Teaching our children morals and ethics.
Topic: Inspiration
Humbleness: Should It Be Humiliating?
Copyright (c) 2007 Siobhan Gamble
Successful Office
http://www.SuccessfulOffice.com



In this day and time, it almost seems as if kindness, politeness,
consideration, and most of the lessons we were taught as children
were tossed out of the window one day and replaced with a new set
of rules. Could it simply be that children these days are born
with a defect, lacking self-control? Or are they just not being
taught the way they should be taught; parents blaming modern day
hardships and circumstances? It is true that the children being
raised today will determine the shape of our future, but in the
meantime, whose example are they following?

With so many religions and spiritual practices existing today,
along with false truths and skepticism pertaining to their books
of practice, it may be hard for a person to decide which religion
they want to follow. Some people choose to remain neutral,
feeling that it is a much safer approach to worship a higher
being privately. It doesn't matter what religion one chooses to
follow, humbleness is one of the most important qualities that we
as human beings should not fail to practice. Most people who
initially hear the word "humble" think of things such a good
nature, modesty, and surprisingly to some, it may even sound
threatening. The Farlex dictionary had several definitions;
let's examine:

hum·ble

Adj. hum·bler, hum·blest

1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or
spirit; not arrogant or prideful.

2. Showing deferential or submissive respect

3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly As it
is seen, being humble requires a person to "destroy their ego"
amongst other behaviors that the term seems to disqualify.

Jumping back to the vast population of people who have seemed to
abandon morals; this would seem to be a major task since morals
play a huge part in humbleness. Some people may argue that being
humble is a sign of weakness. As the American Heritage Dictionary
source states: "lack of vanity or self-importance". Vanity as
defined by the same source: "excessive pride in one's
appearance or accomplishments". A few questions are now posed;
does humbleness require a level of insecurity? And, can one be
humble and still be secure in the fact?

It would seem that a truly humble person would not have to deal
with insecurities in terms of people "finding out". It should
be something to pride instead of being ashamed of. If this were
the case, a person would be expressing both humility and pride.
In terms of people needing to be insecure as a person in order to
be recognized as humble is nothing more than ignorance and
insecurity in itself.

It is clear to see that the English language is poor at
expressing these concepts. Hypocrites are perfect examples of
insecure people needing to boost themselves up to be humble,
using their attempts towards humbleness to position themselves
above others who they observe to be less humble. If they were
truly humble, none of this would be necessary. Being humble
includes not being judgmental of anyone and also accepting that
what you feel may not necessarily be correct.  Taking the time to
consider someone else's views create a modest balance.  Is it
true that being humble can lead one into becoming abused and
controlled?

It does require submission and the ability to turn the other
cheek on a situation, but it should not be looked upon in such
light. Some women associate this word with being submissive to
their husbands. There have even been situations in churches where
this word would cause more conflict than good. To my knowledge,
many simply define being humble as allowing oneself to be
humiliated. Considering the number of people, particularly young
teens and adults who feel this way, it is not hard to see why the
world is the way it is. A lot of it has to do with fear. It is
amazing how aggression is the complete opposite of humbleness,
yet so much easier to adapt to.

In conclusion to such a controvert question, it feels safe to
state the act of true humbleness must be determined by oneself;
otherwise it could possibly be considered as being judgmental.
The most essential part of the discussion is the example some
parents are setting for their children. The kind of people they
grow up to become determine what kind of world we have to look
forward to. 
 
 
 

Written by: Siobhan Gamble. http://www.SuccessfulOffice.com is a
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Ways to inspire the adult.
Topic: Inspiration

 

 Keeping inspired as you get older   by Sahayak Plowman

For those realising that they are getting older, and this is normally around the late 40's be careful that this awareness does not restrict your outlook or activities. We have to be reminded that the natural lethargy of the body will now try to dictate your life choices. The mental conclusion that you are getting older can actually accelerate the ageing process.

"A young heart is a young mind", undoubtedly you have all heard this before. Lets look at this a bit closer. A young heart refers not to any physical age but to a state of inner aspiration, that part of yourself that inspires you to dream, motivates you, giving you determination and energy.

There are many 'young' people who become old before the natural years because of their uninspired, negative or unwilling nature, likewise there are many 'older' folk who have the enthusiasm, eagerness and willingness of someone half their age. Which would you rather be?

So how can you keep your hearts young? The moment you think that you are getting old you set up an inner chain reaction that destroys your inspiration, aspiration, joy and enthusiasm. Then your capacity to motivate yourself is greatly reduced. This thought process is from the limited, doubting or negative aspect of the mind.

So what can you learn from this? Keep motivated; look for new activities or challenges to remain inspired this shall keep you fulfilled and happy and young in heart. One of the ways to maintain this youthful and energised outlook is to look at each moment as a fresh experience, one that we can learn from. An experience that affords you an opportunity for personal growth, achievement and personal self-transcendence. This transcendence is not about competing with others, it is a matter of challenging your own achievements. If yesterday you walked for half an hour, then today walk for three quarters of an hour, then tomorrow walk for one hour.

This self-transcendence shall bring inner fulfilment, happiness and a sense of achievement keeping you young at heart. Sri Chinmoy the Indian meditation teacher says

" Do not think that what you did at the age of twenty is infinitely more important than what you are doing at the age of sixty. When you were twenty years old, God experienced Himself in and through you as a great student. Then He experienced Himself as a budding professor. When you turned forty, God experienced something totally different in and through you. At the age of sixty, He is experiencing something else again". (1)

So as you can see it is your mental attitude that in so many ways determines the ageing process. If you keep fit by eating correctly then walking, running, cycling or weight training will improve your cardio vascular system. Keep inspired through creative activities whether it is painting, drawing, photography, sewing or writing. Find a group of like-minded people who keep you inspired and energised. Learn how to meditate so you can be distant from the doubts, fears and negative qualities of your mind, meditation shall also help you identify with the source of your deeper inner peacefulness, the soul.

Whatever age you may be don't dwell on that, think that you are eternally young, ready to accept and overcome life's challenges. Don't recall past mistakes or disappointments always look ahead with openness and enthusiasm. Because of your physical years you have accumulated a lot of wisdom look for ways to share this with the younger generation. Being around them shall keep you youthful.

Each phase of your life is equally important, it is like a beautiful flower is blooming, each stage offers something new, something of value, something to be appreciated by others. Always keep in your heart and away from the confusion of the mind you shall live a long happy, fulfilled and content life.

Ref: (1) From Sri Chinmoy Library, "as I am getting older..."

http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/sri-chinmoy-answers/part21/4.html

About the Author

Biography - Sahayak Plowman by nature is a positive and happy person. He attributes this to the growing experiences gained through his own meditation practice with the guidance given by his meditation teacher, Sri Chinmoy. He is a writer on spiritual topics, also the compiler of a published book of poetry and the web master for http://www.srichinmoybooks.com/