When I was young, friends had posters of the poem Desiderata on their wall. Les Crane’s spoken version was on the charts and playing on radio stations. Its source was unknown or considered ancient. Turns out Indiana Lawyer Max Ehrmann wrote it in 1927. It was largely unknown until the 1960s and 70s when it became part of popular culture. Wikipedia has more of the story.
Seems it’s a nice reminder for the holiday season, even if its source is less romantic than once thought.
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
Les Crane version:
Happy Holidays!
Davidya
Thank you for sharing this, David! I loved this poem/song and used it in some of my teachings years ago.
This summer I was given a 1000 jig saw puzzle – which I haven’t started yet. But I am thrilled…..
You’re welcome, Eddie
Something for your retirement? (laughs) nudge-nudge
One of my mom’s favorites! Blessings for the Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year. I appreciate your postings & sharings… Merry Christmas!!!!
Thanks for aging me Anya. (laughs) Guess i did that to myself. 🙂
Blessing for you also. The New Year promises to be one of great transformations.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing this Davidya!
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
I am in awe of your insights into higher states of consciousness. Thank you!
Thank you, Elsebeth. All the best to you and yours also.
It’s very simple – just sharing observations. They’re becoming increasingly common but sharing can be helpful for those in the process.
Merry Christmas, David 🙂
Merry Christmas, Alex. All the best to you and yours!
Thank you Davidya! Happy holidays to you, Sabrina
You’re welcome, Sabrina. Happy Holidays!
Thank you posting this one! I should also hang on the wall.
The medium Emanuelle Mcintosh
Came up on the radar recently. She does “interviews” with Jesus, Pocahontas, Michael Jackson, Tutankhamen etc etc.
How much emphasis should we put on these things???
Hi Per
Not much. Mediums work in what might be called the astral field. Good ones can do things like help us connect with recently deceased loved ones to say goodbye.
But the astral also has plenty of manipulators. Divine beings such as Jesus don’t play in the astral. Someone representing themselves as a Divine likely isn’t. They can put on the appearance of one but that’s just a dream body.
The question then becomes – is the medium being manipulated or are they doing the manipulation? What’s the motivation of the players?
You can also ask yourself – does it make sense that everyone famous is hanging around after death? That seems a primitive idea.
This kind of thing may be entertaining but has little real wisdom value and can open you up to manipulation.
Enlightenment comes from what is beyond all this.