PEOPLE AND THEIR MOODS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue XI, 15 September 1894, Page 244

PEOPLE AND THEIR MOODS.

We are all of us subject to this domination of our moods, and these moods are sometimes very tyrannical. Certain equable natures do not seem to be quite so much subject to the sway ; but in most cases there is a continual ebb and flow, which can never be calculated on with certainty. The tides of emotion and excitement are very little under our control. There seems to be something within us which is not exactly a part of ns, or at least which is very slow to become subject to our will. Perhaps our true individuality consists more in this fluctuating sensitiveness than in the power of our wills. Most of ns, on occasion, can force ourselves to appear—sometimes almost to be—what is contrary to our inmost nature. We all

know what it is to strive against our own feelings—to l>e divided against ourselves. If we yielded implicitly to the passing mood there would be no such struggle ; but the more we try to regulate our actions by some law apart from this mere mood, the keener will this struggle be. Our moods are frequently as capricious and changeable as the wind ; and where they do not absolutely lead us into wrongdong, it is a pitiable thing to be controlled by them. Many a fine character is spoiled by its caprice. The best of us, n we entirely allowed the supremacy of our passing feelings, would be sometimes kind and sometimes cold, sometimes genial and sometimes cross, sometimes benevolent and sometimes harsh. Whatever were the prevalent motion, we would make others share it ; our fretfulness and spite would be vented on them just as freely as our brightness and good spirits. This is exactly what many persons are — mere chameleons or weather-vanes, reflecting on those around them whatever mood may happen to be uppermost in their own breasts. They are neither true to their better selves nor just to others. It is not right that the comfort of other persons should in any way depend upon our own variations of feeling ; and it is also a pity that one's own personal character should be so much at the mercy ot these variations. Yet the average human nature is governed in this matter.

When we say that a person is moody, we generally mean that this person is gloomy and melancholy. But the word onght really to be more comprehensive in its meaning. Moods are not all gloomy ; they are as variable as an April day. They may serve the purpose of saving us from monotony. They certainly enlarge our outlook, and make us more catholic in taste. We can appreciate, in some moods, that which does not seem of much use to us in others. Remembering our own changes and variations we can make allowance for those of other people. A person who recog-

nines the power and transient nature of moods, will lean towards charity in judging bis neighbours. An unkind action, a harsh word, a stinging taunt, may come from a passing bitterness that is reg'etted afterwards ; and should be estimated accordingly. However regrettable it may be that such bitter feeling should be yielded to, we must not stigmatise the character for what was simply a passing mood. Everybody is liable to such a mood ; where persons differ is in resisting or yielding. It is noble to resist; selfish to yield. Really great characters are those who resist most thoroughly—whose words and actions a e not the outcome of mere moodiness, but are controlled by a high moral law.

It is towards such control we should all aim. For our own happiness, for the comfort of others, we ought not to be at the mercy of our moods. The more we yield, the worse will be our subjection. Moods are good servants, but very

bad masters. They can render our lives miserable and comparatively useless. What reliance can be placed in us, by ourselves and others, if we are under the sway of every dri'tiog emotion and passion " The tyranny of moods makes us fickle and changeful, selfish, and unhappy ; mere broken reeds for others to lean upon. Criminals and evildoers have become such by yielding to their worst moods —such moods as would sometimes rule us all if we gave way to them. Even our virtues are often simply the growth of our better moods, and are not very dependable if they have no surer foundation. It is not much good to be kindly and gentle by fits and starts ; and does not

give benefit to others. The frnit of a sunny hour will be swept away by the stormy time that succeeds it. It is natural for children to be subject to such change of sun and shower ; but the subjection is one of those childish things which older people should endeavour to put away. Constancy and stability are qualities we should all covet. Shadows may sometimes trouble us ; we may sometimes feel sad, fretful, irritable, vexed, disappointed ; but let us not vent these feelings on others. We should let others share our brightness, not our gloom. The varying moods which will visit ns may be locked in our own breasts ; while to friends and companions we are ever cheerful, kind, helpful, and sympathetic.