Serenity

Published on by balroop2013
Sue Vincent’s #Writephoto

Serenity is a state of mind, just like happiness. It has to be nurtured just like positivity. It is a learned emotion – if I may call it.

There is no need to search it, as it lies within us. It wears transient robes. It makes us smile when we look at a calm lake or a beautiful waterfall.

We may forget it when we get back into the competitive race of life. It recedes into the forgotten realms of mind, as it can be easily vanquished by the demands of time.

It doesn’t believe in competition yet it is a pearl that is most precious.

I got this pearl just by luck. Impulsive by nature, I could be easily provoked when I was young. I happened to marry a man whom I named Mr. Serene. I didn’t know him before marriage and had met him just once and that too after insisting upon the fact that I need to see the man I was expected to marry! I don’t belong to medieval times but my cultural background encouraged arranged marriage and I was too young and naïve to protest.

I discovered that my husband had been gilded in serenity. He reminded me of King Midas! Come what may, he would remain calm. My outbursts wouldn’t affect him; his smiling response could put a wall to shame. I may break his favorite vase, I may lose gold, I may spend whatever amount of money…he would never express any dissent. My mom calls him as gentle as a cow but I also discovered the ways to escape his horns.

Slowly I adapted to the colors around me. I too draped serenity. Though I love to spend time in the company of Nature, I’ve found calmness within my thoughts. I know how to evoke positivity, how to accept life as it comes and believe that all situations of life are transitory. Love life and be calm.

 ©Balroop Singh

Thanks to Sue Vincent for an inspiring Thursday #photoprompt Serenity

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49 thoughts on “Serenity”

  5. Not only serene but humble as well. It’s wonderful–both for you and for him–that you so freely acknowledge the important lesson you learned from your husband. Serenity is a terrific prize. I’m so glad that you’ve found it. : )

    1. I am delighted that you found humility in my reflections Cathleen. Thank you so much for coming over to read and share your thoughts, much appreciated. 😊

  10. I agree that serenity is in all of us but sometimes it goes ‘dormant’. I find that serenity comes to e at unexpected moments, a feeling of complete contentment. Love how you’ve told a story by the photo prompt and your history of impulsiveness being tamed by the serenity of your husband. This is very sweet, Balroop! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    1. I wanted to share something different Lisa and the word serenity led me to this little story. We’ve had our fights but I was always the initiator, challenging him to jump in! 🙂 🙂 He learnt to argue from me.

  13. I’m glad you recognize that serenity is a great personality trait and only a few possess it. In many cultures, this trait is misunderstood for weakness and not being assertive. I’m glad you appreciate this trait of your better half.

    1. Assertiveness can be conveyed in various ways arv and mutual respect is a wonderful way to inspire good relationships. Some do it calmly, which is a rare trait but worth appreciation.

      1. I totally agree with you. My whole point was that we misunderstand human traits. Strength is often taken as a weakness. I’m surprised to find people consider assertive, loquacious, and impatience behaviors as positive. They feel these are essential to get ahead. Whereas in reality, this is not true.

  14. Such an insightful reflection, Balroop. This piece brought such a sense of tranquility. I loved the line: “It doesn’t believe in competition yet it is a pearl that is most precious.” I feel the love in this.

  15. I think serenity is something we gain with age. When we’re young, there’s too much on our minds. As we get older, we learn the value of those peaceful moments. This is a beautiful, gentle reminder to breathe- love it, Balroop ❤

  17. I didn’t know your marriage was arranged, Balroop. I’m happy it worked out wonderfully. My husband is also an easygoing, patient, and serene fellow. I’m still learning to be as calm as he is. Although, I am far more calm, positive and tolerant than I was in my tumultuous younger days. A beautiful and heartwarming post. ❤ xo

    1. I am glad you are in such a good company Vashti, life becomes much better if the spouse is patient and serene. Thank you for sharing your personal growth. 🤗 stay blessed.

  18. I was aware of the arranged marriage of your culture, Balroop, but I didn’t know it was still true at the time of your marriage. You’re blessed with an easy-going husband that it didn’t bother him even when you were upset.

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful post that serenity “lies within us” and “it makes us smile when we look at a calm lake or a beautiful waterfall.” I think we just need to stop the rushing and competition to look at the waterfall. 🙂

    1. Oh! It is still the norm in many families Miriam, more so in small towns and rural areas. My nephew’s marriage was arranged while he was studying in USA, also one of my daughter and niece, they studied here while we arranged their marriages. The only difference is that we gave them time to know each other before solemnizing their marriages. 😊Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

      1. My parents’ marriage was arranged. But growing up in Hong Kong, it wasn’t a practice because of the British influence.

        The new way to practice your culture is good. In the modern busy world, it’s hard for young people to meet and get to know each other anyway. In large cities, college students just come and go. A friend’s daughter actually asked parents’ friends to make introduction. 🙂

  19. Pingback: Photo prompt round-up: Serenity #writephoto | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo

  20. Balroop, I love how serenity is a state of mind. I now have control over this feeling. “…a learned emotion.”

    “…a pearl that is most precious.” Gave me goosebumps. I appreciate you sharing a genuine part of your life. Your last paragraph carries exceptional wisdom that is carried forward to me. Thank you.

    1. You made my day Erica, with your generous comment… we learn a little as we stumble on the curve of life. Thank you for coming over to share your thoughts, much appreciated. 🙂

  21. Wonderfully insightful Balroop… And that calm and peace also comes with acceptance as you discovered perhaps to stop fighting within yourself… as Mr Serene’s Energy blended within your own…
    Many thanks for sharing dear Balroop.. ❤ 💖🙏

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