The phrase being humbled is usually meant in a negative way. As in one having been put in their place or knocked down a peg. I think we ought to revive a truer meaning. To feel humble in the presence of greatness.
I so enjoy that moment of realization , Hey, I’m being awed, when I am experiencing awe in the face of someone else’s incredibleness or the incredibleness of nature. I felt humbled the other night as I witnessed incredible kindness between friends at a Karaoke bar (http://blog.spontaneoussmiley.com/?p=9437). Recently, I was humbled by the incredible bravery of a friend who shared with me a long held secret (nuf said, secrets are secrets). And it is also true that I am often awe struck and humbled by the performances of actors and musicians.
So too, am I awed by the spectacle of nature. I’m the goof standing mid parking lot, pointing out the beauty of the light on the clouds. I’m the one squatting in the gutter, watching the schmada that’s fallen there, flowing along. And, that’s me inhaling deeply every time I step outside. Doesn’t matter if the smells are yummy or yucky, either way the experience is a gift.
Can you be that friend, can you aspire to that level of lovey-ness? Can you be a creator of art that takes someone else’s breath away? Can your ideas be so novel, so unique, as to inspire someone else to travel in their mind to a place they never would have gone, had your paths not crossed? Good golly Miss Molly, I’m thinking: not a bad idea/not a bad goal.
Smile. Be happy!
Ruth
Clouds and Lights Smiley
seen in the Orinda B.A.R.T. parking lot