Week Five: Hod - Humility
If endurance is the engine of life humility is its fuel. As Gevurah (discipline) gives Chesed (love) focus, hood gives Netzach direction.
Humility is the silent partner of endurance. Its strength is in its silence. Its splendor in its repose. Humility leads to yielding, which is an essential element of Humility - and the resulting yielding - should not be confused with weakness and lack of self-esteem. Humility is modesty; it is acknowledgement (from the root "hoda'ah"). It is saying "thank you" to G-d. It is clearly recognizing your qualities and strengths and acknowledging that they are not your own; they were given to you by G-d for a higher purpose than just satisfying your own needs. Humility is modesty; it is recognizing how small you are which allows you to realize how large you can become. And that makes humility so formidable.
Endurance draws its energy from the acknowledgement of humility. Human endurance goes only as far as your tolerance level. Acknowledging that your strengths come from a higher place gives you the power to endure far beyond your own perceived capacity. It gives you part of G-d's enduring strength.
A full cup cannot be filled. When you're filled with yourself and your needs, "I and nothing else", there is no room for more. When you "empty" yourself before something which is greater than yourself, you allow in much more than your limited capacity. Humility is the key to transcendence; to reach beyond yourself. Only true humility gives you the power of total objectivity.
Humility is sensitivity; it is healthy shame out of recognition that you can be better than you are and that you expect more of yourself. Although humility is silent it is not a void. It is a dynamic expression of life that includes all seven qualities of love, discipline, compassion, endurance, humility, bonding and sovereignty. Humility is active not passive. Not a state of being but an interaction even in its calm and
inaction.
Day 29
Chesed of Hod – The Love Aspect of Humility
Examine the love in your humility. Healthy humility is not demoralizing; it brings love and joy not fear. Humility that lacks love has to be reexamined for its authenticity. Sometimes humility can be confused with low self-esteem, which would cause it to be unloving. Humility
brings love because it gives you the ability to rise above yourself and love another. Arrogance in the guise of love means loving yourself, or what is even worse: making others a part and an extension of yourself and your self-love.
Does my humility cause me to be more expansive, loving, and giving?
Healthy humility should help us balance our endurance through simple things like stopping an argument even when we know the other person is factually wrong, but unwilling to listen to reason. Humility in this situation is realizing they have a bigger issue than you and it is their task to work it out. When we are no longer caught in our ego, we can give more freely and not expect or need anything in return. Humility helps you love another in spite of their faults and accept them as they are.
Am I humble and happy or humble and miserable?
If you’re miserable, you’re a martyr; true humility is a state of awe at how small and insignificant we are in the grand scheme of life. We can only affect the small circle around us and our humility will make it positive rather than negative.
Does my humility inhibit and constrain me?
If your humility makes you feel unworthy or not good enough, it is really just poor self esteem. Realizing we are all subject to God’s will and that each of us has our own soul journey that may intertwine with us, but ultimately is between them and God is a very humbling idea. I can only influence my life so much and the rest I must leave in God’s hands.
Day 30
Gevurah of Hod – The Discipline Aspect of Humility
Humility must be disciplined and focused. Another aspect of Gevurah of Hod is that humility must include respect and awe for the person or experience you stand humble for.
If my humility is wanting, is it because I don't respect another?
This is probably the most common cause of lack of humility. We must respect everyone just because they are a human being, but that
doesn’t mean they have to be our friend.
When should my humility cause me to compromise and when not?
Most things aren’t moral issues and therefore not worth fighting about. If the disagreement won’t make any difference a year from now, then
what’s the problem now? Usually, nothing.
In the name of humility do I sometimes remain silent and neutral in the face of wickedness?
If you are silent when faced with wickedness, that is the result of being a coward, not misplace humility. Humility is not afraid to speak up when something is wrong.
Does my reluctance to be humble in any given area originate from a healthy, humble place?
Sometimes kindness, or humility is viewed as a weakness and people will then attempt to take advantage of you. Sometimes we have to puff up a little to protect ourselves and backing down would not serve our best interest.
Day 31
Tiferet of Hod – The Compassionate Aspect of Humility
Examine if your humility is compassionate. Just as humility brings compassion, compassion can lead one to humility. If you lack humility, try acting compassionately, which can help bring you humility.
Does my humility cause me to be self-contained and anti-social?
If we are withdrawn and unresponsive to other people, then what we think is humility is probably more like false pride, poor self esteem, or depression. Humility has to do with recognizing we are no better and no worse than anyone else and, in the end, we all end up in the same place; it is our obligation to ourselves to do the best we can during our life time so that we leave the world a little better.
Does my humility express itself in empathy for others?
When we realize we really don’t know better than someone else, it is easier to stop judging and feel empathy for other’s misfortunes.
Although it is true that many of our difficulties are self generated, the compassion of humility allows us to have empathy for those who have created misery for themselves.
Is my humility awkward?
When we first come to realize we are all God’s pawns, it may be confusing discerning our will from God’s will and humility may seem like a new pair of stiff shoes. Humility is not an easy feeling and most people vacillate between arrogance and self depreciation as we search for the pure feeling of humility.
Is my humility balanced and beautiful?
Humility and compassion are intertwined and the closer they are to being one feeling, the more balance they are; ultimately, you can’t feel one without the other.
Day 32
Netzach of Hod – The Strength and Endurance Aspect of Humility
Humility and modesty should not cause one to feel weak and insecure. Netzach of Hod underscores the fact that true humility does not make you into a "doormat" for others to step on; on the contrary, humility gives you enduring strength.
Am I firm in my positions or do I waffle in the name of humility?
Sometimes people think it’s a show of humility to back down when they shouldn’t. Being humble doesn’t mean you don’t have a position or aren’t willing to take a stand. Humility means you do it gracefully.
Is my humility perceived as weakness?
Humility is soft and, as such, often frowned upon in the business world. It is interpreted as weak, but that is the fault of the perceiver, not the perceived. Strong humility is persistent and enduring in expression of opinions, wants, and needs.
Does that cause others to take advantage of me?
If we yield when we shouldn’t, others will surely take advantage of us. Humility should not cause us to roll with every bad idea, but that our
opinion is just an opinion and we don’t have to change our mind just because someone wants us to.
Does my humility withstand challenges?
Every time someone challenges us, our humility is challenged. We have to decide how to respond to the other with both certainty and humility.
Have I ever demonstrated the strength of my humility by initiating or actively participating in a good cause?
If you’ve ever had to advocate for someone, you may remember that it is much easier to be humble in your words and actions than when you need to stand up for yourself. When it’s someone else’s issue, our ego is less involved and our actions are more dictated by our intrinsic value system. That’s not to say that being a balanced, humble advocate is easy, it just tends to be less emotionally wrought with our own issues.
Day 33
Hod of Hod – The Humility Aspect of Humility
Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one consciously feels it. Learn to cultivate your humility by interacting with people who are more refined than yourself, evoking in you modesty and humility that motivates you to
grow.
Am I afraid to be humble?
If we are afraid to be humble, then we have bought into the idea that humble people are weak. There is no fear in humility; it is a position of power based on our understanding that our ego is nothing and will return to nothing when we die; our essence is our soul and that can oly be humble in the shadow of God.
Do I mask and protect my modesty with aggressive behavior?
Insecure and threatened people need to protect themselves with aggression; that is not the way of modesty or humility.
Humility must also be examined for its genuineness. Is my humility humble?
As soon as we are proud of our humility, it’s no longer humble. Although very alive and vibrant, humility is a quiet activity.
Is my humility another expression of arrogance?
When someone has to announce they don’t know everything or some other self degradation prior to giving an opinion, you can almost be assured they are coming from an arrogant position. Humble people don’t have to announce their humility; they just are.
Do I take too much pride in my humility or flaunt it in a way that is self-serving?
As soon as you attempt to evaluate your humility or comment on your humility, you’ve lost the concept.
Is my humility part of a crusade or is it genuine?
If we have to convince others we are anything, then we are not showing it enough for it to be recognized. Genuine humility just is.
Do I have expectations due to my humility?
Sometimes people believe others should be nice to them just because they are good and giving, but unfortunately, this is not the way most of the world works. We can not expect anything special as a result of our humility; we are humble because of a mind set that has nothing to do with reward or punishment.
Can I be humble just for its own sake?
This is pure humility. You are because you are.
Day 34
Yesod of Hod – The Bonding Aspect of Humility
Humility should not be a lonely experience. It ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There is no stronger bond than one that comes out of humility.
Does my humility separate me from others or bring us closer?
When we see the true self of another person and allow them to see us, we become bonded. Humility is what lets us be who we really are with someone else.
Does my humility produce short and long term results?
Humility should produce both when it is applied in interpersonal relationships. Children will trust and relate to you more freely if you are real with them. They may not know how to verbalize it, but they know when someone is genuine. It is humility that allows us to be who we are.
Does it create an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build?
If two people are equal in their humility with each other, they will bond with a firm foundation that will last their lifetime.
Have I ever built something lasting using my humility?
This is something that is answered by looking around at our relationships. Our ability to stay connected to those we love speaks to the bonds we have made from a position of humility.
Day 35
Malchut of Hod – The Sovereignty Aspect of Humility
Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is majestic and aristocratic. Humility that suppresses the human spirit and denies individual sovereignty is not humility at all.
Does my humility make me feel dignified?
If you can attach to your humility while under fire from an attacker, you will feel dignity, not shame. People do what they do and sometimes we are the unfortunate recipient of their poison, but if you are graceful in your response, sometimes the shame they mean for you ends up back on them. This is the principal behind the dictate, “love your enemies”.
Do I feel alive and vibrant?
Humility should not make you feel closed and withdrawn. Although it may be passive in expression, humility has to be an internally active process or it will not withstand the challenges you face.
Have I ever shown someone how humility and modesty enhance human dignity?
If you practice humility, you surely have shown others how dignified it will make you; whether or not they saw what you showed them is internal to them and not of your concern because you are humble and respect others to be who they are.
If endurance is the engine of life humility is its fuel. As Gevurah (discipline) gives Chesed (love) focus, hood gives Netzach direction.
Humility is the silent partner of endurance. Its strength is in its silence. Its splendor in its repose. Humility leads to yielding, which is an essential element of Humility - and the resulting yielding - should not be confused with weakness and lack of self-esteem. Humility is modesty; it is acknowledgement (from the root "hoda'ah"). It is saying "thank you" to G-d. It is clearly recognizing your qualities and strengths and acknowledging that they are not your own; they were given to you by G-d for a higher purpose than just satisfying your own needs. Humility is modesty; it is recognizing how small you are which allows you to realize how large you can become. And that makes humility so formidable.
Endurance draws its energy from the acknowledgement of humility. Human endurance goes only as far as your tolerance level. Acknowledging that your strengths come from a higher place gives you the power to endure far beyond your own perceived capacity. It gives you part of G-d's enduring strength.
A full cup cannot be filled. When you're filled with yourself and your needs, "I and nothing else", there is no room for more. When you "empty" yourself before something which is greater than yourself, you allow in much more than your limited capacity. Humility is the key to transcendence; to reach beyond yourself. Only true humility gives you the power of total objectivity.
Humility is sensitivity; it is healthy shame out of recognition that you can be better than you are and that you expect more of yourself. Although humility is silent it is not a void. It is a dynamic expression of life that includes all seven qualities of love, discipline, compassion, endurance, humility, bonding and sovereignty. Humility is active not passive. Not a state of being but an interaction even in its calm and
inaction.
Day 29
Chesed of Hod – The Love Aspect of Humility
Examine the love in your humility. Healthy humility is not demoralizing; it brings love and joy not fear. Humility that lacks love has to be reexamined for its authenticity. Sometimes humility can be confused with low self-esteem, which would cause it to be unloving. Humility
brings love because it gives you the ability to rise above yourself and love another. Arrogance in the guise of love means loving yourself, or what is even worse: making others a part and an extension of yourself and your self-love.
Does my humility cause me to be more expansive, loving, and giving?
Healthy humility should help us balance our endurance through simple things like stopping an argument even when we know the other person is factually wrong, but unwilling to listen to reason. Humility in this situation is realizing they have a bigger issue than you and it is their task to work it out. When we are no longer caught in our ego, we can give more freely and not expect or need anything in return. Humility helps you love another in spite of their faults and accept them as they are.
Am I humble and happy or humble and miserable?
If you’re miserable, you’re a martyr; true humility is a state of awe at how small and insignificant we are in the grand scheme of life. We can only affect the small circle around us and our humility will make it positive rather than negative.
Does my humility inhibit and constrain me?
If your humility makes you feel unworthy or not good enough, it is really just poor self esteem. Realizing we are all subject to God’s will and that each of us has our own soul journey that may intertwine with us, but ultimately is between them and God is a very humbling idea. I can only influence my life so much and the rest I must leave in God’s hands.
Day 30
Gevurah of Hod – The Discipline Aspect of Humility
Humility must be disciplined and focused. Another aspect of Gevurah of Hod is that humility must include respect and awe for the person or experience you stand humble for.
If my humility is wanting, is it because I don't respect another?
This is probably the most common cause of lack of humility. We must respect everyone just because they are a human being, but that
doesn’t mean they have to be our friend.
When should my humility cause me to compromise and when not?
Most things aren’t moral issues and therefore not worth fighting about. If the disagreement won’t make any difference a year from now, then
what’s the problem now? Usually, nothing.
In the name of humility do I sometimes remain silent and neutral in the face of wickedness?
If you are silent when faced with wickedness, that is the result of being a coward, not misplace humility. Humility is not afraid to speak up when something is wrong.
Does my reluctance to be humble in any given area originate from a healthy, humble place?
Sometimes kindness, or humility is viewed as a weakness and people will then attempt to take advantage of you. Sometimes we have to puff up a little to protect ourselves and backing down would not serve our best interest.
Day 31
Tiferet of Hod – The Compassionate Aspect of Humility
Examine if your humility is compassionate. Just as humility brings compassion, compassion can lead one to humility. If you lack humility, try acting compassionately, which can help bring you humility.
Does my humility cause me to be self-contained and anti-social?
If we are withdrawn and unresponsive to other people, then what we think is humility is probably more like false pride, poor self esteem, or depression. Humility has to do with recognizing we are no better and no worse than anyone else and, in the end, we all end up in the same place; it is our obligation to ourselves to do the best we can during our life time so that we leave the world a little better.
Does my humility express itself in empathy for others?
When we realize we really don’t know better than someone else, it is easier to stop judging and feel empathy for other’s misfortunes.
Although it is true that many of our difficulties are self generated, the compassion of humility allows us to have empathy for those who have created misery for themselves.
Is my humility awkward?
When we first come to realize we are all God’s pawns, it may be confusing discerning our will from God’s will and humility may seem like a new pair of stiff shoes. Humility is not an easy feeling and most people vacillate between arrogance and self depreciation as we search for the pure feeling of humility.
Is my humility balanced and beautiful?
Humility and compassion are intertwined and the closer they are to being one feeling, the more balance they are; ultimately, you can’t feel one without the other.
Day 32
Netzach of Hod – The Strength and Endurance Aspect of Humility
Humility and modesty should not cause one to feel weak and insecure. Netzach of Hod underscores the fact that true humility does not make you into a "doormat" for others to step on; on the contrary, humility gives you enduring strength.
Am I firm in my positions or do I waffle in the name of humility?
Sometimes people think it’s a show of humility to back down when they shouldn’t. Being humble doesn’t mean you don’t have a position or aren’t willing to take a stand. Humility means you do it gracefully.
Is my humility perceived as weakness?
Humility is soft and, as such, often frowned upon in the business world. It is interpreted as weak, but that is the fault of the perceiver, not the perceived. Strong humility is persistent and enduring in expression of opinions, wants, and needs.
Does that cause others to take advantage of me?
If we yield when we shouldn’t, others will surely take advantage of us. Humility should not cause us to roll with every bad idea, but that our
opinion is just an opinion and we don’t have to change our mind just because someone wants us to.
Does my humility withstand challenges?
Every time someone challenges us, our humility is challenged. We have to decide how to respond to the other with both certainty and humility.
Have I ever demonstrated the strength of my humility by initiating or actively participating in a good cause?
If you’ve ever had to advocate for someone, you may remember that it is much easier to be humble in your words and actions than when you need to stand up for yourself. When it’s someone else’s issue, our ego is less involved and our actions are more dictated by our intrinsic value system. That’s not to say that being a balanced, humble advocate is easy, it just tends to be less emotionally wrought with our own issues.
Day 33
Hod of Hod – The Humility Aspect of Humility
Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one consciously feels it. Learn to cultivate your humility by interacting with people who are more refined than yourself, evoking in you modesty and humility that motivates you to
grow.
Am I afraid to be humble?
If we are afraid to be humble, then we have bought into the idea that humble people are weak. There is no fear in humility; it is a position of power based on our understanding that our ego is nothing and will return to nothing when we die; our essence is our soul and that can oly be humble in the shadow of God.
Do I mask and protect my modesty with aggressive behavior?
Insecure and threatened people need to protect themselves with aggression; that is not the way of modesty or humility.
Humility must also be examined for its genuineness. Is my humility humble?
As soon as we are proud of our humility, it’s no longer humble. Although very alive and vibrant, humility is a quiet activity.
Is my humility another expression of arrogance?
When someone has to announce they don’t know everything or some other self degradation prior to giving an opinion, you can almost be assured they are coming from an arrogant position. Humble people don’t have to announce their humility; they just are.
Do I take too much pride in my humility or flaunt it in a way that is self-serving?
As soon as you attempt to evaluate your humility or comment on your humility, you’ve lost the concept.
Is my humility part of a crusade or is it genuine?
If we have to convince others we are anything, then we are not showing it enough for it to be recognized. Genuine humility just is.
Do I have expectations due to my humility?
Sometimes people believe others should be nice to them just because they are good and giving, but unfortunately, this is not the way most of the world works. We can not expect anything special as a result of our humility; we are humble because of a mind set that has nothing to do with reward or punishment.
Can I be humble just for its own sake?
This is pure humility. You are because you are.
Day 34
Yesod of Hod – The Bonding Aspect of Humility
Humility should not be a lonely experience. It ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There is no stronger bond than one that comes out of humility.
Does my humility separate me from others or bring us closer?
When we see the true self of another person and allow them to see us, we become bonded. Humility is what lets us be who we really are with someone else.
Does my humility produce short and long term results?
Humility should produce both when it is applied in interpersonal relationships. Children will trust and relate to you more freely if you are real with them. They may not know how to verbalize it, but they know when someone is genuine. It is humility that allows us to be who we are.
Does it create an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build?
If two people are equal in their humility with each other, they will bond with a firm foundation that will last their lifetime.
Have I ever built something lasting using my humility?
This is something that is answered by looking around at our relationships. Our ability to stay connected to those we love speaks to the bonds we have made from a position of humility.
Day 35
Malchut of Hod – The Sovereignty Aspect of Humility
Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is majestic and aristocratic. Humility that suppresses the human spirit and denies individual sovereignty is not humility at all.
Does my humility make me feel dignified?
If you can attach to your humility while under fire from an attacker, you will feel dignity, not shame. People do what they do and sometimes we are the unfortunate recipient of their poison, but if you are graceful in your response, sometimes the shame they mean for you ends up back on them. This is the principal behind the dictate, “love your enemies”.
Do I feel alive and vibrant?
Humility should not make you feel closed and withdrawn. Although it may be passive in expression, humility has to be an internally active process or it will not withstand the challenges you face.
Have I ever shown someone how humility and modesty enhance human dignity?
If you practice humility, you surely have shown others how dignified it will make you; whether or not they saw what you showed them is internal to them and not of your concern because you are humble and respect others to be who they are.