Desiderata - A Meditation For 21st Century Busy Minds

You are invited to a slow reading of the timeless wisdom of Max Ehrmann's 1927 classic inspirational Desiderata. The word itself means "things that are desired", and you might allow these words to reflect on the values and purpose of your life, and how you too might strenghten your own pathway to equanimity or balance in all things, and peace in your own heart.

Transcript

The Siddhartha,

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 labours 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.

Reviews

That was beautiful, and your reading brought the words to life for me this morning.