Unwrapping Greatness

Humility of Humiliation? A Father’s Thoughtful Twist

When I was navigating the early stages of my mental health journey, I had an experience during a seemingly ordinary lunch with my dad that left a lasting impression on me. We were at a Chinese buffet in Kingston, a brief escape from my time in the psychiatric ward at Kingston General Hospital. It was Frosh Week at Queen’s University, and even amidst my challenges, I felt oddly part of something bigger, as if I were a student at Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.

As we finished our meal, we received our fortune cookies, those little messengers of insight disguised as dessert. My cookie read: “Humility is a sign of greatness.” This prompted a moment of reflection on my own values and the Buddhist teachings I admired. Curious, I asked my dad what he thought it meant. He replied with a thoughtful twist, “I guess, I would ask whether that is indeed humility or humiliation?”

He smiled, and I munched on the cookie, pondering his words. Having faced both embarrassment and outright humiliation during my struggles with schizophrenia, this message stuck with me. It became a lens through which I viewed subsequent experiences of humility or humiliation. Each instance became a learning moment about my place in the world and my impact on others’ lives.

This quest for understanding humility has shown me how profoundly interconnected we all are. The realization that each moment of humility or greatness not only teaches us but also binds us more closely to those around us has been transformative. It is a reminder that our actions and attitudes ripple out, influencing more than just our own path.

So, as we each navigate our worlds—observing the sun, the moon, the forests, and the oceans—let’s consider how humility and greatness are woven through the tapestry of our experiences. Do these qualities connect us to something greater, perhaps even to our higher selves?

This is the true essence of humility: it keeps us grounded and connected. No matter what beliefs you hold or what level you feel you are on, remember to stay open, stay connected, and be present. Let’s embrace the lessons that humility teaches us, for in learning them, we find threads of greatness woven through our own lives.