Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 8)

The second step of humility is not to love having our own way nor to delight in our own desires. (From para. 8 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Meditation brings me close to my true self, my true source, the source of selfless action. Family and community bring me plenty of opportunities to learn to practice selflessness.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 7)

And so, if the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked, and if at all times the Lord looks down from heaven on the sons and daughters of men to see if any show understanding in seeking God, and if the angels assigned to care for us report our deeds to the Lord day and night, we must be on our guard every hour or else, as the psalmist says, the time may come when God will observe us falling into evil and so made worthless. (From para. 7 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

In seeking God, I find God already seeking me.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 6-7)

As to pursuing our own will we are warned against that when scripture says to us: turn away from your desires; and in the Lord's prayer itself we pray that his will may be brought to fulfillment in us.
(From para. 6 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I feel visceral sense, even if subtle, of a blow to my false self, my ego, my will, in interactions with other people, when I'm misunderstood or when I can't control a situation in the way I think it should go. I sense a disruption, and in this critical moment, if I turn to the presence of God, his spirit of truth can expand in me.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 5)

One who follows that way finds protection at all times from sin and vice of thought, of tongue, of hand, of foot, of self-will and of disordered sensual desire, so as to lead a life that is completely open before the scrutiny of God and of his angels who watch over us from hour to hour. (From para. 5 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

If my life is completely open to the scrutiny of God, then I'm also completely open to his tenderness, and protected by his living, loving Spirit.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 4)

The first step of humility is to cherish at all times the sense of awe with which we should turn to God. (From para. 4 of Ch. 7 of Saint  Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

It seems to me that St. Benedict aligns humility with seeing reality, which must be a state of continuous selfless prayer.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 1-3)

[Jesus] taught us by these words that whenever one of us is raised to a position of prominence there is always an element of pride involved. (From para. 1 of Ch 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I can learn to recognize and let go of these experiences of pride, by turning my attention to what really matters: the awesome power of the Spirit working through right relationship.

Chapter 6: Cherishing silence in the monastery

I am guarded about the way I speak and have accepted silence in humility refraining even from words that are good. (From para. 1 of Ch. 6 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I read St. Benedict's words as going far beyond the adage, "Think before you speak". His advice to me is to discern when not to speak at all, when to let go of words that are automatic or controlling,  even if well-intentioned. Reverent silence (read: selfless attention) is the medium of presence to reality.