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"قلت لنفسي، كن هادئًا وانتظر بلا أمل"

T. S. Eliot
T. S. Eliot Poet
Translations
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Quote meaning
The essence of this quote is about finding peace within yourself without clinging to hope. It’s about being still and present, embracing the moment without the desperate need for something to change. Sometimes, life throws us into situations where we have no control over the outcome. Instead of anxiously hoping for things to get better, we can find calm by simply being in the moment and waiting.

This line comes from T.S. Eliot’s poem "East Coker," part of his "Four Quartets." Eliot wrote this during a tumultuous time in history—World War II. He was grappling with the chaos of the world and his own personal struggles. It’s a reflection on inner peace and patience in the face of uncertainty and turmoil.

Imagine you’ve just graduated from college. You’re sending out job applications but aren’t hearing back. It’s frustrating, right? You start to feel anxious, maybe even hopeless. But what if instead, you took a deep breath and decided to be okay with the uncertainty? It doesn’t mean giving up on your job search, but instead of obsessively checking your email every five minutes, you acknowledge that you’ve done your part and now it’s out of your hands. You spend that waiting period doing things that nourish you—reading, learning a new skill, or simply enjoying time with friends and family. That’s applying the wisdom of waiting without hope.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? Start by recognizing when you’re clinging to hope in a way that causes anxiety. Take a deep breath. Tell yourself, "It’s okay to not know what’s next." Focus on what you can control right now. Find small joys in daily life—these moments of stillness and acceptance can be incredibly powerful.

Here’s a scenario to illustrate this: Think of a farmer who has just planted his crops. He’s done everything right—prepared the soil, sown the seeds, and watered the fields. Now, he can’t control the weather, can he? Instead of hoping and worrying about whether it will rain, he spends his days doing what needs to be done—tending to his animals, repairing fences, and enjoying his family’s company. He trusts the process, knowing he’s done his part.

This approach doesn’t mean you stop caring. It’s about letting go of the anxiety that comes with uncertainty. It’s a mindset shift. You acknowledge the part of the situation you have no control over and decide to be okay with it. You wait, not with desperate hope, but with a calm acceptance.

So next time you’re stressed about something out of your control, remember this quote. Be still. Wait without hope. Find peace in the present moment and trust that you’ve done your part. It’s a small change in perspective, but it can make a huge difference in how you experience life.
Related tags
Acceptance Calm Hope Inner peace Mindfulness Patience Reflection Soul Stillness Waiting
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