I love how the Universe is unfolding in my life at this moment. I keep getting answers to questions I didn’t even know I was asking. It’s that sudden inrush of fragrant air that causes me to inhale and helps me realize I had been holding my breath. Breathing deeply and regularly is key to helping me remain calm, balanced, and equanimous. It’s the sudden steadying hand that pops under your elbow to steady me when I am about to stumble over something. It’s the unexpected rush of tears that come into my eyes when I hear a touching news story or a moving piece of music that reverberates through my heart. All these are the little miracles, the “signs and wonders” of every day life that I would miss if I weren’t paying attention and that in fact I do still miss with regularity. I am grateful for each movement.
It is Friday again, the close of another week. I am tired. It has been a long, good week of work and I look forward to a slightly slower pace this weekend. I have spun the wheel a half dozen times and haven’t landed on a post that has resonated with me tonight, so I am going to close this brief blog without reposting an old one. I will close by sharing the entire poem, The Desiderata, so you have something pleasant to read and contemplate in the absence of my usual witty prose. I am grateful for the rest I’m going to receive very shortly. And I’m grateful to my faithful readers for your steadfastness even on days when I have had to cut the lesson short. Thanks for your patience. And now, enjoy the poem “Desiderata.”
DesiderataGo placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
