‘It is always the secure who are humble’ - G. K. Chesterton

The security of which the British ‘Prince of paradox’ speaks is spiritual and could just as easily be put another way: It is the humble who are secure, precisely because they are humble, and the secure are secure only in their deep humility of heart.  

At a time when economic security is threatened in many around the world and across nations, however developed they consider themselves, it is important to be reminded of a quality of security that offers us strength of a different kind.  Unlike the pursuit of economic security that can lead to arrogance and a refuge for the false self (that detractor of all that is potentially authentic in us), the strength that comes from humble wisdom and practical insight into the flow of reality inspires us to know better what is required of us in life. 

This inner movement requires a relinquishment of desire to change anything and an embracing of not-knowing somewhat at odds with modern psychology.   Information about self, other or the world is not attended to with the goal of changing how the past, present or future is thought about. No resolutions are imposed such as finding forgiveness for those who inflicted harm.  No resilience is cultivated. Instead, humility of heart seeks a full interaction with the true nature of what is encountered in self, other and world. Nothing is left out.

The humble then truly know themselves; In solitude, in relationships and in their work.  Their talents, defects, limitations and potential are available to be experienced and they have developed the capacity to hold in check their static knowledge in favour of something more fluid and real.  This security is like a molten centre around which we too might organise our periphery personalities to flourish and go out into the world with confidence and curiosity.  

How do we encourage and foster this humble security in ourselves, our children and loved ones?  Put aside what you ‘now about them and notice what moves them.