Embracing Humbleness: A Path to Peace
By Jessica Soares
In a world where self-promotion and individualism often take center stage, humbleness may seem foreign and far away. Amid social media highlight reels, participation trophies, and the increasing spotlight on “personal brands,” humility seems like a nostalgic memory of days past. It’s sweet and heart-warming but seemingly ephemeral and intangible. We applaud confidence and reward the bold. Sometimes, we even celebrate faux humility. Examples of genuine humbleness are few and far between. Yet, humbleness remains a great teacher, and it’s a powerful attitude to aspire to.
At Hridaya, humbleness is one of the 14 Attitudes, one of the qualities we cultivate to support Self-revelation. At its core, humbleness involves recognizing our limitations, acknowledging our interconnectedness with all beings, and being willing to learn and grow from every experience. It’s about releasing the need for constant validation and finding contentment in simply being. Humbleness encourages us to explore the depths of our being with curiosity and reverence, and when truly embodied, it can be a powerful path to spiritual freedom.
Saint Teresa of Ávila once said, “There is more value in a little study of humility and in a single act of it than in all the knowledge in the world.” What does it mean to study humility? Is it a cognitive exercise, a philosophical exploration, or something more profound—an experiential journey into the heart of existence itself? Perhaps it is all these things and more—a continuous unraveling of layers, revealing the interconnected tapestry of life.
Spiritually, humbleness leads to surrender. It’s the surrender of the ego—the part of ourselves that craves recognition, superiority, and control. By letting go of the ego’s grip, we create space for humility to flourish, allowing us to see beyond ourselves and perceive the beauty and wisdom in others and the world around us. Humbleness fosters empathy and compassion, encouraging us to see the humanity in everyone we encounter. When we approach life with humility, we become more attuned to the needs and experiences of others, leading to deeper connections and a greater sense of unity.
Moreover, humbleness is a powerful antidote to the painful cycle of comparison and competition that permeates modern society. Instead of measuring our worth against others, we recognize that each individual is on their unique journey, facing their own challenges and triumphs. In embracing humbleness, we celebrate the successes of others without feeling threatened by them, knowing that true fulfillment comes from within, not from external accolades or achievements.
Humbleness is not determined by particular behaviors…shy eyes and rapidly dismissed compliments. It’s not simply a moral precept or intellectual debate. Humbleness, at its truest essence, is a gateway to profound Self-realization. It’s the recognition of our intrinsic smallness in the face of the Infinite—a reminder of our place in the symphony of existence, a deep knowing that all our capacities, skills, and talents are but gifts from God being shared through us.
We often hear sculptors say they do not create a piece but reveal it. The work of art doesn’t come from them but through them. They act in that moment as the hand of God. This is humbleness at its core—recognizing that there is no sense or gain in claiming possession over a gift. There is only gratitude for it being shared through us. But it is not us. It isn’t ours to possess. We aren’t made more or less worthy because of it. Humbleness is the sacrificing of the individual in recognition of the universal. In this beautiful recognition, humbleness cultivates reverence for the Divine. Whether we conceive of this divine presence as God, the Universe, or simply the interconnected web of life, humbleness invites us to approach it with awe and gratitude, recognizing that we are small pieces in a vast and intricate tapestry.
To embody humbleness is to embrace vulnerability—to stand naked before the mirror of existence, unadorned by the trappings of ego and identity. It is a radical act of self-love, a courageous surrender to the unknown, and ultimately a movement towards eternal freedom. This vulnerability allows us to reclaim our true essence in a world that demands that we not only label and separate ourselves but also use that separation to place ourselves on an invisible hierarchy of being “better than” the other.
When we choose to tap out of this endless game of comparison and egoic posturing, the practice of humbleness can become a journey of Self-discovery and transcendence. Practicing humbleness does not mean denying our strengths or achievements. Instead, it involves holding them with an open hand, recognizing that they are gifts to be shared rather than badges of superiority. It’s about using our talents and blessings to uplift others and serve the greater good rather than seeking to elevate ourselves above them.
In essence, humbleness is a pathway to inner peace and spiritual fulfillment. It frees us from the burdens of the ego, opening our hearts to love, compassion, and connection. By embracing humbleness in our thoughts, words, and actions, we align ourselves with the profound wisdom of the spiritual traditions that have long recognized its transformative power. Let’s walk this path with humility and grace, knowing that in embracing our own smallness, we open ourselves to the vastness of the Divine.
Jessica is a Hridaya student and a frequent contributor to our blog. You can read all of her posts here.
