5 Positive Ways to Be Humble for more Happiness
Humility refines the soul on so many levels
“We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh. Rather, we must be simple, humble and pure.” ~ Francis of Assisi
In our modern society, full of corporate power and stardom, being humble, being modest is often viewed as a weakness. And the funny part is, we celebrate entitlement and elitist behavior in the name of social norm.
What hope do we have as a society if we celebrate over confidence and elitist attitudes? Where is the spiritual growth in that? Aren’t we all getting rather materialistic?
This is the reason being humble is such a deep necessity for our society at large. But can we go change every person on this planet? NO! That’s literally impossible…so then what? Do we go on living the same way? Can we really find happiness in this cesspool of over indulgence?
Like Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” There is still hope for us. We need to begin to be humble and modest first our self.
Many spiritual teachers have stated of Humility as being the highest virtue one can have. So, not only does being humble make you happier and more content, it also makes you grow spiritually, refining your soul on levels you can not even imagine.
While confidence is greatly essential to getting ahead in life, over confidence is a buzz kill and a sure shot way to not be taken seriously in the world. Hence the importance of being humble.
Do you remember the tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes: Where the message is that it’s okay to be wrong about something and, more importantly, it’s okay to admit that to others. It shows that you not only value your opinion and decisions, but that you also value the opinions and decisions of those around you.
What are the benefits of Being Humble?
There are numerous benefits to being a humble person. Just to state a few…
1} More understanding:
A humble person understand his/her limits and knows when to draw a line where its needed. He/she has deeper understanding on the truths of life and their perspectives are based on reality rather than ego.
2} More Generous:
A humble person is always more generous than his ego driven or self absorbed counterparts because, he is able to place himself in the shoes of the less fortunate and ‘feel’ their pain. The ego driven person lives in a bubble where another’s pain cannot touch him.
3} More Helpful:
A Humble person on average is more helpful than others. In a study by LaBouff et al. (2011), people who were more humble, were more likely to offer help, and offered more of their time, to those in need. This is because they are more heart centered and come from a space of love.
In light of these needs…here are 5 positive ways you NEED to humble for true happiness, satisfaction and spiritual growth…
5 Positive Ways to Be Humble for more Happiness
1} Stop Feeding the Ego:
Don’t feed your ego by surrounding yourself with people who always agree to whatever you say and hence massage your ego. A few people who bring you back to reality and say it like it is, are essential to your growth and staying humble.
2} Start getting off your high horse:
Always, always, always treat people with respect and dignity. Just because you are successful that doesn’t make you better than them or give you permission to put others down. Staying grounded with your feet firmly on the ground is required for staying humble.
3} Stop talking, Start Listening:
When you can stop talking incessantly about how great you are, you can actually start listening. And when you listen, you discover what others have to offer and give importance to their opinions before forcing yours down. Listening shows that you value others opinions and insights.
4} Learn to apologize for mistakes:
Noone ever learnt anything or impressed anyone by shifting the blame and making excuses for their actions. Apologizing and owning to your mistakes brings you back to your soul’s center of truth and purity.
5} Keep striving for excellence:
If you are already successful, don’t become complacent. Complacency is a fruit of ego not humility. Keep pushing yourself further and keep growing. Excellence is a journey not a destination. When you keep pushing yourself to higher levels of excellence, you keep understanding and working on your own limitations, which keeps you grounded. Its all part of the self mastery.
Always strive to be more and more humble with every passing day. As John Wooden rightly says, “Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”
These words by Gary Zukav state humbleness in the most beautiful way:
“The one characteristic of authentic power that most people overlook is humbleness. It is important for many reasons. A humble person walks in a friendly world. He or she sees friends everywhere he or she looks, wherever he or she goes, whomever he or she meets. His or her perception goes beyond the shell of appearance and into essence.” ~ Gary Zukav
💭❓What are your thoughts on the necessity of being humble? Share them in the comments. I would love to learn from you.
💗With Love, Zeenat Merchant Syal, M.A, M.Sc
💗Zeenat Merchant Syal is a Practicing Counseling Psychologist & Spiritual Counselor. She writes on Healing the Mind, Heart & Soul on Positive Provocations & offers Online Counseling there too.💗
