Self-improvement and spiritual growth are all about cultivating various virtues. Among these, humility stands out as a cornerstone of true spiritual progress. In our previous discussion, we explored the essence and significance of humility. Now, let us delve into practical ways to cultivate this vital quality in our lives.
Understanding Your Level of Humility
Before we embark on the journey of cultivating humility, it's essential to understand where we currently stand. Self-awareness is the first step towards any meaningful change. To help gauge one's level of humility, here is a simple self-assessment tool.
This assessment consists of contrasting statements that reflect different attitudes toward humility. As you read through each pair, reflect on which statement resonates more with your thoughts and behaviors. Remember, this is not about judging yourself, but about gaining insight into your current mindset.
After completing this assessment, you may notice a pattern. Yet, we would like to let you know that items 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, and 20, reflect a humble attitude.
8 Practical Strategies to Practice Humility
Now that we have a clearer picture of our current level of humility, let us explore some practical strategies to cultivate this virtue in our daily lives. Remember, like any spiritual practice, developing humility is a gradual process that requires patience and consistent effort.
1. Self-Monitor Complaining and Fault-Finding
Complaining and fault-finding are often manifestations of pride and are directly opposite of humility. When we find ourselves frequently criticizing others or situations, it is a sign that we need to shift our perspective. Watch this video to understand the dangers of falsely judging others and focusing on their faults.
Instead of focusing on what is wrong, try to appreciate the positive aspects of people and circumstances. Express gratitude for the skills and contributions of others, recognizing that everyone has something valuable to offer. This shift in focus can help us develop a humbler and more accepting attitude.
2. Acknowledge the Limitations of Our Intellect
The recent global pandemic has starkly highlighted the limitations of human knowledge and control. As Swami Mukundananda ji beautifully articulated, there are three main lessons we can draw from this experience:
a) Our collective knowledge is limited, and we need to learn to be humble.
b) Material things are impermanent and perishable, but internal resources like love for God are infinite.
c) We must learn to respect the laws of nature, whether in terms of food consumption or the use of natural resources.
By acknowledging these limitations, we open ourselves to continuous learning and growth, which are hallmarks of a humble mindset.
3. Develop Feelings of Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful antidote to pride and a key ingredient in cultivating humility. Swamiji often emphasizes the importance of developing an attitude of gratitude in His lectures. We can foster humility by feeling grateful for all the divine gifts we have received – our human form, our divine Guru, our hunger for spiritual knowledge, our sensory organs, our intellect, and so much more. Meditate to practice gratitude as you watch this beautiful video.
Moreover, it is crucial to remind ourselves of the temporary nature of typical sources of pride like physical beauty, youth, wealth, knowledge, and unique skills. These can deteriorate with age or be lost in an instant. This realization helps us maintain a humble perspective on our achievements and blessings.
4. Detach from Outcomes of Actions
Pride often stems from our attachment to the results of our actions. We feel a sense of ownership and doership, which can inflate our ego. By reminding ourselves that it is God's divine energy that empowers us to act, we can work towards eliminating the pride of doership and cultivate humility instead.
This principle aligns beautifully with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, where Shree Krishna explained to Arjun:
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction. (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
5. Meditate on Becoming Humble
The power of visualization in transforming our inner landscape is well-documented. Swamiji's guided meditation to develop feelings of humbleness by serving God can be a powerful tool in our journey toward cultivating humility.
Regular practice of this meditation can help rewire our thought patterns and emotional responses, gradually cultivating a humbler outlook.
6. Accept Criticism with Grace
Our ego often reacts defensively to criticism, blocking the path to humility. By learning to accept criticism gracefully, we can chip away at the walls of pride. This doesn't mean blindly accepting all criticism, but rather approaching it with an open mind, seeking to understand and learn.
Additionally, practicing tolerance towards irritations, understanding the source of anger, respecting others without expecting respect in return, and perceiving the divine in every being can all contribute to developing a humble attitude.
7. Seek God's Grace
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may find ourselves struggling to cultivate humility. In such moments, the most powerful recourse is to seek the grace of God. By acknowledging our helplessness and our complete dependence on divine grace for transformation, we open ourselves to receive spiritual strength.
This act of surrender itself is a profound expression of humility. As the Bhagavad Gita teaches us, it is only when we completely surrender to God, will we be blessed with the ultimate grace:
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज। अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुच:॥
Abandon all varieties of dharmas and simply surrender unto Me alone. I shall liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear. (Bhagavad Gita 18.66)
8. Model Humbleness to Create a Culture of Humility
For those in leadership positions, practicing humility can have a ripple effect, creating a culture of mutual trust, commitment, and transcendence. Effective leaders who embody self-effacement, resilience, and optimism inspire these qualities in others, fostering an environment where humility can flourish.
The Ultimate Reward of Humility
As we practice these strategies and gradually cultivate humility, we open ourselves to profound spiritual growth. The greatest advantage of practicing humility is that it prepares us for a deeper connection with the Divine. When a soul feels the hunger to connect with God and reaches the level of humility needed for intellectual surrender, then God connects the soul to a divine Guru.
This connection is the gateway to accelerated spiritual progress and ultimate self-realization. As we continue on this path of humility, may we always remember the words of Saint Augustine:
"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility."
Let us embrace humility not as a sign of weakness, but as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and success in all aspects of life. Through consistent practice and sincere effort, may we all progress on this beautiful journey of self-transformation and divine connection.
FAQs
What are the signs of humble people?
- They will not say that they are humble!
- They will listen more and talk less.
- They will choose peace over being right when conversing with others.
What are some characteristics of humble people?
- They are not only self-aware but also aware of the emotional state of others
- They help others in need with a focus on nurturing relationships
- They put the needs of others before their own needs
- They have the mentality of abundance
- They take responsibility for their own behavior
- They are not afraid to ask for help