James Allen
(1864-1912)
Serenity
(from the book, "As A Man Thinketh")
(1864-1912)
Serenity
(from the book, "As A Man Thinketh")
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 a ripened experience, and of a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought.
The strong and calm person is always loved and revered. They are like shade giving trees in a thirsty land, 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 of culture, it is the flowering and fruitage of the soul. It is as precious as wisdom and more to be desired than gold - yes even fine gold. How insignificant mere money making looks in comparison to a serene life - a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath the waves, beyond the tempests, in the Eternal Calm.
How many people do 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 a 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 ones, whose thoughts are controlled and purified, make the winds and storms of the soul obey them.
In the ship 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.."
The strong and calm person is always loved and revered. They are like shade giving trees in a thirsty land, 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 of culture, it is the flowering and fruitage of the soul. It is as precious as wisdom and more to be desired than gold - yes even fine gold. How insignificant mere money making looks in comparison to a serene life - a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath the waves, beyond the tempests, in the Eternal Calm.
How many people do 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 a 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 ones, whose thoughts are controlled and purified, make the winds and storms of the soul obey them.
In the ship 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.."
