View allAll Photos Tagged Humility
I decided to take a late afternoon stroll yesterday in the beautiful evening sun. Walking past so many gardens full of exotic looking flowers was wonderful and yet nothing really caught my eye and made me wish to capture it.
Nothing that is until I came across these very humble looking buttercups.
It served to remind me that sometime it's the simplest of subjects that can prove the most beautiful.
“This virtuous simplicity,” says St. John Climacus, “is the mother and nurse of a most profound humility and of a great meekness. . . . Never is simplicity to be found where there is not, at the same time, humility also.”
...In their very works and occupations the solitaries tend to humility and stifle every movement of vainglory in themselves. For who can become proud by digging in the ground, or watering plants, or making wicker baskets, or other such things?”
--The Spirit of Simplicity, Jean-Baptiste Chautard OSCO, Translated by Thomas Merton
Agfa Box 44 from 1930s
expired Kodak Portra 160, pushed two stops
Inspired by the movie 'Wings of desire' and its remake 'City of angels', I wanted to do this project for a long time. I even started it some time ago as self-portraits wearing long, leather, black jacket:
www.flickr.com/photos/toguko/4741327405/
But this time, I thought I would do something different. I think the use of the traditional, red, Chinese dress was more for the visual reasons in the beginning. Then I started to think what I wanted to show in this project. And the word 'nostalgia' came to my mind in a natural way - the use of an old camera, expired films, dress from another era, showing longing for the past. But when I developed the films, I was disappointed with the results. I was hoping they would look like old photographs. The colours came out more vivid than when using normal kodak portra 160 (perhaps because mine was expired and pushed two stops when developed). I felt that this is not what I wanted and also that it is not really my style. I guess I had some expectations about the whole thing.
And then I thought that I did the best I could, given the tools I have at the moment (I had to sell all my equipment for personal reasons and only kept my grandfather's camera for sentimental reasons and was left with few boxes of kodak portra 160 that I didn't sell) and that the final results were actually not up to me. I felt that this was a great lesson of humility, letting go, diminishing my ego and expectations, trying to deal with my 'control freak' and perfectionist side. So my new idea for the name of this project is 'humility', for the reasons above but also because of the small figure in the vastness of the landscapes (universe) as I am trying to show how small and insignificant we all are.
The other thing I thought about is what does the model feel/experience. What is her perspective? I feel not many people think about that. So I asked her. She said that in the beginning, the posing didn't feel natural to her, she felt awkward standing there looking at all these landscapes in front of her. But in later shots, she started to relax, closed her eyes and meditated.
Changed the name of the project to 'h&n' (for humility&nostalgia but also here&now).
There is one more film I shot for this project and that's it. It will not continue in its current form.
Thanks for all visits, comments and Favs. Copyright © Gabor Matesz Photos. All rights reserved. Please don't use without my permission.
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"Add to this a good sense of humor, a big dose of patience, and a dash of humility, and you will be rewarded many-fold."
~ Maranatha
.................
2. "Be friendly and helpful.",
3. "Be cordial.",
4. "Be genuinely interested in people."
.................
~ My Easter cactus flowers are blooming on my balcony...
~ the original photo is displayed in the first comment below...
Thanks for stopping by
and God Bless,
hugs, Chris
Created with fd's Flickr Toys
*أصدق الحزن .. ابتسامة في عيون دامعة
______________________________
Copyright © 2009 Arikashika, all right reserved
even amidst a countless creations thereis in nature...we human beings have the humility... to choose to be in servitude to all creation...to protect life on Earth...in servitude to God...who created us all for this Divine Purpose...
It was not a perfect place to take star trail picture as light pollution was so heavy. It was not a perfect weather either as humility was very high and air transparency was below average. But it was only 25 minutes of driving from home and it was fun to get a interesting star trail picture in such unfavorable conditions.
I am thankful for adversity. Likewise, I am thankful for the humility and utter reliance on God it points me to.
Now, before you think I'm all some kind of noble, let me also say that adversity hurts. And the conflict and outright hostility from some in my life hurts especially hard... dismissive ridicule masquerading as high-minded tolerance; mocking sneers written into shaded words; assumptions and presumptions born of enmity and estrangement.
I have lost to that estrangement close family and friend alike. Job would understand. So would Paul, and Luther, and Wilberforce, and Schneider. Each drew a line that defined an arc of adversity against which they leaned continually throughout their days. Mine, like theirs, has become an anchor.
God, it is said, draws straight lines with crooked sticks. And mine was particularly misshapen. But as an invited resident in my life, the line Christ has drawn for me has become a dividing line with those who bear adversity in their bosoms as if it their very breath. And for that I am thankful. No, not that we are divided. But thankful that by that line I am forever tethered to a hope and peace and assurance I would not have otherwise discovered.
As adversity isolates it also frees. And I am free, indeed.
“When we visit sacred sites we go there with humility, perform our acts of respect and then see what happens — we surrender to the place rather than try to ‘control’ it.” ~ James Swan
Lower Antelope Canyon - September 2011
Hard to believe that the small opening in the earth that you see below leads you into a whole other world....one that is mesmerizing, spiritual, and sacred rolled all into one. The canyon was formed by erosion of Navajo Sandstone,primarily due to flash flooding and secondarily due to other sub-aerial processes. Rainwater, especially during monsoon season, runs into the extensive basin above the slot canyon sections, picking up speed and sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways. Over time the passageways are eroded away, making the corridors deeper and smoothing hard edges in such a way as to form characteristic 'flowing' shapes in the rock. (source: wikipedia)
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend....and wishing everyone a great week ahead. Appreciate all your visits, comments, invites, awards, and faves :-)
"O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy name's sake." (Prayer of William Barclay, 20th century)
Copyright© 2010 Kamoteus/RonMiguel RN
This image is protected under the United States and International Copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without written permission.
The National War Memorial has for me always been a place of great humility. This is especially true with the more recent murder of Private Nathan Cirillo on these very steps. Last weekend, when I took this photo, it was brutally cold and snowing. No one else was around but I could sense the history of so many people represented here.
Anima Series 5
Sitting No. 190
Lismore NSW 2018
Model: Naomi Grant
Humility is a very useful quality that allows us to balance the often powerful influence of our ego. The key word here being ‘balance’.
As C S Lewis once said, ‘humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less’.
Humility provides a means of seeing beyond our periphery and thereby not obsessing about our own concerns, or being blinded by desire. It is a more grounded, down to earth view that looks outward at the world rather than always inward.
This is not to suggest we should ignore the inner workings of our hearts or minds but simply, like all things, we need to balance between our inner and outer worlds.
In the age of the selfie stick, we risk being drawn into narcissistic habits where our lack of a balanced perspective exposes us to seemingly greater shock – when in truth it is simply our bubble bursting at the slightest touch.
Humility is this balanced perspective.
Agfa Box 44 from 1930s
expired Kodak Portra 160, pushed two stops
Inspired by the movie 'Wings of desire' and its remake 'City of angels', I wanted to do this project for a long time. I even started it some time ago as self-portraits wearing long, leather, black jacket:
www.flickr.com/photos/toguko/4741327405/
But this time, I thought I would do something different. I think the use of the traditional, red, Chinese dress was more for the visual reasons in the beginning. Then I started to think what I wanted to show in this project. And the word 'nostalgia' came to my mind in a natural way - the use of an old camera, expired films, dress from another era, showing longing for the past. But when I developed the films, I was disappointed with the results. I was hoping they would look like old photographs. The colours came out more vivid than when using normal kodak portra 160 (perhaps because mine was expired and pushed two stops when developed). I felt that this is not what I wanted and also that it is not really my style. I guess I had some expectations about the whole thing.
And then I thought that I did the best I could, given the tools I have at the moment (I had to sell all my equipment for personal reasons and only kept my grandfather's camera for sentimental reasons and was left with few boxes of kodak portra 160 that I didn't sell) and that the final results were actually not up to me. I felt that this was a great lesson of humility, letting go, diminishing my ego and expectations, trying to deal with my 'control freak' and perfectionist side. So my new idea for the name of this project is 'humility', for the reasons above but also because of the small figure in the vastness of the landscapes (universe) as I am trying to show how small and insignificant we all are.
The other thing I thought about is what does the model feel/experience. What is her perspective? I feel not many people think about that. So I asked her. She said that in the beginning, the posing didn't feel natural to her, she felt awkward standing there looking at all these landscapes in front of her. But in later shots, she started to relax, closed her eyes and meditated.
Changed the name of the project to 'h&n' (for humility&nostalgia but also here&now).
Remember how exciting it was in the spring of 1990, when Santa Fe’s first new Superfleet GP60Ms were delivered? Thirty four years later, I encountered one of the hot rods on my lunchtime walk, switching in downtown Vancouver, Washington.
Agfa Box 44 from 1930s
expired Kodak Portra 160, pushed two stops
Inspired by the movie 'Wings of desire' and its remake 'City of angels', I wanted to do this project for a long time. I even started it some time ago as self-portraits wearing long, leather, black jacket:
www.flickr.com/photos/toguko/4741327405/
But this time, I thought I would do something different. I think the use of the traditional, red, Chinese dress was more for the visual reasons in the beginning. Then I started to think what I wanted to show in this project. And the word 'nostalgia' came to my mind in a natural way - the use of an old camera, expired films, dress from another era, showing longing for the past. But when I developed the films, I was disappointed with the results. I was hoping they would look like old photographs. The colours came out more vivid than when using normal kodak portra 160 (perhaps because mine was expired and pushed two stops when developed). I felt that this is not what I wanted and also that it is not really my style. I guess I had some expectations about the whole thing.
And then I thought that I did the best I could, given the tools I have at the moment (I had to sell all my equipment for personal reasons and only kept my grandfather's camera for sentimental reasons and was left with few boxes of kodak portra 160 that I didn't sell) and that the final results were actually not up to me. I felt that this was a great lesson of humility, letting go, diminishing my ego and expectations, trying to deal with my 'control freak' and perfectionist side. So my new idea for the name of this project is 'humility', for the reasons above but also because of the small figure in the vastness of the landscapes (universe) as I am trying to show how small and insignificant we all are.
The other thing I thought about is what does the model feel/experience. What is her perspective? I feel not many people think about that. So I asked her. She said that in the beginning, the posing didn't feel natural to her, she felt akward standing there looking at all these landscapes in front of her. But in later shots, she started to relax, closed her eyes and meditated.
Changed the name of the project to 'h&n' (for humility&nostalgia but also here&now).
I wonder what you think.
Agfa Box 44 from 1930s
expired Kodak Portra 160, pushed two stops
Inspired by the movie 'Wings of desire' and its remake 'City of angels', I wanted to do this project for a long time. I even started it some time ago as self-portraits wearing long, leather, black jacket:
www.flickr.com/photos/toguko/4741327405/
But this time, I thought I would do something different. I think the use of the traditional, red, Chinese dress was more for the visual reasons in the beginning. Then I started to think what I wanted to show in this project. And the word 'nostalgia' came to my mind in a natural way - the use of an old camera, expired films, dress from another era, showing longing for the past. But when I developed the films, I was disappointed with the results. I was hoping they would look like old photographs. The colours came out more vivid than when using normal kodak portra 160 (perhaps because mine was expired and pushed two stops when developed). I felt that this is not what I wanted and also that it is not really my style. I guess I had some expectations about the whole thing.
And then I thought that I did the best I could, given the tools I have at the moment (I had to sell all my equipment for personal reasons and only kept my grandfather's camera for sentimental reasons and was left with few boxes of kodak portra 160 that I didn't sell) and that the final results were actually not up to me. I felt that this was a great lesson of humility, letting go, diminishing my ego and expectations, trying to deal with my 'control freak' and perfectionist side. So my new idea for the name of this project is 'humility', for the reasons above but also because of the small figure in the vastness of the landscapes (universe) as I am trying to show how small and insignificant we all are.
The other thing I thought about is what does the model feel/experience. What is her perspective.
Changed the name of the project to 'h&n' (for humility&nostalgia but also here&now).
I wonder what you think.
The Rovingian Council: Simplicity, Humility, and Renunciation versus Ostentation by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)
The Rovingian Council: Simplicity, Humility, and Renunciation versus Ostentation
A philosophy of detachment and spiritual freedom
The Rovingian Council, also called the philosophy of nomadic monks, is based on the idea that genuine spiritual freedom is achieved through total detachment. For these wanderers, existence is a constant journey, where "having" represents a weight that hinders "being."
The Pillars of Rovingian Conduct
1. Simplicity: The Light Path
For the Rovingian, simplicity is not limited to the absence of luxury, but is a deliberate choice for the essence of life. Radical minimalism is practiced, carrying only what is indispensable for survival. The focus falls on the essential, eliminating both material and mental distractions, in order to hear the inner voice. The language adopted is clear, avoiding complicated rhetoric, because truth is revealed in the simple and direct.
2. Humility: The Earth Beneath Our Feet
Humility emerges from the recognition that we are part of nature, not its masters. The Rovingian monk lives in equality with all creation, not considering himself superior to animals or stones. He values active listening, learning from each encounter on the path and treating the unknown as a teacher. The absence of ego is fundamental: he does not seek recognition, titles, or status, for anonymity protects spiritually.
3. Renunciation: The Cutting of Ties
Renunciation is what enables the nomad's mobility. Without it, he becomes sedentary in spirit. He practices material detachment, rejecting the accumulation of possessions that would bind him to one place. He renounces comfort, accepting hardships and fatigue as instruments of purification. His freedom of destiny manifests in the absence of rigid plans, allowing life to indicate the next step.
4. Enlightenment versus Ostentation
Ostentation represents the opposite of Rovingian enlightenment. Pride, whether of wealth or knowledge, is an "anchor" that hinders evolution. While the world values appearance, the monk values transparency. Excess adornment and possessions generate visual noise, stifling the perception of the sacred.
Principles of Guidance
Movement is Sacred: Remaining excessively in one place generates attachment and stagnation. For the Rovingian, moving water is pure, while still water rots. Constant movement prevents the soul from taking root in temporary illusions.
Reciprocal Hospitality: Giving without expecting anything in return and receiving with gratitude, without demanding. Hospitality is a rite, not a possession. The monk accepts what is offered, leaving before gratitude turns into dependence.
The Providence of Now: One does not excessively store up for the future. One trusts that the path will provide what is necessary, avoiding the accumulation of provisions or guarantees, as this denotes a lack of faith in the natural order.
Track Zero: The Rovingian seeks to pass through the world without leaving traces of destruction or vanity.
Point of Reflection: The "Golden Anchor"
In Rovingian philosophy, ostentation is not limited to material wealth, but extends to intellectual and spiritual wealth. To be proud of one's own humility or to use knowledge to diminish others is to carry a "golden anchor"—valuable in the eyes of the world, but which prevents the ship from sailing.
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O Conselho Rovingiano: Simplicidade, Humildade e Renúncia versus Ostentação
Uma filosofia de desapego e liberdade espiritual
O Conselho Rovingiano, também denominado filosofia dos monges nómadas, fundamenta-se na ideia de que a liberdade espiritual genuína é conquistada através do desapego total. Para estes caminhantes, a existência é uma travessia constante, onde o "ter" representa um peso que dificulta o "ser".
Os Pilares da Conduta Rovingiana
1. Simplicidade: O Caminho Leve
A simplicidade, para o rovingiano, não se limita à ausência de luxo, mas é uma escolha deliberada pela essência da vida. Pratica-se o minimalismo radical, levando consigo apenas o indispensável para sobreviver. O foco recai sobre o essencial, eliminando distrações tanto materiais quanto mentais, de modo a ouvir a voz interior. A linguagem adotada é clara, evitando retóricas complicadas, pois a verdade revela-se no simples e direto.
2. Humildade: A Terra sob os Pés
A humildade emerge do reconhecimento de que somos parte da natureza, e não seus dominadores. O monge rovingiano vive em igualdade com toda a criação, não se considerando superior a animais ou pedras. Valoriza a escuta ativa, aprendendo com cada encontro no caminho e tratando o desconhecido como mestre. A ausência de ego é fundamental: não busca reconhecimento, títulos ou status, pois o anonimato protege espiritualmente.
3. Renúncia: O Corte dos Laços
A renúncia é o que possibilita a mobilidade do nómada. Sem ela, torna-se sedentário na alma. Pratica o desapego material, rejeitando o acúmulo de bens que o prenderiam a um lugar. Renuncia ao conforto, aceitando intempéries e cansaço como instrumentos de purificação. Sua liberdade de destino manifesta-se na ausência de planos rígidos, permitindo que a vida indique o próximo passo.
4. Iluminação versus Ostentação
A ostentação representa o oposto da iluminação rovingiana. O orgulho, seja de riqueza ou conhecimento, é uma "âncora" que impede evolução. Enquanto o mundo valoriza a aparência, o monge valoriza a transparência. O excesso de adornos e bens gera ruído visual, abafando a perceção do sagrado.
Princípios de Regência
O Movimento é Sagrado: Permanecer excessivamente num lugar gera apego e estagnação. Para o rovingiano, a água em movimento é pura, enquanto a parada apodrece. O movimento constante evita que a alma crie raízes em ilusões temporais.
Hospitalidade Recíproca: Dar sem esperar retorno e receber com gratidão, sem exigir. A hospitalidade é um rito, não uma posse. O monge aceita o que lhe é oferecido, parte antes que a gratidão se transforme em dependência.
A Providência do Agora: Não se armazena excessivamente para o futuro. Confia-se que o caminho proverá o necessário, evitando acumulação de mantimentos ou garantias, pois isso denota falta de fé na ordem natural.
Rasto Zero: O rovingiano procura passar pelo mundo sem deixar marcas de destruição ou vaidade.
Ponto de Reflexão: A "Âncora de Ouro"
Na filosofia rovingiana, a ostentação não se restringe à riqueza material, mas estende-se à intelectual e espiritual. Orgulhar-se da própria humildade ou usar o conhecimento para diminuir o outro é carregar uma "âncora de ouro" — valiosa aos olhos do mundo, mas que impede o barco de navegar.
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「慢心は損害を招き、謙虚は利益を受ける。天狗になるとミスを犯し、謙虚になれば協力を得る」– 孔子『書経』
Pilgrims, visitors, tourists paying homage and giving offerings to the spirits of the Yakuo-In shrine. Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. © Michele Marcolin, 2023. GR3
[Arrogance causes harm, humility benefits. If you are a tengu, you make mistakes, if you re humble, you get help] - Confucius' Book of Sutras
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The Buddhist temple on Mount Takao is formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji. It was established in 744 on the orders of Emperor Shomu as a base for Buddhism in eastern Japan and its founder was Gyoki, a charismatic priest closely associated with the erection of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
It was restored late in the 14th century by Shungen Daitoku, a priest of the of the Shingon esoteric Buddhism, with close connections also to Shugendo (mountain asceticism). After a demanding goma fire ritual of 8,000 goma sticks and subsequently receiving a living vision of the deity Izuna Daigongen, he was aften described as the second founder of the temple and Mount Takao flourished as a Shugendo center.
During the 15th to the late 16th century, a number of powerful warrior lords, such as Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin, looked to Izuna Daigongen as a protector deity. The Hojo family, who held the Kanto region under their sway, were particularly strong devotees and they placed Mount Takao under their special protection. It was no accident either that the mountain occupied an important strategic position. During the Edo period, Yakuo-in expanded under the patronage of the ruling Tokugawa family.
Today Yakuo-in is one of the three head temples of the Shingon-shu Chisan-ha Sect, the others being Narita-san Shinsho-ji and Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji.The Tengu association of it dates back as far as the 14th century - through its ties with the practice of mountain asceticism. Tengu - which in an early stage of their history were considered disruptive entities against Buddism - had the reputation of teasing particularly ascetic monks in their search for illumination. Later developments saw them as keeper of Mt. Takao and guardians agains any evil doers. Even to this day, you can see Tengu iconography all over Mt. Takao.
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Please do not use, copy or edit any of my materials without my written permission. If you want to use this or any other image, please contact me first.
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If anything is good for pounding humility into you permanently, it's the restaurant business.
Anthony Bourdain
Our neighborhood restaurant, The Hilltop.
"Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real."- Thomas Merton
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