Because
in the school of the Spirit man learns wisdom through humility, knowledge by
forgetting, how to speak by silence, how to live by dying.
Johannes Tauler
Learning to
be humble isn’t easy, yet it may be the most important thing we ever learn.
From the time we are born, our parents, teachers and mentors impress upon us
the importance of self-esteem, self-awareness and how to do well in the world
in which we live.
It is the
wise advisor who, before anything else, teaches humility . For by thinking of
others first we find out greatest happiness.
Through serving
others we satisfy ourselves in a manner no person or thing can provide.
Living life
is our greatest teacher because it demonstrates to each of us that there are
many situations beyond our control. As we wrestle through hard times, we
struggle with our own mortality. In the midst of darkness, most of us continue
to fight against what is happening to us. It is the nature of the human
condition. Yet, as we seek answers and forge on, bent on surviving the agony of
being in a void, the answers continue to evade us. It is only after emerging
from those experiences that we are likely to find our answers.
Only later,
as we look back on what transpired (which can be immediately later or far into
the future), may we discover a startling truth. Only through humility and total
surrender of that which is beyond our control can we possess our own personal
power and experience the joy of living.
Life is a
series of dichotomies. Instead of fighting it, embrace it, both good and bad.
Remember that through adversity we grow strong. Just like the lead in a pencil,
what was once soft can grow strong under pressure and emerge, shining like a
diamond. So, to each of you, be humble, surrender and endure. Shine—be a
diamond.
No comments:
Post a Comment