• Dr. Agnes S. Thomas

“Humility, however deep it be, neither disquiets nor troubles nor disturbs the soul; it is accompanied by peace, joy and tranquillity.” Theresa of Avila
Sunflowers are lovely; they rise high and stand tall in suitable soil. What I admire most about sunflowers is their beauty and how their bright colour can lift the observer’s spirits. But what makes them truly special to me is the reminder they carry. Let me further explain how these plants remind me of the virtue of humility and what they can teach us about relationships grounded in humility. For example, a sunflower takes approximately two to three months from seed to bloom; that is an entire season and the lifespan of that plant. A single sunflower has roughly a thousand seeds in it, and it is highly nutritious and harvested when fully ripened. If vital life relationships were like sunflowers, able to be planted and nurtured for the duration of their life, they, too, would be a beautiful bloom to watch. Similarly, when properly nurtured, relationships produce many fruits that can nourish all those around. So, in this brief reflection, I aim to examine what we can learn from the sunflower and how humility serves as a pillar for good relationships.
A fully bloomed sunflower head is slightly bent as if offering itself to the world in praise and glory for its life. It reminds me of many great people who led and contributed much to the world, having that posture of humility instead of pride and an “I am above everybody” attitude. The sunflower offers a lesson in how we should position ourselves. When in glory and filled with the seeds of life, like our gifts, talents, and positions of influence in our private and public lives, we must remember that our calling in life is to serve others. We are in relationships not to seek dominance or compete but to be present.
I used to think humility meant living in the shadows and making others believe you are less than them. However, from experience and the many good people who influenced my life journey, I learned humility is about acknowledging and accepting the truth of who we are. False humility can be disastrous for us and others; it shows us that if you pretend to be something else or feel obliged to, you are either in the wrong place with the wrong crowd or not self-aware.
We all know it is easier to live, work and participate in projects with humble people. So, what makes humble individuals so appealing? They are easy to be around, open to learning, and accepting of both perfection and imperfection. They constantly seek ways to grow and are comfortable with their humanity. Whether in personal or professional relationships, we all want to be at ease and respected for who we are. Humility enables us to connect with others in a way that is both desirable and authentic, much like the sunflower.
As Mother Theresa famously said, “If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.” A humble person is self-aware; a self-aware person knows their flaws and gifts. In relationships, they accept others for who they are without trying to prove superiority or foster unnecessary competition. Their self-awareness allows them to be open to learning and growing with others, understanding there is always room for improvement. Humble people are not swayed by fame or shame, success or failure; they remain grounded and content with themselves, like the bright sunflower—always pleasant.
Another gift that humility brings to relationships is mutual respect and a high regard for others. Like the sunflower, which stands tall in a garden alongside different plants, a humble person remains confident without being clingy. Sometimes, I feel that this plant offers a perfect meditation on worship, as a graceful offering of gratitude to our Creator. The sunflower is beautiful and serene, unaffected by its surroundings, constantly striving to be present.
A relationship founded on humility fosters mutual respect, learning, and gratitude. This foundation leads to peace and spreads goodness in the world. Like the sunflower, humility radiates joy and light.