I have been thinking about these two words for a while now. This post touches on some of my religious beliefs. Even if you are not religious, I believe that there is something of worth to anyone who reads this. Growing up, I always thought that these words were synonymous with weakness. The two words I am referring to are "Meekness" and "Humility".
There are various definitions of the above mentioned words. Below are the definitions that I like about these words:
The word meekness is defined as a mildness of temper, without haughtiness or vanity. The mental disposition that enables one to endure injury with patience and without irritation. Humility is defined as the ability to recognize -gratefully- our dependence on the Lord—to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God.
Why do people feel that you are weak if you have these traits?
Well I guess people who are shy and timid tend to display similar outward traits to the traits that you might show if you possess these qualities. I was quite shy growing up. I would be too shy to talk to girls, too shy to put my hand up in class to ask a question and too shy to stand up, fully, for what I was thinking. I thought that in order to change this, I need to be more like my peers who were the "jocks". The kids who bullied other kids. I thought that these kids had it all and that they were happy in life. As I grew older, I realised that people who act out, and people who are too shy to stand up for what they are feeling and thinking have the same problem... Insecurity! Why do I bring up humility and meekness into this discussion? Well, as I learned what these qualities meant, I began to become more secure. I got a sense of who I was and what my potential was. As soon as I realised who I was, I felt less of a desire to impress those around me, and more of a desire to impress myself and those who matter (first and foremost God).
How do meek and humble people act?
I think it is displayed in a quiet confidence. Although, you do not have to be quiet or silent to be meek and humble. My experience of a quiet confidence is in the aura that people display. You feel peaceful in their presence, whether they are loud or quiet. You feel comfortable in their presence and you don't feel judged. I also felt a sense of security when being around meek and humble people. It is a quality that makes you feel that you can talk to the person and that they can make everything right, they seem to be content with life. As I am writing this, there are four people that come to mind that possess these qualities.
Why would you want these qualities?
Well, I see a sense of contentment and happiness in life, not too phased by the whirlwinds that this life offers. I see a person that can pick himself up again after loss of a loved one, after a missed promotion, or facing humiliation. I see someone that achieves in life because it brings fulfillment and not because of pure competitiveness.
How do you gain these qualities?
I am still working really hard on these. I bet some people might say that you should go to the himalayan mountains and meditate, and you will be able to get these qualities haha. I would, however, say that that is not necessary. It all starts with a sense of who you are. Then, you need purpose in life. Then lastly, what do you aim to become. I found all of these in my faith in God. I know who I am, I know what my purpose is and I know what I aim to become. If you have nothing to do with religion, try this out in any sphere of life, and see how you begin to change.
In conclusion
I would like to quote the following: "It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous." Read more here.
Great post @jvanman. Thank you for sharing!