The word humility comes from the Latin root humus, which is soil. Humility is earthy and grounded.
The Dalai Lama often speaks about “human being to human being.” No superiority or inferiority—just people.
He shares a Tibetan prayer:
Whenever I see someone, may I never feel superior. From the depth of my heart, may I appreciate the person in front of me.
Often, the person in front of you is you.
Humility involves both/and rather than either/or…
Appreciate others and appreciate yourself.
You are essential and you’re not a big deal.
Your life matters and you’re part of a massive universe.
Desmond Tutu writes:
Humility allows us to celebrate the gifts of others… without denying our own.
Arrogance and shame are two sides of the same coin. Both narrow your view and close your heart.
In humility, you drop both. It’s a middle path of openness and curiosity.
What a relief to let go of needing to be special—or of feeling not enough. You can simply be as you are.
Humility isn’t an idea; it’s something you practice. Here are a few ways to explore it this week:
Appreciation
Pay attention to the people in your life: family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, service workers.
What do they do well? Where are their unique gifts?
Give specific, heartfelt appreciation. Instead of “thank you,” try “I appreciate the way you…”
It’s an attention and presence practice—and a gift to the receiver. They feel seen.
Am I sure?
On autopilot, we can feel certain—about our opinions, our beliefs, the “right way” to do something.
Ellen Langer calls certainty a “cruel mind state.” It narrows your view and constricts your heart.
Try asking, “Am I sure?”
This question opens curiosity and possibility. It can even bring a bit of lightness, especially when you’re holding something tightly.
When you loosen your grip on being right, you make more room for presence and joy.
One hard thing, one good thing
Honor the difficult parts of life and notice the good.
Each day, reflect on something hard. What challenged you? Where did you meet an edge or make a mistake? Honor it. You’re human—and it’s okay.
Then reflect on something good. Where did you experience connection, ease, beauty, or kindness? What did you do well? Celebrate the good stuff.
You can invite others into this, too—at the dinner table, on a walk, or before bed. Share one hard thing and one good thing.
You’re all beautifully human.
If you’d like, you can pause here and try a 5-minute humility meditation.
5-minute meditation
Humility is recognizing your goodness without making yourself such a big deal.
Let humility guide you this week.
You are of the earth—grounded, human, and enough.
If this resonated, you might enjoy The Pocket Pause—a free daily text with gentle reminders to pause, breathe, and come back to what matters.