Posted on 08/05/2007 6:41:39 AM PDT by Reaganesque
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 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 demeanour 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 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!"
Ping!
Entire book here: http://jamesallen.wwwhubs.com/think.htm
I think that you are taking advantage of sharing God’s love for us, even if it is the form of correction.
Thanks, thanks, thanks!
Let’s see...
[aims at TV...]
BANG!
[aims at computer...]
BANG!
[sets paper on doorstep, pours gas on it, strikes match...]
WHUMP!
...Yes.
SERENITY NOW!!!
No.
Is it naive to think that people can be calm, rational and civil in their discourse?
In a way, yes, it is naive. People can be calm, rational and civil, but humans, being what they are, emotions can easily override rational discourse. It's how we choose to respond to those outbreaks that matters.
What do you think?
I'm not always sure! ;^)
Sounds good
I love that book I would read that book often before I was a member of the Church.
That’s one of my favorite quotes as well.
Great comments so far! Thanks!
I’m 42 and for most of my life agreed with the main post here. However, as I got older - and only in the last few years - did I realize that, while calm is nice, bullies will steamroll you. I also realized that liberal are essentially bullies. The rules of calm rational discussion only apply when you are agreeing with a liberal. Otherwise you are a bigot, racist, bible-nut etc.
In the words of Alice Cooper - no more Mr.Nice Guy.
I’m 42 and for most of my life agreed with the main post here. However, as I got older - and only in the last few years - did I realize that, while calm is nice, bullies will steamroll you. I also realized that liberals are essentially bullies. The rules of calm rational discussion only apply when you are agreeing with a liberal. Otherwise you are a bigot, racist, bible-nut etc.
In the words of Alice Cooper - no more Mr.Nice Guy.
Thanks for the thread. My Dad had a copy of this around, and it was obviously well thumbed-through.
BTW - as far as FR goes, I try avoid threads about: drug legalization, porn/prostitution, religion, and evolution.
Usually lots of heat and no light.
I think the key is balance. In many spiritual circles there is a belief that if a man can make you angry, he controls you. The goal is to have inner control no matter your environment or outside provocations.
Theoretically, leaders are supposed to be wise individuals who have achieved a certain level of success in life and are called to give their time and talents to society.
That’s rare today, although I think Mitt fits the description. Most people seek office today for money and power and bring along that accompanying low level of spiritual development. IMO, that is the major reason for corruption and decayed morality. Most politicians today have no reason or spiritual right to hold power over others.
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