26th June 2024. 2 min read
In our hurried, busy and noisy world, we are swept along by the demands and drills of daily life that we may forget to take some still moments for reflection.
Consequently, thoughts are sometimes superseded by impulsive responses which may produce negative consequences.
In this respect, it is advised by the wise and those who have gone through the vicissitudes of life to pause and ponder.
As we grow older, we should cultivate being quiet and calm in the face of troubles perceived.
There is the story of the lost pocket watch. A merchant had a valuable heirloom in the form of an antique watch which he liked to show around.
One day, he misplaced the watch while in his warehouse and he ordered his workers to search for it with a reward for the finder.
It was not successful. As the sun set, the hungry workers decided to search again after dinner.
The merchant’s son returned home and heard of the incident. He went to the warehouse and soon was able to retrieve the watch.
Surprised by the young man’s ability, the workers asked him how he had found the watch. The young man said, “I just sat in the corner, focussed and listened for the ticking sound in the quiet warehouse. That led me to it”.
Indeed, cultivate a calm heart and mind. The ancients often said: “Only when you are calm can you be at peace, and only when you are at peace can you think.”
I tried applying this principle in my clinic recently when my Xray software did not present itself on the monitor. The staff was quick to conclude that the software had broken down and restarting the computer did not help. There was a sense of panic and a loss of what to do.
In the face of having to break the news to the patient at the dental chair who had a bad toothache that her Xray could not be viewed, I chose to be calm and consider the options.
We could tell her that we would go ahead with pain relief and present the Xray to her later. She might be displeased.
We could send her to our neighboring dentist for a repeat Xray which was an inconvenience. Finally, it dawned on me to check the server and I discovered that it was not properly switched on hence the software was not active. The patient was successfully treated after a clear diagnosis.
Throughout the ages, anyone who has achieved great things has been able to maintain a state of calm, because calmness is more powerful than being restless and impatient.
When the mind is quiet and peaceful, quietness can lead to concentration and concentration can lead to wisdom.
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