Some things I think are just timeless. No matter when you read them or see them, it affects you just the same. It makes you take time out of your busy day and just calm down, get centered, get peaceful and just think.
A friend of mine posted this poem on her blog recently and she wrote on just what it means to her. Reading it took me back to the 7th grade. I had not seen or read 'Desiderata' by Max Ehrmann in years. A junior high school teacher of mine gave this to every student in her class in 1980-81 and I was lucky enough to be one of them. If I remember correctly she gave copies of it to us near the last day of school before we headed out for summer vacation.
I remember reading it once, reading it twice, pondering on it a bit and neatly folding it up and placing it in my shirt pocket as the assembly came to a close.
I kept it for years. Ended up making copies of it for myself and ended up reading it again and again in high school and from time to time in my 20-something young adulthood life but then I somehow, misplaced it.
It wasn't until last week that I saw it again, this time by a friend of mine posting it online on her blog. Almost 30 years later, I found myself reading it again, and again, and again just like all those years ago. Had to immediately look it up on the net so I could get a copy of it for myself.
It is just as moving, peaceful flowing, centering, and encouraging to me as the first day I read it. I feel like I have reconnected with words on a paper that represented to me a personal wise old friend who shared words of wisdom to me and whom I had never actually met.
Thank you again, Shaun for posting it! :) By doing so, you truly took me back! :)
Peace and Blessings!
*You can check out more of Shaun Robinson's myspace blogs at myspace.com/shaunssanctuary, her All Access blogs at blogs.accesshollywood and her website shaunrobinson.com.
~LT
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Max Ehrmann - 1927
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 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 1927.
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