments, I was more impressed with how little he felt the need to share this with me or his dad. His humility showed such a beautiful side of the “boy” that I already adored so much!
When I was young
I never gave a thought to the functions of my body . . .
I took it all for granted;
jumped and climbed and ran,
and danced my way through my youth.
Since I’ve grown old,
things
don’t work the way they used to.
I rebelled for about five years,
insisting
that this is not who I am,
but deep down I knew that this is what I was becoming.
My hip finally became too painful to do even basic things,
like cooking and cleaning,
let alone refinishing furniture
or working in the garden.
The first time I used a cane to go grocery shopping
I was mortally embarrassed and ashamed,
when it got to needing a walker,
I stopped going.
I could feel my right hip creak
every time I moved,
and heard ‘bone on bone’.
Other people
could hear it to.
Long story, short . . .
I finally received a hip replacement,
and went through 6 weeks of PT.
The walker went away by the end of the week,
and the cane found its way back to the umbrella stand in the hall,
and now I can walk pretty well.
But that whole five years that I fought my way through,
was very painful . . .
emotionally, physically, and spiritually,
and I don’t advise anyone
to be too proud to admit that they need help.
Those years taught me humility,
especially when I finally surrendered,
and allowed myself to be helped.
What a burden those five years were . . .
I suppose they were needed
in order for me to get my bearings and grow,
but I am happy they are over.
I fully appreciate that I can walk again,
but no longer take my health for granted.
I am old
and humble,
but not cowed.
I can still rise to the occasion as needed. ♥
Thank you Sparrow
♥️♥️♥️
Such a humble, beautiful sharing, Sparrow. Thank you.
Sparrow, I’m touched by your sharing. In the past I lived with 2 problematic knees. One was caused by a work injury. I had no idea how depleting and agonizing it is to body, mind, and spirit to live with chronic pain. Im grateful that was five and six years ago, post surgeries. I now loan out the walker to others. Namaste.
Thank you, Sparrow.
I immediately think of my dad. A hard working man, who has done so much for me and my siblings. Always willing to help others in whatever way he can. A very calm and humble man. I love him with my whole being.
Happy late new years! I’ve been on vacation with my family and haven’t been able to post on here. Missed y’all and hope everyone is doing well. 🧡
Welcome back. Glad to hear you had a nice vacation with your family.
I guess I would say that anyone who is will-ing instead of will-full, lives from the soul not the ego, is expressing humility. For me, the humble person seeks awareness not gratification and is willing to be vulnerable and many times “shakes in his or her boots” but chooses to proceed!
Hasidic Saying on Responsibility and Humility
“As the saying goes, man must have two pockets into which he can reach at one time or another according to his need. In his right pocket he must keep the words:”For my sake was the world created.” And in his left pocket: “I am dust and ashes.”
🙂
I feel like the minister of my Unitarian Universalist congregation models humility. She gives wonderful sermons and has been a powerful force of social justice in our community and also really gives wonderful pastoral care. She is a pretty amazing person, and really seems connected to a loving spiritual force. And yet she also is honest when she is feeling tired or angry or hopeless and she role models being comfortable with her imperfections. And I never get the feeling that she thinks that our church community is all about her, she gives us the feeling that it is all about us.
Elizabeth, So glad you have a UU congregation available to you!
For a number of years I’ve been active in a spirituality service group. I’ve held a variety of leadership roles and now know the info about the “who’s and how” things happen. When I’m asked questions it can feed my ego to provide the answers many seek. However, I know I’m no longer in a leadership role. I’m politely encouraging the question askers to contact those now in leadership roles. I don’t always do this perfectly, but I’m getting better at it. Happy Day 2 of this New Year of adventures awaiting all of us! 💫
I don’t know that I *have* recently encountered humility. I checked the dictionary definition to check my understanding of the word. From Merriam-Webster, “freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble.”
I don’t view pride as a bad thing when I’m taking honest pride in my accomplishments. (Arrogance is different–I wouldn’t take pride in that.)
For me there are some gendered things at work behind this word. Generalizing broadly here based on reading research years ago, women are socialized to give credit to the team, men to take individual credit for their work. Humility hasn’t served women all that well in the workplace; it’s a disadvantage when going after a promotion, for example.
Knowing this, and serving as a woman leader in an agency and profession that are both male-dominated, I make sure I recognize the accomplishments of women around me and I own my own accomplishments so other women can feel free to do the same. This doesn’t mean bragging; it means honesty with myself and with others (and I do always give credit to my team as well).
Someone being genuinely humble in the spiritual sense of the word would be a rare encounter. I think of people like Mother Teresa or Thich Nhat Hanh. I’m humble in my efforts toward mindfulness and compassion.
Looking forward to reading how this question landed for others.
You make an important distinction here, Barb C. Thank you.
My art teacher is humble.
He allows students to progress in their own time.
He reaches out to help only after students request help
or only after asking if he may show a student something.
For me this makes for a peaceful atmosphere
where kindness prevails.
Where mistakes are allowed
and are part of the process.
All artwork is valid.
No okay from the teacher is needed.
I appreciate William, my art teacher.
He is humble.
William puts the will and ego of his students
before that of his own.
♥️
Incredibly, today’s Gospel and today’s reflected question have the same keyword: “humility.” Listening to other people wholeheartedly is where I encounter humility. It’s not about the place, but about myself.
AH, yes, willingness!
My Ngoc, I’ve heard the old saying before about 2 ears and 1 mouth.
My husband is a great Chef. He went to culinary school when he was young, worked under a French Master Chef, and has done some really great things during his career over the past 23ish years. The past two years have been tough. Our restaurant really killed his confidence. But we got away from that, trusting that things were going to get better. And now here we are in this big city. We put our business aside, and he started looking for jobs, getting some great offers. He took one as an Exec Sous Chef at a country club, and they absolutely love him. They love his food, the way he works, the way he leads… he is regaining his confidence, but he is so humble in the process. I actually have to remind him when he’s talking about work that he was hired for a reason. It’s really nice watching him bloom again.
So happy for you both!
Thank you, Carol!
I am so glad to hear about your husband’s success in his new job, Sunnypatti! ♥️
Thank you. It is a blessing, indeed!
My mom told me that I needed to stay in 3rd grade for Vietnamese for at least 2025. I wanted to go to 5th grade, but she wouldn’t let me, because it would be skipping steps. As Charlie said, “Pride comes before fall.”
I enjoy being in 3rd grade. Leveling up faster requires handling more pressure. Bigger gloves for bigger hands. Going step by step fits me better than cutting corners. Age is just a number.
I turned 33 yesterday. My English is like an adult. My Vietnamese is like a grade school child.
Being a child is comfortable. Life is simple. Don’t have to think too much. A typical day only consists of: eating, sleeping, studying, and playing.
Happy 33rd birthday Loc!
chúc mừng sinh nhật – thank you online translation, lol
Hope you enjoyed the date of your birth Loc Tran.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to you, Loc Tran!
Thanks Carol.
Happy Birthday, Loc Tran — A New Year’s Day baby!
Thanks Elizabeth.
Happy birthday, Loc.
Thank you for sharing about your life.
Thanks Mary, and no problem.
As we say at our house, happy birthdayweekmonth! We figure 24 hours is too short for celebrating being on this earth.
Thanks Barb.
Love this!
Happy Birthday! Each year is a gift, love the life of it.
Happy Birthday, Loc!
Thanks Yram and Sunnypatti.
I think the saying is “pride goeth before the fall”, and I am often guilty of this.
As I tackle projects that are unfamiliar, I am often reminded of my limitations, and forced to do things twice. Tis the nature of things, I guess.
As pride (ego) falls away, this becomes less painful.
It is a reminder to stay humble and in a beginners mind.
Yes a beginners mind, one that is open to learn.
Love this!
Charlie, you just reminded me of myself. I often skip steps to get straight to the goal. Patience and trusting the process is more effective.