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                        %RESPONSIBILITY TO SERENITY 870316

     It  is  common  to have the attitude  that  serenity,
tranquility,    joy,   happiness,   calmness,   composure,
equanimity,   presence,   and similar conditions  are  the
consequence of external conditions; and to believe that to
enjoy such desired conditions certain appropriate external
contexts are essential.

     It  is  a  fact,  however,  that  some  people  enjoy
serenity,   etc.,   in contexts where  others  are  deeply
distressed and disturbed.   There are some people who lack
serenity  in contexts which others would regard  as  ideal
contexts in which to enjoy serenity.   No objective theory
of   cause   and  effect  between  contexts-external   and
conditions-internal can  adequately explain  the phenomena
of serenity and distress.

     There is truth in the saying that people choose to be
serene  or  excitable;  by the attitudes with  which  they
choose  to  approach life.   We can be more  creative  and
helpful if we are serene,  and so we have a responsibility
to  do  what we can to be serene;   to  choose  attitudes,
perspectives, ideals, etc. which contribute to serenity as
an  internal state of consciousness over which we may have
significant influences.   To a larger extent  than  we may
believe,  we  have the power to be serene  even  in trying
contexts,   and may be distraught in contexts  which  have
great potential for serenity.   What power we have depends
to  a  great  extent upon what we believe to be  true  and
possible.
                                                                                                                               
                         (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in      
                    (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy)  
                                                                                                                               
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