..: Things to be desired:..
> Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
So overly repeated, yet so underrated is the silent mind! Great people of the world tell you, instruct you in the ways of silence; meditation, meta-cognition, reflection, relaxation...
There is more weight to silencing your thoughts than most bother to consider. It is true, the world is a place of uncontrollable chaos, but what we control is ourselves, our thoughts, our reactions and our susceptibility to what surrounds us. We would be healthier to remove ourselves from the outside world when it does not suit us- by simply de-cluttering the influx of noise attempting to infiltrate our mind...Physiologically, stress would decrease, immune response would be strengthened. Cognitively, we could focus more, learn more. Spiritually/ \Esoterically we could attune our senses to the collective consciousness, the voice of god, the guidance of a higher self. So now that we know... the trick is practising what is preached to us.
>As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Be on good terms with all persons. Not 'love everyone', nor 'forgive everything everyone does all the time'. It is without surrender. Without becoming the pawn of another. Many so-called spiritual people I think miss this point. It's not about being an overly compassionate person and superficially accepting everything as ultimately divine.. it's about being grounded in yourself enough to voice your thoughts, desires, opinions without needing validation, without expecting of others and doing so in a constructive, positive and caring way. I personally like to use this as a reminder not to hold onto grudges- these negative feelings once expressed and explored once will only affect me in a negative way if I continue to pursue them.
> Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
We are so inclined to think we know the answers, or at least to known what we know. As a result, it can be our tendency to disregard the words of those we see as inferior (either in experience, position, class or other) if their words clash with ours. A 'simpleton' could still have all of the wisdom in the world- but not be heard, and perhaps not even understand his/her own brilliance. I like to regularly take on that task; of finding brilliance in the mundane.
> Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
I refer to these people as energetic leeches, as vampires, as 'mooches' of the soul. These are the people desperately clinging to their own vices, to their addiction to drama. That is their choice, and there is nothing wrong with them choosing to be dramatic- But it is important to recognise that they are not welcome in your life if you do not want them there, and they can not affect you unless you let them. (Good old 'no one can make you feel inferior without your consent' reference)
> If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
It sometimes feels impossible, not to compare myself with others. What am I if not existing in comparison to something else? Perhaps it is better to say; 'Remember the relativity of greatness'? 'We all have pro's and cons'?
> Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
I see this as a reference to gratitude. Looking to the future is beneficial but really only if the present is firmly grounded in acknowledgement and humble gratitude of the past. It's the balance between the two. If you only enjoy what you have done- you become stationary and stagnant in the present, especially if you DON'T enjoy the past. So in order to maintain forward motion, you must seek for a future... But let this not preoccupy your attention away from the present! Because the future is an illusion, and resides only in your imaginings/ mind.
> Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
We all live our own lives, have our own desires and path to achieve them. No external judgement can thwart the significance of what we love to ourselves. Trends will come and go, but the authenticity of self and trueness of your passion will not change, and is therefore not subject to the 'changing fortunes of time'. Perhaps also, in terms of literal career; if you do what you want to do (what YOU really want to do), you will always have enough strength to continue it even in the face of challenge (i.e. economic breakdown).
> 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.
Like it or not, we do not live in a perfect happy world. People are selfish (me included), which is probably why the systems currently in place will not last forever. It is one thing to feel peaceful, grateful, high-as-a-kite esoteric but once in the real world- REALity kicks in. Be critical and be aware. There is no harm in awareness if it does not exceed itself into paranoia.
> Be yourself.
Surprisingly easier said than done. Who AM I. What makes one, themselves? This is far too complex to settle on this reflection, but obviously- there is much to be discussed.
> 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.
So, like, don't pretend to love someone? Don't be a faker? Ha. But seriously; love genuinely and fully- and see the beauty in things no matter how insignificant they may seem. 'Love is all around' :) (lame! but true)
> Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
What has Buddhism taught us kids? Be free of your attachments to material things! So too of our attachments to ideals of admirability and desirability. I like the idea of ageing, having acquired the experiences of life- surely I could wisdomfully enrich my life and all the while care a little less (since I'm closer to death, anyway right?).
> Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
Even in the good times, it may pay off to maintain steady self-development and peacefulness. If one thing I know is true, it is that change is law. The highs will become lows, the lows plateaus until they peak again.
> But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Let's be realistic, sometimes life such sucks. The aim then, is not to never feel a negative feeling- but to bounce back as easily and quickly as possible. Being proactive about fostering a healthy mental schema about the situation and taking what you will from it.
> Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
This is something I personally struggle with. I am my biggest critic, and find it hard to let go of self judgement. Making excuses about self-respect and admiration is far too easy, but so important to overcome.
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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
NB: Desiderata was not found in the church, but some confusion has lead to this common belief. It is written by Max Erhmann in 1927.
