to be humble?

Humility is the quality of being humble and kind. While older definitions, such as the 1998 Oxford Dictionary entry, described humility as having a “low opinion of oneself” or “not being proudful”, more recent psychological and philosophical definitions emphasize having an “accurate opinion of oneself“. This modern view includes expressing modesty appropriately, possessing clear goal orientation, openness, broad-mindedness, and a non-imposing mentality.

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The term “humility” comes from the Latin noun humilitas, related to the adjective humilis, which may be translated as “humble”, but also as “grounded” or “from the earth”, since it derives from the word humus (earth).

The word “humble” may be related to feudal England where the least valuable cuts of meat (whatever was left after the members of the upper class had taken their parts), or “umbles”, were provided to the lowest class of citizens.

Humility

money!

What’s a lesson you’ve learned recently that shifted your perspective?

I would like to say something profound and insightful. But I have learned recently that I am really bad with money. When I have it, I spend it. (Hence, my library.) Also I have noticed that I try to reward myself with purchases (that I absolutely do not need).

Having things does not make you happy, neither does it take away the darkness inside. My perspective shift!!!!!

monasticism is a strange event

By avoiding being recognised as an institution, monasticism remains hidden from the eyes of this world, and this allows it to keep its perfect and absolute freedom to exist purely on the spiritual plane, governed exclusively by the power of the Holy Spirit. If monasticism were to become an institution, it would cease to be a life ‘outside the camp of this world;’ it would lose its charismatic power of humility and its prophetic and paradoxical character, whereby it maintains the knowledge of God on earth.

Zacharou, Archimandrite Zacharias. Monasticism: The All-Embracing Gift of the Holy Spirit, 8

Monasticism is prophetic by nature not only because of its truthful character which attracts the Spirit of Truth, but also because the prophet of God has no place in this life, just as ‘the Son of man had nowhere to lay His head’, not even in the Synagogue which had been founded in His Name. However, the word of God loves the heart of the prophet for he has God as his only refuge. It runs through his heart freely and without hindrance as a stream of living water, so that his heart becomes a precious vessel filled with words of eternal life.

ibid, 10

always sleep

What do you do to improve your sleep?

I like sleep. In fact, one might say, I love to be asleep. Yet I know that certain foods and drinks stop me from sleeping. Or, maybe, sleeping as well as I can. So no caffeine in the afternoon, no big meals in the afternoon, and no snacks. Also no sleeping in the afternoon! I sleep with the sun – when it sets I go to sleep, when it rises I need to get up. I find that listening to an audiobook helps me to sleep. I know that it is because my anxiety needs it. But it works for me.

battle for blessing

I am reading the Life of St Mary of Egypt. It is so edifying. Zosimus is always adding tears to tears and Mary is an example of true humility. And, the real insight for me, the battle for a blessing at their meeting:

After many hours had passed, the woman said to Zosimus: “Abba Zosimus, it is fitting for you to bless and pray; for you are supported by the honor of the priesthood, and for many years you have assisted at the holy altar, and you explore the secrets of the gifts of Christ’s divinity.”

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But above all, grace is attributed to you, that you call me by name, whom you have never seen. But since grace is not known by dignity, but is accustomed to be signified by the actions of souls, bless for the sake of God, and grant a prayer of your perfection’s indulgence.”

St. Sophronius of Jerusalem. Life of St. Mary of Egypt, 14.

St Mary blesses Zosimus who then brings her Holy Communion. A truly remarkable account of life in Jesus. Read!!!!!

solitude

What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?

Know thyself! Ever person is gloriously different. So knowing yourself is a good first step to dealing with negative thoughts. For me, it is solitude. Not isolation. But real solitude. The difference? Solitude is rejoicing in who is present, isolation is who is absent. I do not do random!

This solitude puts all my thoughts into context. And those present are the context. So …