“Speak softly and carry a big stick.” 
~ Theodore Roosevelt

A shaman doesn’t call themselves a shaman, and a kahuna doesn’t call themselves a kahuna. Rather, they are recognized by their presence, their wisdom and energy.  They have no interest in being put on a pedestal, pretending to be great, or shouting to the world how powerful they are.

Today, our culture seems to value self-promotion and individual success making it easy to overlook the importance of humility.

In Hawaiian, humility is ha’a ha’a, and it is an important aspect of Huna. It reminds us that the power we use belongs to the Divine — it is not “our power.” Everyone can access it, it’s just that we have specific ways we tap in, And they are very effective!  

Humbleness, humility’s sister, is a quality of being modest or unpretentious. Your humbleness is what keeps you from bragging about all the amazing things you’ve done or achieved. It is fine to celebrate your successes!  The key word here is “bragging,” having your ego attached to being above another. This is a fine line that can sometimes be crossed unconsciously. 

Humility is often misunderstood as weakness or lack of confidence, but is actually a powerful and essential trait that can lead to a more fulfilling (and successful) life. Too much humility can lead to passivity and self-doubt, while too much self-confidence can result in arrogance. It’s a balancing act!  



Benefits of humility include:

• Improved Relationships
• Effective Communication
• Greater Self-Awareness
• Personal Growth
• Increased Empathy
• Adaptability
• Reduced Stress
• Ethical Behaviour
• Fewer Ego-Driven Conflicts

Humility takes practice.  True humility is characterized by a certain quietness, less need for attention or approval from external sources, and a deep reserve of power.

Why not invite greater humility on your path?