During the fifth week of counting the Omer,
we examine and refine the emotional attribute of Hod or humility. Humility ―
and the resulting yielding ― should not be confused with weakness and lack of
self-esteem. Hod or humility is modesty ― it is acknowledgment (from the root
of the Hebrew word "hoda'ah"). It is saying "thank you" to
God. It is clearly recognizing your qualities and strengths and acknowledging
that they are not your own; they were given to you by God for a higher purpose
than just satisfying your own needs. Humility is modesty; it is recognizing how
small you are which allows you to realize how large you can become. And that
makes humility so formidable.
A full cup cannot be filled. When you're
filled with yourself and your needs, "I and nothing else", there is
no room for more. When you "empty" yourself before something greater
than yourself, your capacity to receive increases beyond your previously
perceived limits. Humility is the key to transcendence; to reach beyond yourself.
Only true humility gives you the power of total objectivity. Humility is
sensitivity; it is healthy shame out of recognition that you can be better than
you are and that you can expect more of yourself. Although humility is silent
it is not a void. It is a dynamic expression of life that includes all seven
qualities of love, discipline, compassion, endurance, humility, bonding and
sovereignty.
Examine the love in your humility. Healthy
humility is not demoralizing; it brings love and joy not fear. Humility that
lacks love has to be reexamined for its authenticity. Sometimes humility can be
confused with low self-esteem, which would cause it to be unloving. Humility
brings love because it gives you the ability to rise above yourself and love
another. Does my humility cause me to be more loving and giving? More
expansive? Or does it inhibit and constrain me?
Exercise for the day: Before praying with
humility and acknowledgment of God, give some charity. It will enhance your
prayers.
Humility must be disciplined and focused.
When should my humility cause me to compromise and when not? In the name of
humility do I sometimes remain silent and neutral in the face of wickedness?
Humility must also include respect and awe for the person or experience before
whom you stand humble. If my humility is wanting, is it because I don't respect
another?
Exercise for the day: Focus in on your
reluctance to commit in a given area to see if it originates from a healthy,
humble place.
Examine if your humility is compassionate.
Does my humility cause me to be self-contained and anti-social or does it
express itself in empathy for others. Is my humility balanced and beautiful? Or
is it awkward? Just as humility brings compassion, compassion can lead one to
humility. If you lack humility, try acting compassionately, which can help
bring you to humility.
Exercise for the day: Express a humble
feeling in an act of compassion.
Examine the strength and endurance of your
humility. Does my humility withstand challenges? Am I firm in my positions or
do I waffle in the name of humility? Humility and modesty should not cause one
to feel weak and insecure. Netzach of Hod underscores the fact that true
humility does not make you into a "doormat" for others to step on; on
the contrary, humility gives you enduring strength. Is my humility perceived as
weakness? Does that cause others to take advantage of me?
Exercise for the day: Demonstrate the
strength of your humility by initiating or actively participating in a good
cause.
Everyone has humility and modesty in their
hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one consciously feels
it. Am I afraid to be too humble? Do I mask and protect my modesty with
aggressive behavior? Humility must also be examined for its genuineness. Is my
humility humble? Or is it yet another expression of arrogance? Do I take too much
pride in my humility? Do I flaunt it? Is it self-serving? Is my humility part
of a crusade or is it genuine?
Exercise for the day: Be humble just for its
own sake.
Humility should not be a lonely experience.
It ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There is no stronger bond
than one that comes out of humility. Does my humility separate me from others
or bring us closer? Does my humility produce results? Long term results? Does
it create an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build.
Exercise for the day: Use your humility to
build something lasting.
Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is
the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is majestic and
aristocratic. Humility that suppresses the human spirit and denies individual
sovereignty is not humility at all. Does my humility make me feel dignified? Do
I feel alive and vibrant?
Exercise for the day: Teach someone how
humility and modesty enhance human dignity.
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