SAYINGS OF THE SAGES

From Marcus Aurelius, 121 - 180 AD "Such as are thy habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of thy mind, for the soul is dyed by the thoughts."
Among others recorded is his comment, "From my Mother I learned piety and abstinence, not only from evil deeds, but from evil thoughts."
His mother's advice rings of Biblical advice, as written in the Psalms "As a man thinketh, so is he." Marcus Aurelius is said to be the most humane of all the Roman emperors. Cruelty, deceit and inhumanity so characteristic of many Roman emperors seems not to have stained his record. Thanks Marcus.
Looking at our world today, there is still much of this learning to put into practice. Putting this advice into practice is more difficult.
Here are some words I have penned to help me to remember to change unwelcome thoughts that seek to enter.
Good thoughts grow shoots at our behest,
And bloom a wondrous flower,
The mother of the fruits of love,
With thoughts of peaceful power.
A seed that waited wisdom's touch,
That lays in soil of time,
Asleep until the choice of ours
Releases its design.
And growth that comes not from without,
But from within when willed,
Springs forth to bring that Peace on Earth,
And life's desire fulfilled.
Suzie-Q