Closer to the Earth, Closer to Ourselves: A Reflection on Humility

Humility is one of my favorite words.

And one I wish we could see more valued in this world.

I believe we all need more humility—not as weakness, but as quiet strength.

The kind that brings us closer to others, to the Earth, and to ourselves.

Do you know the origin of the word?

The word humility comes from the Latin term humilitas, rooted in humus, which means earth or soil.

Close to the soil. Close to the Earth.

Isn’t that beautiful?

How much better could we live if we stayed more in touch with the soil that provides us food, air, water, and beauty?

How different would life feel—the way we treat nature, others, and even ourselves?

We wouldn’t dare to disrespect the Earth if we truly remained connected to it.

To be close to the Earth can teach us so much.

And right now, at this time in our shared story—especially in the Western world—we need that wisdom more than ever.

We’ve grown distant from the Earth, and in many ways, from our own roots.

In its modern meaning, humility is the ability not to overpower others, and to listen more than to speak.

There’s deep wisdom in that.

The wisdom of someone who keeps learning,

who values every encounter as a lesson,

who walks through life with a light step, making space for others too.

In a world that often pushes us to compete, to rush, and to shout to be heard,

humility brings us back to what really matters:

respect, empathy, authenticity.

There is so much beauty in humility—

in the ability to say “I don’t know,”

to apologize when needed,

to walk through life with a light step, making space for others too.

At NaturalApp, we believe that reconnecting with nature also means reconnecting with our roots—and with deep human values.

Because caring for the planet starts with how we show up in the world.