Strength

I found I had weakened in my body;
this brought a disturbance to my poor mind,
and caused arrhythmia in my shocked heart.
I have been so unprepared in spirit;
I must learn to steel my spine and my will.

Bend to the task of self-strength with a will,
but learn to empower more than body:
how does one seek to strengthen the spirit?
Only thinking will fortify the mind,
only loving will reinforce the heart.

Thus change is the best solution at heart:
If time heals then as it passes so I will.
In the meantime it weighs much on my mind:
I must toughen and harden my body,
I must shake up and challenge my spirit.

Resilience, plasticity of spirit,
forgiveness, love, and mercy for the heart,
endurance and potency of body,
perseverance and control of the will,
celerity and keenness for the mind.

These are prescriptions for strength to my mind;
strive to uphold both letter and spirit
of this law, if overcoming I will
for health, power, and hardiness of heart,
for prosperity of soul and body.

Neglect neither your body nor your mind;
control heart and spirit with healthy will.