‘Desiderata’
Something that is needed or wanted.
I LOVE the power of words and the deep meaning they can relay when they are strung together in a beautiful sentiment. When we read words written by others, inspired from places of silence, thought up or provoked from a higher muse, we can find glimpses, lines, and deeper meanings for each and every one of us. Writers, artists, musicians, I believe bring us gifts through their individual inspiration. They help unlock or open places within us that lead to deeper things we may need or desire.
I came across a lovely poem, Desiderata by Max Ehrmann and had to share.
Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927
After you read this poem–find a Phrontistery [a place for thinking] and ask yourself, ‘What stands out to you?’ What pieces or lines speak to your ‘desires’ or desiderata?
I believe there will be lines that will stand out to you and allow you to reflect on something needed or necessary to ponder on a grander scale. I had my husband read this and share with me what stood out. He spoke of the work line first because, obviously work is often at the top of his mind. Then, he spoke of the line: listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Because he was visiting with his elderly mother who would talk on and on and on and this line helped him to be patient and listen with more of an understanding of where she is at in her life. She just wants to share and needs her son there to listen and care.
For me, the lines that stuck out were: 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. Because, to me, I am always humbled and in awe of the simple thought that we are so divine in our existence and that God is aware of how our lives should unfold. That is a beautiful sentiment to me.
May you sit with this poem…these words and find something that speaks to you.
-Peace, Love and Light to you. xoxo
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