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SERENITY

How does one maintain a peaceful state of mind in today's hectic, fast paced, cyberworld? I don't claim to have the answer but I think that a serene state of mind is the result of a healthy balance of the brain activity between both of it's hemispheres.

I also believe that a lot of one's behavior is the result of the way one thinks and furthermore that thinking habits can be re-learned.

Let us look at some of the areas of thinking/ behavior that been attributed to the two hemispheres of the brain and which I prefer to think of as our different personalities.

My generation is well endowed with the attributes of the left  personality. We know about the work-ethic, keeping a stiff upper lip, the no-no's, etc., all of which do give a strong sense of doing the right thing.

However, many wish to achieve a better balance between their personalities and thus become more creative/more serene. I have found several approaches that you may find helpful. Among some of these are:

SPIRITUALITY

One of my daughters is a firm believer of prayer and she uses her creative talents to write poetry. This poem is one of my favorites and illustrates how she achieves serenity through prayer.

IN PRAYER

Hush, little one, and hear your thoughts
Listen with all your heart.
And dream of Me and hear My voice
And the wisdom I'll impart.

Be still now for just a moment,
Until  your silence becomes a prayer.
You'll know as your prayers are answered
That it is you for whom I care.

Through prayers, then, you will learn to believe
And feel safe and sound and secure.
With faith in Me to give you strength
And help you to forever endure.

Now the fruit of your faith, for trusting in Me,
Will be a gift of unconditional love,
And the love that you feel won't be contained
But will rise to the heaven above.

You'll have such joy and energy,
Too much to be kept deep inside,
So you give a piece of yourself to others
And serve with love instead of pride.

Without fanfare you'll give service.
And give freely to oblige no one's debt.
Then the fruit of your service is peace.
And in peace there is no regret.

So hush, little one, and hear your thoughts
Then share your prayers with Me.
With faith you'll find love, then give unto others
Until your soul finds serenity.

If you are led by this loving Spirit
Then you need follow no other law
For the fruits of all your labors
Will flourish with might and awe.

Your spirit will bring forth love and joy,
Peace, and patience, and kindness too,
Self-control and goodness and gentleness,
And a faithfulness that is so true.

So hear My words of wisdom
As you quietly begin each day.
And I will give you all you need
For now you've learned to pray.

 Bonnie St. Jean
 10-1-97
     

Bonnie St. Jean believes that prayer is talking to God and that meditation is when you are quiet enough to let God talk to you.

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