Dear friends,
Lao Tzu tells us,
Be still,
Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity.
So in response to this piece of wisdom let us find now a moment of stillness,
A moment of restful calm,
Just breathing in and just breathing out,
Just breathing in and just breathing out.
Today we are going to take a look at praise and blame.
Some days people will praise you and you will feel great.
Other days people will criticize you and you'll go to pieces.
But who knows the true you?
Who knows the effort you make?
Who has walked even a short distance in your shoes?
Thomas Akempas says,
Great tranquillity of heart is his who cares for neither praise nor blame.
And the famous Mozart tells us,
I pay no attention whatever to anybody's praise or blame,
I simply follow my own feelings.
He didn't do too badly from that.
So from now on when you receive praise just take a little credit.
It's possible you deserve some of it.
And when you hear criticism take just a little of it on board.
Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
But don't constantly seek reassurance or approval.
Our need for these fleeting and feeble opinions can never be satisfied.
Bear in mind that even you do not fully understand the mystery that is the inner you.
For today just do your reasonable best.
That's good enough.
Your best is an easy measure.
And having done your best sleep well when this day is done.
The same tomorrow and the following day and the following week.
They will all add up to a good life.
With you the judge.
Namaste.
