memorize Desiderata

“Speak your Truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant. They too have their story.”

The truly brave are not easily threatened in face of aggression. I am surrounded by some loud and aggressive people. They must really believe that by speaking loudly, it makes what they are saying more true.

I choose to defy.

Truth prevails often in a quiet manner.

“But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fear are born of fatigue and loneliness.”

Am I lonely or just stressed out at work? How often have we spent the entire night tossing and turning in anticipation of the worst to come the next day … A lecture from the superior … A mistake at work to rectify …A conflict with someone not yet resolved.

And so we let our mind rerun the scene and trial-run future scene again and again. Draining tremendous energy. Maybe this is the reason why modern people suffer from insomnia and lack of sleep when we have the comforts of modern technology and beds designed to induce peaceful snooze.

Must Begin With the First Step.

To Begin with, I have pasted this poem right by my telephone at my work place.

I shall begin each workday by reciting this poem.

I shall be one step closer to my goal then.

“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 oto others, even the dull and 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 changeing 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 person strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Espeically, do not feign affection. Neither be synical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is 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 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 careful. Strive to be happy.”

I love love LOVE this poem. I found it on the wall of a coffee house, and ironically, right when I needed it. After I read it, it makes me feel stronger- like I can do anything; like I have no limitations. That’s the kind of thing I’d like to take with me wherever I go- that kind of strength.