Beware of Pride, Be Humble | Bong Saquing | Run Through

Introduction

This tutorial is based on the insightful talk by Ptr. Bong Saquing about pride and humility. It aims to help you recognize pride in yourself and understand its implications. By following these steps, you can foster humility in your life and improve your interactions with others.

Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Pride

To combat pride, it's crucial first to identify its presence in your life. Look for these common signs:

• Self-Exaltation: Do you often find yourself boasting about your achievements?
• Disregard for Others: Are you dismissive of others’ opinions or contributions?
• Inability to Accept Feedback: Do you struggle to accept constructive criticism?
• Comparison with Others: Are you frequently judging your worth based on others’ successes?

Practical Tips

• Reflect on your recent conversations and interactions. Were there moments where you felt superior or overly critical of others?
• Keep a journal to note instances where you may have acted out of pride.

Step 2: Cultivate Humility

Once you recognize pride, the next step is to actively cultivate humility in your life. Here are some effective strategies:

• Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of others.
• Serve Others: Engage in acts of service without expecting anything in return. This helps shift the focus from yourself to those around you.
• Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with people who can provide honest feedback and hold you accountable for your actions.

Practical Tips

• Start a daily gratitude journal where you write down three things you appreciate about others.
• Volunteer for community service to foster a spirit of giving.

Step 3: Reflect on Your Actions

Regular reflection is key to maintaining humility. Consider the following:

• Evaluate Your Motivations: Before acting, ask yourself what motivates your behavior. Is it to gain recognition or to genuinely help others?
• Acknowledge Mistakes: Accept that everyone makes mistakes, including yourself. Learn to apologize sincerely when you are wrong.

Practical Tips

• Set aside time each week to reflect on your actions and motivations.
• Discuss your reflections with a trusted friend or mentor for additional insights.

Step 4: Engage in Humble Conversations

Open dialogues can help reinforce humility. Focus on the following:

• Listen Actively: Pay full attention to others when they speak. Avoid planning your response while they are talking.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage others to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

Practical Tips

• Practice active listening in your next conversation. Summarize what the other person has said to ensure you understand their perspective.
• Use open-ended questions like “How do you feel about that?” to promote deeper discussions.

Conclusion

Pride can be a subtle yet powerful force that impacts your relationships and personal growth. By recognizing the signs of pride, cultivating humility, reflecting on your actions, and engaging in humble conversations, you can foster a more fulfilling and respectful environment. Consider these steps as ongoing practices rather than one-time actions, and you'll likely see positive changes in yourself and your interactions with others.