A Poem For A Way Of Life

Aruna Shields reads the insightful poem 'Desiderata' by Max Ehrmann with meditative background music. This poem contains wisdom about how to live a peaceful life.

Transcript

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 people,

They are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

You may become vain and bitter,

For there always will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your 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 critical about love,

For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

It is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of your years,

Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with 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's still a beautiful world.

Be careful.

Strive to be happy.

Reviews

I have carried this poem with me since I was 11 years old ❤️

This filled my mind space this morning and I’m now following you

Beautiful I have this poem hanging in my bathroom lovely to hear it read out.

I do love this poem, beautifully spoken Thank you 😊

Beautiful voice, tone, timing,music....thank you I loved it...

Really enjoyed this! I had a poster of it on my wall in college, 45 years ago. Thank you.

Thank you! Loved it!!

Words to live by. Very powerful. Beautifully done. Thank you.

💖🙏🏻💖

Thank you. Such beautiful words, so well narrated & love the music. 💜🕊