Placidity in Today's World

I have found that most people speak when they do not know how to be silent. A wise person certainly knows when he has to hold his peace. As Ambrose says, "Tie your tongue, lest it be wanton and luxuriate; keep it within the banks; a rapidly flowing river soon collects mud."

When we are not peace within ourselves it is in vain to seek it from outward sources. Let us try to be silent, so that we may hear the soft whispers of the Heavenly Gods above. I am sure all of you agree to this.

There are five great enemies to peace that inhabits within us: They are avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. If these enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.

I was just browsing my closet last week when I came across a beautiful piece of advice given to me by my late father just a year before he passed away. I would like to share it with you all, readers and then may be You shall agree that it is very true and justified.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
Even the dull And ignorant; They too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain And bitter;
For always there will be greater And lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise Caution in your business affairs; For the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
Many persons strive for high ideals;And everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity And disenchantment, It is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the Council of the years, Gracefully surrendering the things of Youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are borne of fatigue And loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the Universe; no less than the trees And the stars;
You have a right to be here, And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
And whatever your labors And aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery And broken dreams,
It Is Still A Beautiful World. Be Careful, Strive to be happy.
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