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!"
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