I love stories and poems that speak to my soul, I was raised on so many. Desiderata is one of these.
My mother and father, grandparents, aunts and uncles all told us stories mostly without books. I remember those that scared me as well as those that left me with feelings of comfort and joy.
In my primary school, we once had a visiting teacher, she was an Asian lady who wore a Sari. She told us a story about the Monkey’s Paw. I don’t remember what the story was about exactly, I remember feeling quite scared and at the same time totally mesmerised, sleepily surrounded by the aroma of this story and wanting more and more. She didn’t return to the school after this day, I missed her!
Poetry, stories, paintings, dance and music enable me to find parts of myself that sometimes get hidden, these mediums support me in making sense of my life in new ways – Is it like this for you too?
Today, I’m remembering Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann, another poem that my parents displayed in our home. I have no idea why I have chosen to share this with you today, except to say that these words have served me well. They remind me of the still and peaceful place inside of myself, a place of refuge that I can access even in the midst of what sometimes seems like chaos around me.
I enjoy the opportunity this poem offers me for contemplation. To consider the judgements that arise in me and the choices I make in life. I guess I’m sharing this with you today because I’d love to read your comments.
Will you take the time to contemplate?
Desiderata
Go 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 labours 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.
Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
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