By James Allen.
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 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 person, 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 indicates that he is at peace with himself.
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 of culture, 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
the 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!"
*******
This is taken from As A Man Thinketh.
Copyright © World Spirituality · All Rights Reserved