Tag: Humility

Are you really listening?

One of the essential needs of all humans beings is to be heard above being corrected with ‘the right answer’. As subconsciously we equate being heard with being accepted possibly even loved. Yet how often do we actually listen to what someone is saying?

More often than not I find myself thinking about how to solve their problem or, coming up with reasons why I disagree with them or, worse still trying to come up with witty comment so that somehow I still get attention.

Let your mind revisit recent conversations and reflect upon your actions and responses.

When we resist these urges and truly, deeply listen to what is being said we achieve a deeper level of perception where we are able to understand what is being communicated. We enter a new level of connection with the person who is speaking and let them into our heart, the depth of who we are.

We have engaged with their ‘being’ and discovered more about them but in some way we’ve also learnt more about ourselves.

When we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for others, willing to let them into our hearts and get involved in their lives we will both be transformed.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

James 1:19

Humility

So many of the problems that Humanity faces would be solved if pride died and humility reigned. Such a simple solution, and yet in reality so very complex.

The key I believe in this particular area is to start with personal humility, seek to ‘be the change you want to see’. In order to do that however, you need to recognise the subtlety of pride and the burden of humility.

At what point does self-confidence turn into pride?

I think it is precisely at the point where you decide that being right is more important than the relationship you have with others.

C. S. Lewis describes humility thus; “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is think of yourself less.”

Maybe this would lead us to think of others more. In doing so I believe we would find that much of the conflict we experience everyday would cease.

There would be more peace in the world.

“Blessed are the humble, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5:5