JOT Week 24 - Enjoy humility

[FeeHutch]

An interesting concept humility. I am giving a lot of thought to how being humble and being a doormat are not the same thing, anyone else have any thoughts?

[Steve]

Very tricky - input from others on this would be appreciated.

I've just lost my legal dispute so am hurting (both in myself and my pocket). Is this what being humbled feels like?

Steve

[FeeHutch]

No I don't think that is humility, you sound more like you feel humiliated? Is that the right word?

[nnikolic]

There are a couple of thoughts I have about this.

Before I start here is the definition of humble I just picked up from Google "having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance."

The problem is that there is also a verb humble which means "cause (someone) to feel less important or proud."

Here lies the answer.

First, I associate being humble with something I have decided to be. No one else can make me be humble, unless I allow it by feeling/thinking. With mindfulness, you can let this feeling pass.

Second, I think being humble is almost the same as being grateful. You are grateful you are alive in such large universe. Although you have the ability to shape that universe, you are just grateful for being there. If you want to present yourself as important to others, you will fail. You do not have to do this, because you are already important to the universe.

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." - Marcus Aurelius

best regards
Nenad

[JonW]

I think our friend Nenad has nailed this one.
Great post.
Thank you.

[Steve]

I agree. To be humble is something under ones own control and is clearly a virtue. Mindfulness involves avoiding judgement (of oneself or others) so is not compatible with seeing oneself as being better or more important than others - which are components of being humble.

To humiliate or be humiliated is something inflicted by one person on another and is not virtuous so is very different.

Thanks Nenad for your inciteful comments.

What do I learn from this? Maybe that its best to focus on what I am able to control - my outlook, my attitude, how I regard myself etc and not worry or stress about the actions of others over whom I have no control. Happiness and contentment is found within not without.

Steve

[nnikolic]

What do I learn from this? Maybe that its best to focus on what I am able to control - my outlook, my attitude, how I regard myself etc and not worry or stress about the actions of others over whom I have no control. Happiness and contentment is found within not without.

Your understanding is correct. The problem is that it is difficult to accept the concept. It is difficult to look at someone who humiliates you as someone who is actually hurting themselves.

It is also hard not to seek gratification when we do something good and we are excited about it. We are conditioned to do so by our environment. We are encouraged to brag.

Good news is that with practice, you will handle it better.

Nenad

[JonW]

"Thanks Nenad for your inciteful comments."
Erm, I think that should read "insightful".

[Steve]

Yes, well spotted John! This seems to confirm it:

http://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2010/ ... teful.html

Steve