If you have not already, please read Part 1 of this article by clicking on this link: Mindfulness and Serenity Part 1
The time wound down for the meeting to start so we ended our conversation. I went into the meeting, that had just started. The topic presented was humility in the context of the 7th Step: ”Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.” After the person introduced the topic, each person in the room was given the opportunity to share from their experience, strength and hope on the topic of the 7th Step. When the time came for me to share, I shared what I shared with you in Part 1 of this article.
Through processing why I was out of sorts — being in the intent to learn — by inventorying what had been going on in my life, speaking with my friend before the meeting, attending the meeting, listening to people share from their experience, strength and hope, sharing the events that led up to my awareness of being depressed and speaking to several friends after the meeting, I was able to reorient myself to what is really important. Through being in the intent to learn, I was able to be present in my life and move beyond my pain, because of my pain. Through being in the intent, I found myself empowered.
Through being in the intent to learn, instead of in the intent to protect I was reminded of several realities. When I invest emotionally in outcomes — beyond doing the footwork — I set myself up to be distracted and depressed. By doing the footwork and letting go and letting a loving God be in the outcomes, I find serenity. Through being willing to learn from my discomfort, I see beyond my discomfort. Through being willing to learn from my discomfort, I am able to get out of my way. Through being willing to learn. I am able to once again embrace what is important to me. Through being willing to learn, I am able to surrender.
The process that I worked through — and shared in this 2 part article series — helped me to surrender to the notion of control. I am powerless over outcomes and timing. The process that I worked through helped me to once again realize that I do not want my will done, but the will of a loving God. To be in sync with a loving God’s will and timing in my life. No holds barred, to a tee. Additionally, I want my relationships to be in line with what He wants to accomplish in and through each of these relationships. I want to be mindful of His leading and guidance.
Although I may not succeed in this process every time, I will remain willing to once again learn.
What I shared in this 2 Part article series reminded me of what is ultimately important: Remaining humble, mindful and present for the will of a loving God to be done in my life and relationships.
Epilogue
Through my recovery process, I discovered that I had a faulty understanding of the word and concept of humility for many years. For many years I confused humility and humiliation. In my misunderstanding, I thought being humble meant admitting that I made mistakes. Because — for many years — I did not feel that I just made mistakes, but that I was a mistake I linked humility with humiliation. My linkage hindered my ability to embrace the power offered by humility.
Thank God that I learned the distinction between humility and humiliation.
Several years ago I wrote a 2 Part article to share what helped me to tap into the power of humility as well as to recognize the undermining and insidious nature of humiliation. Below is a link to Part 1 and Part 2 of the article. Please read the 2 Part article and let me know if what I share in the article helps you. Thank you.
Empowering Your Life — The Difference between Humility and Humiliation Part 1
Empowering Your Life — The Difference between Humility and Humiliation Part 2
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