Reinhart Niebuhr wrote one of the most empowering yet challenging prayers I've ever read.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
Accepting the things I cannot change doesn't come easy to me. My mind sometimes rails -- What if? Why not? It should/shouldn't be like this. How can we just sit by and allow XYZ to happen?
It's not right/fair/okay!!! How could they? You get the picture.
This kind of thinking/feeling isn't conducive to serenity. It's part of the default/habitual thinking I'm working to change.
So what is serenity and how can we find it?
Linda Kavelin Popov teaches, "Serenity is tranquility of spirit. It is an abiding sense of trust and faith that all is well. In the midst of trials, we are accepting and resilient. We go with the flow. We practice stillness, reflection and mindfulness."
She goes on, "Serenity gives us lucidity of thought and allows us to detach from strong emotions that can cloud our judgment. We do not allow worry or fear to throw us off balance."
She ends, "We cultivate peaceful presence. We are able to be calm in the wind." This is tantalizing to me.
I've made a concerted effort to practice serenity this summer. To accept the things I cannot change with grace. To decipher what is mine to change and what belongs to others.
Though not completely there yet, progress is being made. I've come to see that my worrying hasn't changed any outcome. That all the issues in our private, work and collective lives need lucidity of thought and good judgment to address clearly. I've also come to see that getting to clarity on any issue takes humility and flexibility. That I'm not always right. And that even if a decision seems right to/for me, it doesn't mean its right to/for the others who will also be affected by it. That the highest principle is unity.
As I get back to everyday life as summer holidays draw to a close, there is no end of issues to worry about if I want to go down that path.
Thankfully, after taking time for play, for more balance, I've once again come to see that above all, its important to have faith in the goodness of life and the goodness of people.
As I take up my duties in business and community service this fall -- I hope to do so with an abundance of serenity. To do what I can and then let it go without worry. If what I can do isn't enough, if it doesn't change things, the healthiest thing for me to do is to accept that. A friend I respect reminded me just this morning, that 'things will unfold as they should'.
Our world is facing unprecedented challenges. Taking Niebuhr's words to heart will better equip me do do my part, (which of course is all I can do) calmly, mindfully and serenely.
As you move back into the busyness and business of fall -- may you walk serenely as well.
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Serenity
I have faith in the goodness of life.
I accept tests with grace and trust.
I am flexible in the course of events.
I am thoughtful and reflective.
I keep my peace.
In the midst of chaos I create tranquility.
I am thankful for the gift of Serenity. It soothes my soul.
Reflection Questions
How can I accept the challenges I cannot change with grace and trust?
What would give me the courage to change the things I can?
What helps me to know the difference?
What would help me create tranquility in the midst of chaos?
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
Accepting the things I cannot change doesn't come easy to me. My mind sometimes rails -- What if? Why not? It should/shouldn't be like this. How can we just sit by and allow XYZ to happen?
It's not right/fair/okay!!! How could they? You get the picture.
This kind of thinking/feeling isn't conducive to serenity. It's part of the default/habitual thinking I'm working to change.
So what is serenity and how can we find it?
Linda Kavelin Popov teaches, "Serenity is tranquility of spirit. It is an abiding sense of trust and faith that all is well. In the midst of trials, we are accepting and resilient. We go with the flow. We practice stillness, reflection and mindfulness."
She goes on, "Serenity gives us lucidity of thought and allows us to detach from strong emotions that can cloud our judgment. We do not allow worry or fear to throw us off balance."
She ends, "We cultivate peaceful presence. We are able to be calm in the wind." This is tantalizing to me.
I've made a concerted effort to practice serenity this summer. To accept the things I cannot change with grace. To decipher what is mine to change and what belongs to others.
Apparently somewhere along the line I decided worrying was necessary -- (if my behaviour was any indicator) -- and I could always justify it, after all, this issue (whatever I was worrying over) is BIG -- I would tell myself. Worthy of worry.
Though not completely there yet, progress is being made. I've come to see that my worrying hasn't changed any outcome. That all the issues in our private, work and collective lives need lucidity of thought and good judgment to address clearly. I've also come to see that getting to clarity on any issue takes humility and flexibility. That I'm not always right. And that even if a decision seems right to/for me, it doesn't mean its right to/for the others who will also be affected by it. That the highest principle is unity.
As I get back to everyday life as summer holidays draw to a close, there is no end of issues to worry about if I want to go down that path.
Thankfully, after taking time for play, for more balance, I've once again come to see that above all, its important to have faith in the goodness of life and the goodness of people.
As I take up my duties in business and community service this fall -- I hope to do so with an abundance of serenity. To do what I can and then let it go without worry. If what I can do isn't enough, if it doesn't change things, the healthiest thing for me to do is to accept that. A friend I respect reminded me just this morning, that 'things will unfold as they should'.
Our world is facing unprecedented challenges. Taking Niebuhr's words to heart will better equip me do do my part, (which of course is all I can do) calmly, mindfully and serenely.
As you move back into the busyness and business of fall -- may you walk serenely as well.
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Serenity
I have faith in the goodness of life.
I accept tests with grace and trust.
I am flexible in the course of events.
I am thoughtful and reflective.
I keep my peace.
In the midst of chaos I create tranquility.
I am thankful for the gift of Serenity. It soothes my soul.
Reflection Questions
How can I accept the challenges I cannot change with grace and trust?
What would give me the courage to change the things I can?
What helps me to know the difference?
What would help me create tranquility in the midst of chaos?
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