The Shadow and Light of Humility
A "Sunday Reflections" Series
Humility has always been a cornerstone of my upbringing, deeply rooted in my Filipino culture and family values. Growing up, I often heard phrases like “Don’t forget where you came from,” “Be careful not to let your head get too big,” and “Always stay humble.” These reminders were intended to keep me grounded, but over time, I realized they carried a subtle weight. While humility is a beautiful trait, it can also, if misunderstood, become a limitation.
For many years, I struggled to fully step into my power. I thought my hesitation was driven purely by fear—fear of failure or rejection. But through deep reflection and spiritual practice, I uncovered another layer: the inherited belief that standing in my full light somehow contradicted the value of humility. This belief, passed down from my ancestors, had tethered me to the idea that true power and humility were mutually exclusive.
In prayer and meditation, a new understanding emerged: “To be in your divinity is to be humble.” This simple yet profound realization shifted my entire perspective. True humility isn’t about shrinking or playing small; it’s about recognizing the sacredness of who we are and honoring the gifts we’ve been given. It’s about showing up in our fullness, not from a place of ego, but from an alignment with the divine essence that resides within us.
Humility, when understood through the lens of divinity, becomes less about holding back and more about stepping forward with reverence. It’s not about staying small to make others comfortable or downplaying our worth. It’s about acknowledging that we are all part of something greater and that our light is meant to shine. When we stand in this awareness, we honor our ancestors and cultural roots in a way that transcends limiting narratives.
Our culture often equates humility with self-restraint, but that interpretation can limit our potential. The truth is, we are each a vessel of divine energy, and embracing that doesn’t make us arrogant; it makes us whole. The journey is not about rejecting humility, but rather redefining it. True humility is standing in our power while understanding that our gifts are part of a larger, interconnected whole.
In today’s world, where success is often measured by external achievements, it’s easy to feel that we are not enough unless we meet certain standards. But true power comes from within. It comes from knowing that we are already enough, simply by being who we are. Divinity is not about seeking validation; it’s about living in alignment with our purpose and expressing our gifts authentically.
So, if you’ve ever felt conflicted between embracing your power and staying humble, know this: you can do both. To stand fully in your divinity is to embody a humility that uplifts rather than restricts. You honor your culture, your ancestors, and yourself when you allow your light to shine, not in competition or ego, but in full recognition of the sacredness within you.
When you embrace your divinity, you tap into a power far greater than anything external, and that is the true essence of humility.
