Nothing in this world can be achieved just by ourselves. There are many who have played a role in our life – teaching us, taking care of us, guiding us and shouldering responsibilities with us, helping us accomplish whatever we have to in life. This simple realisation, when truly understood, roots us in humility.

The false and fragile sense of ‘I did it’, our ego, craves attention and appreciation from the world. And when we get it, it is so easy to get carried away. We talk about humility, but do we truly live it when we are showered with praise and recognition, being called out as the one responsible for success.

Gratitude builds humility. When we realise and acknowledge the team behind the person and carry a sense of gratitude to them for being there for us, we share the praise with others.

Love makes us humble. In true love we see the Oneness in others. And when we don’t view ourselves as different, we move away from joy of achieving to joy of being.

Acceptance makes us humble. We stand small in front of the laws of life. We understand that fortunes can change and nothing is permanent. We accept our good fortune and struggles with the same respect and equanimity.

Caring for others grounds us. Not only do we see the challenges some people are going through, we often see broader minds, larger hearts and healthier attitudes amongst those who may not have as much as us.And we soon realise that what we are, should not be a function of what we have.

And when we treat everyone with the same respect and feel neither superior nor inferior to others, our inner beauty shines through. Others call it humility. For us, it’s just the way of life.

( Picture – Mountain range in Switzerland )