IN PRAISE OF SERENITY

Another one of those words that sounds as beautiful in its writing as it is in its sound. It came up in a conversation about the lack of interaction as we age.

Serenity is that state of calm, tranquillity and moral confidence. As the saying goes: "an oasis of serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of the city". It's so rare that some suggest it can only be achieved by a desperate spirit. Charles De Gaule had his own interpretation: "No illusion can soften my bitter serenity.

Others would say that calm and serenity are the values of dignity. And now I've found something grand that includes serenity. The  most important thing to be happy is to possess what cannot be bought: love, friendship, gratitude, forgiveness, awareness and serenity.

According to André Maurois, serenity is a conquest. Perhaps even the absence of doubt. The famous Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu had a wonderful phrase: "The way to heaven is: to conquer without fighting, to convince without speaking, to bring about without calling, to achieve in serenity". Who today can claim to act in this way to avoid the misfortunes of our world?

As for love, to avoid going astray, we should love in serenity. As for age, this intruder must be accepted with its advantages of wisdom, pain and serenity. As I go through life, I realize that old age, that other intruder, brings with it a lucidity and serenity far preferable to passion. To the point where I understand that serenity is acceptance of oneself and of what is. These last words are from Abbé Pierre

Someone whose name I can't remember once said: "To achieve serenity, you mustn't fear unemployment, poverty or death. So I've decided to take life, as Rosa Luxembourg suggested, with serenity and joy, whatever happens.

Why not wander, dream, immerse yourself and not disturb the serenity of life. Let it inundate us and enjoy the good life.  We have all the time in the world with our generosity and lucidity. Beware of forgetting, as it can get in the way. Let's keep in good spirits and enjoy the light of day, our spirit will delight in it.

Let's imagine the pleasure of living in a state of wonder. Let's not lose our way, let's love in serenity, and let's not forget that serenity is always at our fingertips. However, those who prefer to fight, to act, to exist, would find it difficult to live in serenity.

Let me finish by saying that selfishness never leads to serenity. It's better to be cheerful. Finally, to appeal to the not-so-young, I'll tell them that serenity comes with age.