We’ve all heard the adage, “Don’t hide your light under a bushel.” It’s a powerful call to action, urging us to share our talents, skills, and passions with the world. It speaks to the importance of contribution, of making a difference, of letting our unique gifts illuminate the spaces we occupy. But nestled alongside this imperative is another virtue, often lauded and equally challenging: humility. Humility whispers caution against pride, against boasting, against letting our light become blinding rather than guiding.
So, how do we navigate this apparent paradox? How do we boldly shine our light without succumbing to arrogance? How do we embrace the call to share our gifts while staying grounded in humility? It’s a delicate balancing act, and understanding the nuances of both concepts is key to striking the right chord.
Let’s first dismantle some common misconceptions. Humility is not about self-deprecation or pretending to be less capable than you are. It’s not about dimming your light to avoid outshining others. True humility is about an accurate assessment of yourself – recognising both your strengths and your limitations. It’s about understanding your place within the larger tapestry of the world, acknowledging that your talents are gifts, not inherent superiority.
On the other hand, “shining your light” isn’t about seeking the spotlight for personal glory. It’s not about ego-driven self-promotion. It’s about using your abilities to serve a purpose beyond yourself. It’s about contributing to the collective good, inspiring others, and making a positive impact. Think of a lighthouse – it shines brightly not to boast, but to guide ships safely through the darkness.
The tension arises when we misinterpret either of these virtues. When we equate shining our light with self-aggrandisement, we stumble into arrogance. When we confuse humility with passivity or self-doubt, we risk burying our talents and failing to contribute our unique gifts.
The key to balancing these seemingly opposing forces lies in recognising their interconnectedness. In fact, true humility enables us to shine our light more effectively and authentically. Here’s how:
Humility Grounds Our Motivation: When we are truly humble, our motivation for shining our light shifts from ego to service. We are less concerned with personal recognition and more focussed on the positive impact we can make. This shift makes our light brighter and warmer, less about personal gain and more about genuine contribution.
Humility Fosters Continuous Growth: Humility acknowledges that we don’t have all the answers and that there is always more to learn. This openness to growth is essential for developing our talents and expanding our light. By remaining teachable and receptive to feedback, we can refine our skills and become even more effective in sharing our gifts.
Humility Builds Genuine Connection: Arrogance erects walls, while humility builds bridges. When we approach sharing our light with humility, we do so in a way that invites collaboration, inspires others, and fosters genuine connection. People are more receptive to our light when it’s offered with humility, recognising it as a genuine contribution rather than a self-serving display.
Humility Protects Against Burnout: Ego-driven ambition can lead to burnout as we relentlessly chase validation and recognition. Humility, on the other hand, helps us find contentment in the process of contributing, even if it goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. It allows us to shine our light sustainably, fuelled by purpose rather than external validation.
So, how do we practically cultivate this balance in our lives?
Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly examine your motivations. Ask yourself: “Why am I doing this? Is it to serve others or to inflate my ego?” Honest self-reflection is crucial for identifying and addressing any tendencies towards pride.
Focus on Service, Not Spotlight: Shift your focus from personal recognition to the positive impact you can make. Ask yourself: “How can my talents be used to serve others?” When service becomes your guiding principle, your light will naturally shine in a humble and effective way.
Seek Feedback and Be Open to Criticism: Humility involves being open to learning and growth. Actively seek feedback from trusted sources and be willing to listen and learn, even when it’s challenging. This receptiveness to criticism helps keep us grounded and prevents our light from becoming blinding.
Celebrate Others’ Successes: Genuine humility rejoices in the accomplishments of others. Cultivate the ability to appreciate and celebrate the lights of those around you. This not only fosters a collaborative spirit but also keeps our own egos in check.
Remember Your Source: Acknowledge that your talents and abilities are gifts, not solely products of your own making. This recognition fosters gratitude and prevents us from taking undue credit for our light.
Balancing humility with the call to shine our light is not a static state but a continuous journey. It’s about constantly recalibrating, reflecting, and refining our approach. It’s about understanding that true brilliance emanates not from boastfulness, but from groundedness.
When we shine our light with humility, it becomes a beacon of hope, inspiration, and genuine service – a light that truly illuminates the world around us in a meaningful and impactful way. And that, ultimately, is the most beautiful and powerful light we can offer.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 