Hi,
In Alcoholics Anonymous, I don't think it's an exaggeration to say it's one of the most important principles of our programme. It's another one of those "principles" that doesn't really mean anything unless it's practiced. Personally, within my own goals and meditations I lump humility & ego together. In my own understanding, moving toward humility, moves me away from my own ego. If I move away from humility, I am moving closer to my ego. For me, my ego needs to be pushed back and kept at the back.
In AA there is a wonderful quote from our Big Book along the lines of "Every time we played the big shot, we turned people against us. We concluded that whatever price in humility we must pay, we will pay it".
I also like to remind myself of something I learned from Don Miguel Ruiz, along the lines of "You are the most important person in your own story but a secondary character in everyone else's".
These are the thought patterns and behaviour I try to bear in mind each day to help me move towards being a more humble human being;
Displaying a low sense of self-importance
If I become agitated with another person's intention I have to ask myself "Am I sure?" (of their intention)
I am aware that my thinking is limited and biased and always will be
If I have any obvious power in situations, I try not to exercise it unless I absolutely have to
More listening, less talking
Try not to come across as defensive
Staying out of all arguments
Not taking things personally (that's hard work, but vital to my growth!)
Saying sorry
