Calmness of mind
is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
It is a result of long and patient effort
in self-control.
It's 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 a result of thought.
And as he develops a right understanding
and sees more and more clearly,
the internal relations of things
by the actions of cause and effect,
he ceases to fuss and fume and 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
and 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
who's demeanor is equable.
The strong, calm man is always loved and revered.
He's 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 comes to those possessing these blessings
for they are always sweet, serene and calm.
The exquisite poise of character
which 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 to be desired than gold,
yea, than even fine gold.
How insignificant mere money seeking looks
in comparison with the 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.
He's blowing about anxiety and doubt.
Only the wise man,
only he who's thoughts are controlled and purified
makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.
Tempest toss 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.
Keeps your hands firmly on 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 to your heart, "peace, be still."