Feb 25 2009
Being Humble
Photo courtesy of www.kidjam.us
Blessed who unconcernedly find
Hours, days and years slide soft away
In health of body, peace of mind,
Quiet by day.
Alexander Pope (1688-1744)
from the poem Solitude
This poem exemplifies humility. It is also one of my all time favorite poems. I read this and it takes me on a journey of simplicity. Living in a city as I do I long for the times when I can escape into nature. I find it a necessity to breathe in the fresh sea air and walk among the trees on a daily basis.
Some may call this poem the life of a hermit. It is not that at all but rather a lesson in putting your ego aside and as a result freeing yourself from the binds of praise. Needing the acceptance of others, needing the applauds and accolades, which we all seek at one time or another is merely our egos needing that boost. We think we need all this attention in order to feel good about ourselves, yet we have to realize we choose how we feel. If we are constantly in need of praise we will never be happy. Being happy is being at peace within and that only comes from living your authentic life and enjoying what you do for the sheer pleasure of living your passion.
Here are a few suggestions
1. Take time out of your day to simply be silent. Walk through nature or play some music or just meditate. We all need this daily in order to become refreshed.
2. Being in touch with nature is being in touch with our roots. It is necessary to enjoy the peace and serenity that nature brings to our lives.
3. Exercise. Whether it be yoga, pilates or simply taking a walk it is the key to rejuvenation.
4. Give for the sake of giving. Do not ask for praise or thanks. You will be surprised how good you feel knowing you have helped someone. On giving I want to make one more point. I have a friend who commutes to work daily which takes about one hour and a half each way. Each week she will leave a little early to go to an elderly friends home and do her laundry for her before going to work. This is exactly what I mean by giving. She doesn’t do it for thanks or applause but rather for the sheer joy of helping her friend. This is unconditional giving.
I am soaking in your words, like the earth soaking in the sun. I feel peaceful, and contentment within myself…Thanks Jo!
I love that poem. By design, I am a nature girl and find I am most serene when romping outdoors. I’m just now starting to become quiet inside since the death of my husband. He was an addict and addiction (whether my own or that of someone else I’m close to) can be noisy, and create constant internal chatter. I find the humility from helping others softens that voice. I don’t have to look far to find someone worse off than I am who I can help, even if it’s in the smallest of ways. This also reminds me of the spirituality of work, and the book “Chop Wood, Carry Water.”
Great inspirational post.
Roxie
You are invited to sign the Recovery Wall
icybc - Thanks for your beautiful and kind words.
Roxie - First, I am sorry about your husband. Your words have such meaning and are very inspirational. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
Rainfield - No truer words spoken. Thank you.