Humilty

When you understand humility, you understand that we are connected to each other. Even when our beliefs are different, we don’t take it personally. We respect the right of others to exist and live as they want. Humility creates peace. Humility holds space for others.

The right to vote freely, act freely without harm to others and live your life according to your ideals is part of America’s philosophy. Recently, we have seen outrage when people disagree. The other day, a Minnesota politician and her husband were shot and killed. The shooter disagreed with her vote on an issue.

Violent protests have become a regular occurrence here. I remember the peaceful leadership of Gandhi, MLK, Mandela and Tutu. They changed the world through dialogue and mediation. Thoughtful, intelligent and refined. They set the bar high.

When people lack humility, they feel their opinion matters more than anyone else’s, even if they are wrong. In fact, they can’t even consider that they could be wrong. Their self-centeredness leaves little room for discussion or reason. They lack regard for the feelings or opinions of others.

Humility does not mean you think less of yourself. In fact, humility is recognizing the rights and needs of others. It is understanding that you could learn from others, as everyone has shortcomings and we are always learning.  Compassion, being open to learning and strong connection with others develops peaceful relationships and societies. 

These days I encounter attractive faces who think they are entitled to share vulgar comments and world views. Those faces mold into sneers as they express ugly comments about others. They are removed from self. They are removed from awareness. They feel entitled to harm others. In their minds, they are morally and intellectually superior.

There are many great deniers. Rather than take ownership for the behaviors which are antisocial, they simply won’t acknowledge them. Fake conversations lead to nowhere. I understand feigned ignorance when I see it as well as duplicity. It states, I dont care what you think or feel, I am more important. I see it, but have no desire to engage with it.

When people feel entitled to commit acts of violence, to harass others, fight, destroy communities and harm public servants, it marks a lack of civil education. It marks a sad decline in humanity’s understanding of community and regard for others.

These days I focus my time and energy on spiritual matters. Spiritual warriors understand the significance of these times and of maintaining neutrality. Awareness brings you to a place of love and compassion despite the chaos. To allow yourself to feel otherwise will only add to the misery and anger the majority are sharing with us. May we all bring peace to the table.