Keep your heart in peace; let nothing in this world disturb it: all things have an end.
In all circumstances, however hard they may be, we should rejoice, rather than be cast down, that we may not lose the greatest good, the peace and tranquillity of our soul.
If the whole world and all that is in it were thrown into confusion, disquietude on that account would be vanity, because that disquietude would do more harm than good.
To endure all things with an equable and peaceful mind, not only brings with it many blessings to the soul, but also enables us, in the midst of our difficulties, to have a clear judgment about them, and to minister the fitting remedy for them.
ST JOHN OF THE CROSS
(Taken from the anthology A Year Of Grace.)
8 comments:
"In all circumstances, however hard they may be, we should rejoice, rather than be cast down, that we may not lose the greatest good, the peace and tranquillity of our soul."
I have found that gratitude is what brings me the greatest joy. When I am mindful and aware I have peace. But, when I can take my awareness one step further and be grateful for what is happening to me, around me, within me - whether "good" or "bad" - then I have joy. Interestingly, as I get "better" at this practice, I find myself being most grateful for experiences in which I fail, am proven wrong, or get my feelings hurt. It is in these circumstances that I begin to recognize what I can do better, more lovingly, how I can grow, what I will do differently next time. Growth is what keeps me rooted in the fact that I am a spiritual being on a human journey, and NOT the other way around.
Thank you for your posts. You always get me thinking.
beautiful :-)
like Bhagavad Gita chapter 2
Wise words indeed, 'the greatest good, the peace and tranquillity of our soul'.
While you have been in my thoughts over these days, I have been remembering when my mother died. I was many miles away working late in the night. As the sun rose a wonderful kind of sublime feeling of peace and joy came over me, and I looked out of the window and painted the sunrise. I found out later that this was the exact time my mother passed away. Thought I'd share this with you in the hope it gives you some comfort too.
"Keep your heart in peace…"
What wise and wonderful words. So often we forget that we can choose —or at least work to change—our moods and feelings and attitudes. We can't avoid grief, or sadness, or mourning, but we can affect its outcome, redirect the process.
I also loved what Val said: "Growth is what keeps me rooted in the fact that I am a spiritual being on a human journey, and NOT the other way around."
My heart pours out to you at this time. Yet maybe amid your sorrow you can find the peace and tranquility you need, and beyond that the joy to comfort and light your soul.
Thanks to everyone for all these comments.
"I am a spiritual being on a human journey." I like that a lot, Val.
To be grateful for one's failures, to embrace the totality of one's experience, not just the obviously good bits - I try to practice this but it's not always easy! It requires continuing awareness and mindfulness, as you say. I'm reminded of Samuel Beckett's line about "failing better".
Thanks for your kind and sympathetic thoughts, Raph.
Grizzled, your comment coincided with mine!
Yes, we can choose - though it may be easier for us to make such a choice than, say, a husbandless, childless woman in a Taliban-controlled region of Afghanistan. However, even under the most extreme of circumstances, the human spirit can perpetually astonish.
Your empathy and wise words are very much appreciated, and I thank you for them.
"that we may not lose the greatest good, the peace and tranquillity of our soul", beautiful words.
I think sometimes when we have the desire to run away to a "cave", we are doing soul work, protecting the peace and tranquility of our souls. Aah, I'm reminded of the writings of Thomas Moore - the soul and the spirit within us.
Thanks for your posts -
Bella
Thinking of you.
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