"Do not be too wise, nor too foolish,
do not be too conceited, nor too retiring,
do not be too haughty, nor too humble
do not be too talkative, nor too silent,
do not be too hard, nor too weak."
___ "The Instructions of King Cormac mac Art" (trans. CM)
The Irish King Cormac's instructions can be applied to anyone with benefit. If we give the impression of being wise, much is expected of us; if give the impression of being naive, we are taken advantage of. If we are full of ourselves, we annoy people; if we hide our achievements under a bushel, no one notices us. The overloquacious soon lose their audience; the silent are never asked their opinion. Those who act harshly are broken on the rock of their own flinty hearts; those who act like victims are crushed.
Avoiding the extremes of exaggeration or underemphasis, we allow the true self to be expressed. Finding our own proper balance is the work of years of practice, however. Since we reflect and respond to each person in an individual way, we are occasionally thrown off course or present ourselves awkwardly.
It is not the duty of any human being to appease or permit inappropriate behavior out of misplaced politeness. It is possible to stand firm in our innate integrity and not be swayed by persuasive and manipulative people. We can achieve this stance by holding to the core of our own being and discovering the power of our soul.
"Check your demeanor with people today. Did you come on too strong to some? Did you feel ignored or manipulated? Meditate upon how you can be more adaptable, especially with those people and in those situations that cause you to feel out of balance."
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
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