to think of actively using non-resistance, and yet the
expression is not as contradictory as it would appear, for the strength
of will it takes to attain an habitual attitude of wholesome
non-resistance is far beyond the strength of will required to resist
unwholesomely. The stronger, the more fixed and immovable the centre,
the more free and adaptable are the circumferences of action; and, even
though our central principle is fixed and immovable, it must be elastic
enough to enable us to change our point of view whenever we find that
by so doing we can gain a broader outlook and greater power for use.

To acquire the strength of will for this habitual non-resistance is
sometimes a matter of years of practice. We have to compel ourselves to
be "willing," over and over again, at each new opportunity; sometimes
the opportunities seem to throng us; and this, truly considered, is
only a cause for gratitude.

In life the truest winning often comes first under the guise of
failure, and it is willingness to accept failure, and intelligence in
understanding its causes, and using the acquired knowledge as a means
to a higher end, that ultimately brings true success. If we choose, a
failure can always be used as a means to an end rather than as a result
in itself.

How often do we hear the complaint, "I could do so well if it were not
for my circumstances." How many people are held down for a lifetime by
the habitual belief in circumstances as limitations, and by ignoring
the opportunities which they afford.

"So long as I must live with these people I can never amount to
anything." If this complaint could be changed to the resolve: "I will
live with these people until I have so adjusted myself to them as to be
contented," a source of weakness would be changed into a source of
strength. The quiet activity of mind required to adjust ourselves to
difficult surroundings gives a zest and interest to life which we can
find in no other way, and adds a certain strength to the character
which cannot be found elsewhere. It is interesting to observe, too, how
often it happens that, when we have adjusted ourselves to difficult
circumstances, we are removed to other circumstances which are more in
sympathy with our own, thoughts and ways: and sometimes to
circumstances which are more difficult still, and require all the
strength and wisdom which our previous discipline has taught us.

If we are alive to our own true freedom, we should h