|
|
| print this
As
A Man Thinketh, By James Allen
Chapter
7
Serenity
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, and as he develops a
right understanding, and sees ever more clearly the internal
relations of things by the action of cause and effect, he
ceases to fuss, fume, worry, and grieve. He 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.
They feel that they can learn from 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 equitable.
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 who possess these blessings.
For they are always serene and calm. That exquisite poise
of character that we call serenity is the last lesson of
culture. It is the flowering of life, the fruitage of the
soul. It is precious as wisdom--more desirable than 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 the 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 you may be, under whatever conditions you may live,
know this: In the ocean of life the isles of blessedness
are smiling and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your
coming. Keep your hands firmly upon the helm of thought.
In the core 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."
|
|
GO
BACK
GO
BACK