Desiderata - Words for Life

[jade]

Desiderata - Words for Life

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 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, 1927

[joany]

Nice...

This has a lot to take  in, but I've  got  time as far as I know (smile).

[sallybrown]

Dear Jade - love this and it’s calm positive affirmation of life. Thanks for the reminder, dear friend.

[David]

I love that poem.

[David]

[lavishgail]

Dear Jade and David,
Thank you my dearest friends, I've never heard this poem as far as I know, meaning *Could have years ago and never paid attention* Everything becomes so clear when you're sickly and I'll.

This poem hit me right in the heart. I Love it.

Thank you David for putting up the video.

Helps me to enjoy the music and the man telling the story. What a great day this is going to finish out to be!
Take care my family!

[mary57]

I love that pome, and had it with me when I was in the hospital in '06. I now have it to be put on my wall.

[lavishgail]

I forgot about this Jade?

Everyone we miss is here on this poem, except Jarica. How I miss everyone here! 😭

[avalon]

Was a time I used to recite this verbatim and also recall the video ...song version from the early 70ès  and it was always a very uplifting and somewhat spiritually calming piece...still is!!! Iwill see if I can find a link to the you-tube that seems to be missing in the earlier post by David    might be nice just to have it available here in some kinda archival form 
Some recent events and developments have brought me back to this forum   and I hope to add to some threads and discussions as time and mindfulness will permit  It may not be regular but I am still here and struggling with this affliction of COPD and progressing as is its want I will be making the most of my time with family and trying to maintain my treatment protocols and parameters and me meds and other treatment and physio committments ... they are a struggle but I will endeavour to get a bit better a little at a time ... wishing ye all well in your own trials and tribulations and wish you all  find peace of mind heart and soul ....religious or spiritual    in your continuing  excursion in life ... AS before I remain...
Andrew... Avalon... the Rock and as I have been known to say in parting company ...Watch yer Bobber

hopefully this link will work,,,, feeble ol fella that I have become I sometimes makes technical faux pas 

[jade]

Thanks Avalon, pure joy 👏

[sallybrown]

Dear Avalon - just saw your post! Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey. I try to practice the art of mindful living. Some days are better than others - but they are all a gift. To everything there is a season…. ❤️