Calmness of mind is one of the
beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in
self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of a
more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought.
A
man becomes calm in the measure that he understands himself as a
thought-evolved being, for such knowledge necessitates the understanding of
others as the result of thought. As he
develops a right understanding, and sees more and more clearly the internal
relations of things by the action of cause and effect, he ceases to fuss and
fume and worry and grieve, and remains poised, steadfast, serene.
The
calm man, having learned how to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to
others; and they, in turn, reverence his spiritual strength, and feel that they
can learn of him and rely upon him. The
more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his
power for good. Even the ordinary trader
will find his business prosperity increase as he develops a greater
self-control and equanimity, for people will always prefer to deal with a man
whose demeanor is strongly equable.
The
strong calm man is always loved and revered. He is like a shade-giving tree in a thirsty
land, or a sheltering rock in a storm. Who does not love a tranquil heart, a
sweet-tempered, balanced life? It does not matter whether it rains or shines,
or what changes come to those possessing these blessings, for they are always
sweet, serene, and calm. That exquisite
poise of character, which we call serenity, is the last lesson culture; it is the
flowering of life, the fruitage of the soul. It is precious as wisdom, more to
be desired than gold - yea, than even fine gold. How insignificant mere money seeking looks in
comparison with a serene life - a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath
the waves, beyond the reach of tempests, in the Eternal Calm!
"How
many people we know who sour their lives, who ruin all that is sweet and
beautiful by explosive tempers, who destroy their poise of character, and make
bad blood! It is a question whether the
great majority of people do not ruin their lives and mar their happiness by
lack of self-control. How few people we meet in life who are well-balanced, who
have that exquisite poise which is characteristic of the finished
character!"
Yes,
humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumultuous with ungoverned grief,
is blown about by anxiety and doubt. Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts
are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey
him.
Tempest-tossed
souls, wherever ye may be, under whatsoever conditions ye may live, know this -
in the ocean of life the isles of Blessedness are smiling, and sunny shore of
your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought.
In
the bark of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleep; wake
Him.
Self-control
is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power.
Say
unto your heart, "Peace, be still!" – James Allen (1864 – 1912).
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