In our journey through the Virtues of Mother Mary, this week we turn our attention to the often misunderstood virtue of humility. For the Modern Holy Woman, humility is a sacred pathway to divine connection, inviting her into a deeper understanding of herself, others, and the divine. It creates alignment with her highest self—not through self-denial or repression but as a pathway to grounded balance and empowered living.
Defining Humility
Humility, at its core, is a sacred invitation to step into the interconnectedness of all life, honoring the divine within and around us without dimming our own light. For the Modern Holy Woman, it’s a way to embody her sacred essence while holding space for others to shine as well.
It’s a virtue often misunderstood, especially by women, as it has been historically conflated with self-deprecation or smallness. True humility is a graceful blend of positive self-esteem and healthy modesty rooted in love for oneself and others. It’s a space where one’s light shines brightly without overshadowing others.
Rick Warren offers an insightful perspective: “Humility is not thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less.” Through the lens of the divine feminine, this idea transforms into an invitation to honor our sacred light while remaining attuned to the interconnectedness of all beings. For the Modern Holy Woman, humility becomes a way to live with intention, shining her light fully while celebrating the unique gifts of those around her.
Humility as Balance and Self-Mastery
The Latin root of humility, humilitas, means “grounded” or “from the earth.” This etymology calls us to anchor ourselves in the present, drawing strength and wisdom from Mother Gaia. Humility is a state of balance, harmonizing divine feminine wisdom with grounded strength from Mother Gaia, rejecting both arrogance and self-denigration. It allows us to express truths authentically and compassionately, steering clear of self-righteousness or arrogance.
True humility calls for self-mastery and awareness of others, aligning us with the grounded balance of our higher selves. For the Modern Holy Woman, humility is a practice of staying rooted in her sacred truth while gracefully navigating the dynamics of the world around her.
Distinguishing Humility from Shame and Submissiveness
For many women, the concept of humility has been tied to painful memories of enforced submissiveness. In Christian traditions, humility was sometimes misunderstood as meekness, often leading to imbalanced interpretations that constrained women’s roles. Yet, Mother Mary’s humility radiates strength, dignity, and divine grace. Her example encourages us to reclaim humility as a sacred and empowering virtue, separating it from shame or enforced smallness.
For the Modern Holy Woman, humility is an act of spiritual sovereignty. It is a choice to live with grace and dignity, embracing her power without dominance and her compassion without passivity.
The Truth of Humility
Humility aligns with truth, fostering a loving and honest relationship with oneself and others. Attempts to uphold truth without humility often lead to distortions. Humility allows us to express truth from a place of compassion and understanding rather than dominance or pride.
The Etymology and History of Humility
Tracing the word “humility” back to its Latin roots, humilitas, we find its meaning tied to groundedness, a sacred connection to the earth that fosters spiritual awakening and divine alignment. This rootedness connects humility to the earth and invites a sense of balance.
Self-Assessment and Cultivating Humility
Humility calls for continuous self-reflection. By assessing our level of humility, we can make conscious adjustments, purifying it from external influences. This practice fosters alignment with our highest selves and spiritual maturity.
Embodying Humility Without Awareness
True humility often emerges when we surrender to the divine flow, allowing sacred wholeness to naturally guide our actions and presence. It’s a paradox: embodying humility without conscious effort allows it to integrate deeply into our lives, enriching our interactions and personal growth.
Embodying Humility in Daily Life
- Practice Groundedness: Spend time connecting with the earth through nature walks or mindful grounding exercises. Allow yourself to feel rooted in the present moment.
- Cultivate Self-Awareness: Reflect on your strengths and areas for growth without judgment, embracing your imperfections as part of your humanity.
- Serve Others with Joy: Find ways to contribute to your community or support a loved one, balancing self-care with care for others.
- Speak Your Truth with Love: When expressing your opinions or beliefs, approach conversations with compassion and openness, remembering that humility fosters dialogue, not division.
A Virtue of Wholeness
Humility is not a denial of your light but a sacred embrace of your wholeness, a divine alignment with the wisdom of the feminine and the interconnectedness of all life. For the Modern Holy Woman, it is a call to embody grace and balance, standing in her power while remaining open to the wisdom and gifts of others. Like Mother Mary, may we all learn to embody this sacred virtue, stepping into the world as grounded, loving, and radiant beings.
