“We must not listen to much of what reaches our ears, as if we were deaf, but instead direct our mind and reason toward what brings peace to the heart.” (Thomas à Kempis).
This is good advice intended to curb our curiosity. And indeed: Why do we need to know so much? After all, many things are unnecessary and only distract us, and some are even harmful. They often weigh down our thoughts and feelings.
In an age of constant information overload, it is more important than ever to take the advice of Thomas à Kempis to heart. We need to practice a certain degree of self-discipline, for we have almost become accustomed to navigating this abundance of information. As a result, we no longer realize how much our day is shaped by it.
The spiritual teacher offers sound advice: We should focus on what brings peace to the heart. We need to perceive this inwardly and be able to distinguish it from the negative effects of too much information or the thrill of exciting news.
Conversing with our Father, on the other hand, brings us peace, as does reflecting on His goodness and love. Everything connected with the truth is also nourishment for our soul, as is simply spending time in the Lord’s presence, reading Scripture, and much more that gives us a healthy and necessary distance from the world’s hustle and bustle.
It is especially important that we do not open our ears to all kinds of speculation, even within ourselves, or, worse still, to speaking ill of others
May all of that be far from us!
We can choose whom or what we listen to. May the words above help us to choose consciously!