“Know Thyself”

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 274, 22 November 1934, Page 2

“Know Thyself”

ADDRESS TO MOTHERS’ UNION

The monthly meeting of All Saints’ branch of tho Mothers’ Union was held in the All Saints’ Schoolroom yesterday afternoon, Canon G. Y. Woodward presiding. Present as guests of honour were members of tho Palmerston North branch of tho League of Mothers. Prior to tho mooting a service was held in the Lndy Chapel. Canon Woodwardk, in welcoming the visitors, inado some inspiring remarks about homo and duty of mothers. A reminder of the Christmas fund social to bo held shortly was made. Miss C. Ashton, tho speaker for tho day, took for her subject the words of and . old Greek philosopcr, “Know thyself, accept thyself and bo thyself,” aud in the course of a thoughtful address revealed many interesting psychological points and aspocts. There were so many diftorent circumstances and conditions in life, said the speaker, that people built up defences behind which they hid themselves, or thoir real personalities. They might find it difficult to find their real self, and it would be found that their criticisms of other people often applied to themselves.

“I. think as I am speaking to the Mothers’ Union and branch of the League of Mothers, I may say wo aro all endeavouring to .find fullness of life in tho very widest and 'highest sense of tho term,” sftid Miss Ashton. “That fullness can only bo attained if we have a very intimato knowledge of ourselves or our own motives, aud when wo find that fullness of life we havo also the gift of peace of mind.” Mothers especially, said the speaker, were beset with so many things which took away from one's physical ability to havo fullness of life. A mother’s life, said the speaker, was full from beginning to end, with many dramatic episodes, and it was important that the mother should adapt Herself with lightning rapidity, to all sorts of changes. Unless she was controlled and poised enough, not only would these disturbances react upon her, but they would also react upon tho peace of her family life. Each person had so maTiy different selves, as presented to different people and parts of tho community, that it was often difficult to eo-ordinato them, but these were merely defences of tho real self known to God and themselves. Unless the Teal self was made up of the finest stuff, developing into liner stuff, their other selves would react. Dealing with the growth of a child, Miss Ashton said it must, chango from the self-centred egoist to the adult, with all the adult responsibilities, ready to be ignored. Tho developing of the fullness of life was the developing of character. Tear must bo detracted, and the child on growing to bo an adult must learn to adjust itsolf to three things—social life, sex, and God. Continuing, Miss Ashton said there were two attributes each person possessed to help develop fullness of life — nervous temperament and instinct. She explained the influence of habits and environment. “When we have found our real self,” said tho speaker in conclusion, “we must set before us an ideal, remember that authority must como from within ourselves. Thcfo are two wings which can lift us to tho fullness of life—the wing of ambition, and tho wing of love and desire to serve.”

Mrs. G. Y. Woodward voiced thanks to Miss Ashton, her appreciative remarks being warmly endorsed. Little Norma Davcy presented Miss Ashton with a charming posy. Items contributing pleas'urc were a vocal solo by Mrs. A. J. Hunt, with Mrs. J. Garde Grimshaw as accompanist, and vocal trios by Mesdames N. D. Smale, Hunt and Grimshaw, with Mrs. F. A. Wollcrman as accompanist. Afternoon tea was served, hostesses being Mesdames E. Martin, A. Middlemiss, E. A. Taylor, C. Langridge and G. Davcy. Mrs. F. 0. Wilkinson, on behalf of the League of Mothers, returned thanks for the pleasant afternoon they had all enjoyed.