A Profund Bow

All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power. — Lao-Tzu

5 Things That Remind Me of the Power of Humility

Silence

Silence is powerful. The kind of silence that allows for wonder and amazement. The kind of silence from which I am grateful for being delivered from saying things that will be hurtful and that I will regret. The kind of silence in which you can hear crickets, waterfalls, roosters, and waves. Silence is humility when ego, have-to-be-rightness, hard headedness, and rigidity are simply quiet and listen and allow wonder and awe and discernment to take hold.

Apologies

Apologies are powerful. The power of an apology can be understood in the way an apology ushers in healing. The power of an apology can be felt in the lightness of a heart that apologizes. The power of an apology can be seen in moments of clarity and hope that happen after an apologize.

Understanding

Seek first to understand rather than to be understood. Seeking to understand requires a profound bow. When we bow, we are acknowledging the value and dignity of the person with whom we are talking. By bow, I don’t mean a full on head below heart bow, necessarily, though that kind of bow is meaningful. I am talking about the divine light that is in each of us and the gentle acknowledgment of the way in which understanding must be the goal.

Teams and Casts

I have often heard that, “There is no I in team.” When a superstar athlete takes sole credit for a win. When a celebrity actor accepts an award without acknowledging the support of her cast, crew, and the many people who make a production possible. When a college football player does not play in a Bowl game because he might get hurt. I get frustrated. As a life long cast and choir member, I have learned the powerful connection that happens when creating happens together. Humility recognizes none of us achieve and succeed by ourselves.

Mentors and Teachers

Wise people never have to tell you they are wise. Wisdom and humility walk hand in hand. True teachers are inherently wise and humble. They view the world through a lens of service. They find joy in the success of their students, for their students success is their greatest goal. That is the definition of humility.