What is humility? We discussed this in a study group I attend. According to the dictionary definition, "A modest or low view of one's importance; humbleness."
Later that night I was walking through the woods. It was nearly dark and I was the only person there. My dogs were running freely through the trails, occasional sightings of rabbits and beautiful bird songs caught my attention but only for short moments. I was pushing myself to walk briskly and hoping I would make myself tired so I could go to sleep at a reasonable hour.
About 20 minutes into my walk, I realized my eyes were mostly fixed on the ground in front of me and my mind was busy. Very busy. I was thinking about relationships, mostly failed or strained relationships. I was thinking about hurt and confusion or what I could, should, or would have done in various situations, and about all the things I want to do - travel, home projects, outings with friends. I was going over finances and how I could make more money to fund the many trips and excursions on my list.
I was tense. My mind was taking me to stressful places and I wasn't aware untiI I was. I stopped on the path and took some deep breaths. I could smell the trees, the dirt, the foliage. I called my dogs and told them how much I love them. Then, I looked up at the giant trees around me, and the sky. The sky was filled with beautiful whispy pink clouds that took my breath away for a moment. There it was - humility. I was right-sized.
I felt my smallness and was reminded once again, everything really isn't all about me. I was fully present in the moment and aware of my very small part in this life. Peace and serenity settled within me. I took it all in - the beautiful sky, the trees, the smells, the sounds. I thought, I am a spec on the earth. My mind is focusing on problems and making them bigger than they actually are. I'm giving away this precious time.
Life isn't all about me and my world, although life can feel consuming at times and problems do occur, it's very small. I was reminded of another definition for humility I had heard: "Not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."
For the rest of my walk, I was present. I thought about the beauty around me, about people I love, my Grandson, Wyatt, and the many wonderful friendships in my life. I was aware of the miracle of existence. I admired the wild flowers and looked for the birds I could hear singing in the trees. I stopped to look up at the expansive sky and trees all around me again and again. I remembered how small I am in this big beautiful world and I was at peace.
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