Posts Tagged ‘ego’
3 ways to stay humble
Posted on: September 30, 2011
If you are making a difference in the world, it can be hard to be humble, and live with humility. Keep in mind that this does not mean being “humiliated,” but to live graciously and without trying to prove yourself with a big ego. Here are three easy ways:
- Put things in perspective. No matter what, there is always someone doing things much bigger than you are doing. And, there are many people suffering, who would consider you their idol. Sound like a good middle ground?
- Turn it over to Divine Source. You are here to serve and help others. It is your privilege to do so in your own unique way. Know that you have been given gifts, and exercise them with heartfelt love.
- Do menial labor. What? Am I serious? You bet. If you think you’re so great, try out a task that pays minimum wage. Chances are, you’ll find out that someone earning very little is very likely working very hard. For all that you do, remember that others are in need. Help them – when you’re in their debt, pay more than necessary and overtip waiters.
It’s essential to take good care of ourselves: get good exercise, have alone time, do things that are nurturing for us. And it’s important to love and appreciate ourselves and our presence in the world.
The former is self-care, and the latter is self-love. There’s a subtle difference, however, when we look at self-cherishing. to overly “cherish” oneself over others, to place yourself higher than other people, means that you are worthy of more attention than others. This act strengthens and reifies the ego self, the part that most spiritual and religious teachings discuss as, in the end, less important.
Action: Today, notice your behavior toward yourself. Continue to love and appreciate yourself and take good care of your needs. However, if you find that you’re doing so to the extent that you’re forgetting to equally love other people, make an adjustment, and do some actions that love others, too.
