Humility

While preparing to write this blog, I had to reacquaint myself with the definition of humility. I was surprised at how negative some of the definitions seemed to me. After all, who wants to walk around with "a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience" or be "low in rank, importance, status, quality"? It's the opposite of what we all strive to be and do.

In a world of continuous improvement, whether it's technology advancements or personal development, low status and insignificance feels like a step backwards. We work hard to improve our rank and importance. We work hard to feel if not extraordinary, then at least better. Nobody wants to sit in the discomfort of weakness for long, if at all.

But maybe we're missing the point of humility.

Let me give you a personal example. I've practiced yoga for about a decade, and for most of that time, I've avoided arm balances, because while a lot of things came easily to me, arm balances did not. No matter what I tried, I couldn't seem to get them right or make any noticeable progress. I felt frustrated and inadequate when I tried arm balances. I decided that arm balances "weren't for me".

Instead, I worked on the asanas that I was good at and I avoided arm balances. I stuck with what worked and I didn't bother with the other (uncomfortable) stuff. Over time, I became the person who doesn't really do arm balances.

Our FCYP teachers tell us that yoga meets us where we are.

Where we are is the present moment and humility helps us accept our present moment. Humility says, Let go of who you think you are and who you think you aren't. Let go and be here now. Be in this moment. The present moment isn't a judgement, it's an experience of being. My present moment isn't where I am either good or bad at arm balances. My present moment is where I accept myself as someone who is practicing arm balances.

The humble me can let go of the narrative that I am bad at arm balances, that arm balances are too hard for me, or that I shouldn't waste my time on arm balances, because I'll never get them no matter how hard I work. Humility reminds me to let go of my internal judgements and be in the present. I feel myself in space, notice where I am on the mat. I feel my breath and body move as I shift my weight forward onto my arms and lift a leg. I experience the discomfort, playfulness, frustration, curiosity, and connection with myself. I realize that arm balances aren't that big of a deal. I don't need to take them so seriously. I don't need to take myself so seriously. Let go and be here now. Be in this moment.

As we move into the season of Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for the practice of yoga and its endless teachings. And I'm grateful to our FCYP community because without a doubt, yoga is better with others. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!