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 person becomes calm in the measure that they understand themself as a thought-evolved being, for such knowledge necessitates the understanding of others as the result of thought, and as they develop a right understanding, and see more and more clearly the internal relations of things by the action of cause and effect, they cease to fuss and fume, worry and grieve, and remain poised, steadfast, serene.

The calm person, having learned how to govern themselves, knows how to adapt themselves among others; and others, in turn, reverence their spiritual strength, and feel that they can learn from a serene person and rely upon them. The more tranquil a person becomes, the greater is their success, their influence & their power for good.

Even the ordinary worker will find business prosperity increasing as they develop greater self-control and equanimity, for people will always prefer to deal with one whose demeanor is equable.

The strong, calm person is always loved and revered. They are 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 final lesson of all culture; it is the flowering of life, the fruitage of the soul. It is precious as wisdom, more to be desired than gold. How insignificant mere money-seeking looks in comparison with a serene life—a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath the tempest waves, beyond the reach of the circumstances & condition, held deep within 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 foundational to the finished character!”

Yes, humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumultuous with ungoverned grief, is blown about by anxiety, worry, doubt & fears. Yet only the wise person, only they whose thoughts are controlled and purified, can make the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.

Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you 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 hands firmly upon the helm of thought. Within the grand sailing vessel of your soul reclines the commanding Master; there the Master sleeps; awaken this Master.

Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power.

Say unto your heart, “Peace be still!”
​
James Allen