Dovina11 Dec 2005

I’m afraid you have chosen to confuse two obviously different things. Obviously, for two reasons - because the poem does not imply your assertion - and again because I already told you this. Still, I try for patience in these matters and will address your comment. This partly due to your expressed admiration shown through a slight deviation you describe as being ashamed of me.

The serenity of which I speak results from separating myself from myself to the extent that I observe my emotions without judgment. After having done this, I find myself in position to evaluate my actions and emotions and to make corrections if needed. These are the two processes, which you have chosen to unite and call, “ignore all your failings in exchange for peace of mind.” If you would like further information, I recommend, “Contentment – Wisdom from around the world,” by Gillian Stokes, not alone by any means, as many of us from many perspectives have reached this conclusion.