Salt of the Earth

Humans ought to do the same.

The root of word humility stems from the Latin language meaning “earth, soil, from the ground.” Therefore, from a heart posture of humility → we deepen the roots of self-awareness, create a healthy foundation, and branch out reciprocally with like-valued relationships.

In the field of psychology, the more I have come to know, the more I realize I do not know. Rather than become annoyed by the numerous ideas to study, learn, and remember, I remain fascinated. Similar to running free in an open field, I sprint through the basics, pay greater attention to flowering notions with distinct scents, and seek concepts amongst less-worn paths. It can be both exciting and terrifying to traverse unfamiliar terrain.

For example, an exploration into the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study makes my blood boil. Those who go through many traumatic experiences as a kid, such as abuse and neglect from household dysfunction, are highly likely to combat addiction and suicidal ideation later on in life. Is it better to know the ins-and-outs of ACE or to be nescient to it? As another example, a voyage through The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Anchor sheds light on the power of positivity. Anticipation of something enjoyable raises endorphin levels by ~27%. Longevity, job success, and team performance are influenced favorably by an optimistic mindset. By realizing this information, how could I use it to help others?

Humility involves a curious, not furious, mentality. It stems from fascination, not frustration. It shouts: what I do not yet know is more important than what I do know! It’s not about thinking less of ourselves; it’s about thinking of ourselves less… and considering others more. It asks, which perspectives could enhance our own? What might we achieve when we gain more awareness? What information is worth learning and which shallow views are worth unlearning?

By attaining more accurate information, we are better able to get our next actions in formation.

Here are three “facts” I used to believe were completely true:

• It’s always better to work more and to rest less. While those who work 10% longer are able to earn 40% more, sleep is essential for long-term health and sustainable productivity. Thinking we can “sleep when we are dead” by working incessantly now is more likely to lead to an earlier death.

• Relationships are either transactional or transformational. All relationships include a transaction of some kind; it requires intentionality and love to create a transformational bond. Transformational friendships are not separate from transactional friendships… they are merely a layer deeper.

• Some people are more interesting than others. Every human being has a compelling narrative; discovering each individual’s story demands asking better questions and attentively listening. Boredom shifts to captivation through better questions. People are interested in those who are interested. That’s where humility comes back into play.

“If you are bored by someone, that’s you. You are caught in the prisons of your own presumptions and you’re overlaying something on people. It’s some sterile apprehension you have about the nature of humanity, and you are just running into that over and over. And you think, “Oh, people are so boring.” Nope, that’s you.” — Jordan B. Peterson, world renowned thought leader, speaker, and clinical psychologist

When we come across a growling dog, what do we think? Usually, we say to ourselves or out loud, “What a mean dog! Stay away!” Here’s an inquiry to ponder, what if that growling dog had no other way to say the following: “Please do not come any closer to me because the last person who came that close hurt me.” Considering this alternative perspective, do we still think every growling dog we encounter is mean and unkind?

Being judgmental and furious is easier than remaining mindful and curious. Are we able to humble ourselves in such a way to say something like, “I think I know a lot; however, everything I have come to believe as true stems from my own personal experiences. I will maintain daily humility to stay open, learn, and grow.”

We are not perfect the way we are.

If that were the case, why strive?

We could be better, and deep down inside, we know it.

——

In every phenomenal story, three parts exist:

1. Challenge
2. Struggle
3. Galvanizing Resolution

To retain anything new, we must let go of what we previously believed to be factual. To learn we must unlearn. To live purely, we must allow impure parts of us to die.

In the movie, Remember the Titans, the galvanizing resolution includes a connected team who broke free from the chains and throes of racism. In Rocky, the galvanizing resolution involves a main character who embodies what it means to truly win, by never giving up instead of being victorious in every fight. In Miracle, the galvanizing resolution comprises of a group of talented individuals who become an indefatigable team that triumphs over a previous powerhouse outfit from the Soviet Union. Resolution requires education. Education requires awareness. Awareness requires intentional humility.

In our own lives, will be embrace the challenge of curiosity instead of the comforts of pride?

Can we never look down on others unless we are picking them up?

Are we able to break free from the malignant weeds of arrogance, ego, and hubris by remaining grounded in the nourishing soil of humility?

If so, we will be exalted!

Afterword: This week, I sat down with Tom Ryan on Grateful and Full of Greatness. He is one of the greatest collegiate wrestling coaches of all time, and he continues to pour into young men at Ohio State University. His book, Chosen Suffering, moved me. In it, he vulnerably shares about the loss of his five-year-old son, Teague. That tragedy led him to question everything. One year after Teague passed away, Tom fell to his knees and “surrendered to a lasting truth.” Humility… being open to learn, to grow, and to start over again… allowed him to open and completely harness his heart, mind, and spirit like never before. Whether you read his book or not; whether you listen to the podcast episode or not; whether you believe in a higher power or not, it’s essential to know: becoming elite, influential, and full of love starts and ends with humility.

— MG