Friday, June 10, 2011

No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should

This poem, Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, is one of my favourites.

Someone posted my favourite line today and reminded me about it!

In times when I am confused about what I am doing, what I should decide, or those days I ponder life, this poem is a good grounder. I have my favourite line, the one in the post title, written on my mirror.

To those of you who haven't read it before, may it bring you come calm and reassurance like it does for me. For those who do know it, may reading it today make you smile!

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 1952.

1 comment:

  1. This is my favourite poem! I have it memorized and used to recite it to myself as I was biking around. I made a lesson out of it in Ed 2500 where the class memorized one sentence each and then lined up in order and recited it as a class. I think there are like 20 sentences so it is good for a small jr high/highschool class

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