What is the root cause of discontentment?

A formula for use in times of stress and storm—

You do not need to feel sad unless you want to be.

There are texts, mantras, adages, and even copybook maxims, you can recall and meditate on that will drive away the worst fit of the blues.

I will give you a formula for use in times of stress and storm—

Reach up to the indwelling spirit, and repeat—

For her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

When your mind circles round and round something, switch it off, as you would switch off an electric light.

Turn and think of something else.

You can do it!

Entertain only those suggestions that can strengthen your purpose.

Call on the god within to send evil back to its source.

Discourage undesirable things by ignoring them than by attacking them.

Do not get into a panic.

A panic is worse than a quicksand to get into.

Keep calm.

Do not lose faith in the future of the world.

Have you not studied the Law of Rhythm?

Do you not know that the height is equal to the depth and that when things are at their worst, they are getting ready to improve?

God never forsakes an erring soul—not even in his darkest hour.

If all these ills befall me, it will be an exercise of power to conquer them.

If panics come—and they may—refuse to be panic-stricken.

If violence comes—and it may—refuse to be violent.

If discouragements come—and they will—refuse to be discouraged.

If you have a friend that makes you courageous by his very presence, cultivate his society.

If you have a friend who makes you unhappy, either teach him better, or get rid of him—send him to a doctor.

If you recognise the fact that you have sinned, set up good actions more powerful than your sins and reap the reward for those.

Guard your own evil passions and resentful thoughts, your jealous emotions and unkind criticism of others.

The devils ride on waves of anger and resentment.

If you want to use signs and symbols, meditate on the cross of Christ.

The cross of Christ is profound enough for a lifetime’s meditation.

I was happy yesterday, and I am still I.

It is only in contact with the mind, desire and matter that the spirit struggles and suffers.

In its own home, all is peaceful and pleasant.

Reach up to that home when the storms are too loud, and you will find a place of silence.

In the storms to come, think of the freshness after the storm—when the ground smells sweet and birds sing.

A Master once told me that the control and exorcism of melancholy was a greater test of power than the control of desire.

The Masters enjoy difficulties.

They are the acid that tests the gold of their mastership.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep is more potent than a magician’s spells.

You can only realise your errors and go forward into greater understanding.

There is peace after strife, and love after hate, and sunshine after the storm.

Time spent on the knee in prayer will do more to remedy heart attacks and nerve worry than anything else.

—George David Stewart