Journal of Sacred Work

Note: Today’s Meditation was written by Catherine Self, a member of the Baptist Healing Trust team – Erie Chapman.

   I find that I write most often about the things
I most need to practice in my life. Today’s meditation is no exception. That which does not live within cannot become reality.
   Saint Benedict, a young
monk, lived in the sixth century, a time not unlike our own today – individuals
focused on being successful, intent on getting ahead at all costs, doing what
is right for self, attempting to control and manage all things, even time. Today
we are cultivated to be independent and self-sufficient, especially in the United States. Our
children are told over and over again that each one is special, deserving of
great attention and fanfare. Everyone gets a trophy, everyone gets a fair
share, and everyone gets to be first. Professionals in the mental health field
refer to this burgeoning phenomenon as narcissism. Saint Benedict, however,
understood life differently – he recognized the value of community and
understood the essential need for humility as the basis for community. Humility
makes it possible to see beyond self and to value the other… 

   The paradox in our sacred
work is that to be a truly great caregiver we must be humble and act with
humility. Dr. Scott Diering writes in his book Love your Patients!  “acting
with humility means our focus is on the other person. While we are with
[others], our agendas, our stories, our plans are simply not as important. As
far as the patient (or family member, or coworker) is concerned, we exist for
them, to learn more about them, to help them. Period.” Humility, according to Dr. Diering, is
healing. Graciousness, gentleness, genuine admiration for the other, sitting
with rather than standing over, a genuine smile – these are all messages of humility.                                                         
   Humility’ is a widely used word, but I wonder if it is
a word that is widely understood. Most people I have asked say they love the
idea of humility – it is one of those values to be admired and aspired to. Even
if it is definable, however, living it seems to be more difficult. I
participated in a meeting recently in which one of the participants was
continuously distracted by her Blackberry and was unable to actively engage in
the group’s conversation. This kind of self-importance belies humility.
Similarly, responding to a team member’s suggestion with a litany of reasons it
won’t work is evidence of arrogance; humility is open-minded, valuing the
possibility of learning something new. 
   Humility looks to others
as having great gifts to give, with a sincere desire to discover those gifts.
Humility suggests that in community we will all bring a better solution to the
table than any one or two or three of us good – whether novice or experienced
in our field. From humility we are able to approach others with open-mindedness
and curiosity, leaving behind the need to protect our own point of view. Humility
creates an open space within that seeks to be filled from the lives of others.
Humility is a secure place of asking instead of telling, of seeking to learn
rather than to teach, of being rather than doing,
   Dr.
Diering mirrors the messages of the Radical Loving Care movement when he
suggests “humility is one of the virtues that define love in the healthcare
setting.” It is easier to be purveyors of healing when we meet others where
they are, when we enter into genuine community with them, and when we interact
with graciousness.