I came
across this prose poem during our health ethics class way back in college. Part
of it was written as a reminder note at the bottom page of our exam paper and I
remember it clearly because of a particular line about being happy. I found out
later that it’s called Desiderata. I used to imagine the person who wrote this
as a very peaceful, happy and contented man and I’m glad that he was able to
share this piece of him to the rest of the world. Whenever my mind and heart is
not at ease, I always come back to this poem.
A little inspiration for the first blog post.
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; listen to others even to 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 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 unchanging fortune of time.
Exercise
caution in your business affair 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 aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take
kindly the counsel of years. Nurture the strength to shield you in sudden
misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are
born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond
a gentle 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 whatever
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 labor 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. :)