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Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;

Divine Love, the heart

of hearts, abounds

in every grain of being,

from atom's gleam

to starry sky, from darkest

pain to brightest joy

Unceasing love kindles life -

a royal promise sealed

with the kiss of peace

Hildegard of Bingen

Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears,
that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.

(Epictetus)

As the sun does not wait for prayers and incantations to be induced to rise,
but immediately shines and is saluted by all;
so do you also not wait for clapping of hands,
and shouts and praise to be induced to good,
but be a doer of good voluntarily,
and you will be beloved as much as the sun.

(Epictetus)