--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Mastering – or, if you prefer…" description: "\"Mastering – or, if you prefer, integrating – the psyche is the work of a lifetime….This mastery is not holding the psyche in rigid subjugation (which i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd4/richard-smoley-80851_body_mastering-or-if-you-prefer-integrating-t_310288.jpg" --- # Mastering – or, if you prefer, integrating – the psyche is… ![“Mastering – or, if you prefer, integrating – the psyche is the work of a lifetime….This mastery is not holding the psyche in rigid subjugation (which is impossible in any case), nor is it a matter of having a maniacally religious ego lording it over the emotions and the body. Rather, it is being…” quote by Richard Smoley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd4/richard-smoley-80851_body_mastering-or-if-you-prefer-integrating-t_310288.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd4/richard-smoley-80851_body_mastering-or-if-you-prefer-integrating-t_310288.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd4/richard-smoley-80851_body_mastering-or-if-you-prefer-integrating-t_310288.jpg) > “Mastering – or, if you prefer, integrating – the psyche is the work of a lifetime….This mastery is not holding the psyche in rigid subjugation (which is impossible in any case), nor is it a matter of having a maniacally religious ego lording it over the emotions and the body. Rather, it is being centered in the still, small voice that is the true 'I' of the spirit.” Richard Smoley ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True mastery of the mind is quiet inner centering, not rigid control or ego dominance. **In simple terms:** Inner peace comes from quiet self‑awareness. Key Takeaway Cultivate stillness and listen to your inner voice. Themes spirituality self‑mastery mindfulness ego Mood calm reflective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - meditation - therapy - personal growth - spiritual practice Key Concepts inner stillness self‑identity psychology Questions to Reflect On - How do you quiet mental chatter? - What practices help you hear your true self? A Different Perspective Achieving stillness is difficult in a noisy world. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/body/) [Ego](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ego/) [Emotion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotion/) [Lifetime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lifetime/) [Mastery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mastery/) [Psyche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psyche/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Religious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religious/) [Small voice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-voice/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Spirit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirit/) [Subjugation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/subjugation/) [Voice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/voice/) ## Related quotes > [Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. 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