I have a funeral ceremony in Bath next week and the family have chosen the following reading. It has been a while since I've read them so I welcomed the reminder - the words resonated with me, especially in the context of my previous post...
Poem: Desiderata – Max Ehrmann
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
ignorant as 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 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 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 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 already have this on my kitchen notice board - must re-read it. Another one I have which is not absolutely relevant is "Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." May also be appropriate regarding your last post. Just driven home listening to a CD of Welsh guitar music lent to me by a friend. I did think it wasn't really my taste, but it really dispensed with all the rubbish that the day threw at me. Much better than the radio, which encourages me to take issue with too many issues (!) - even on radio 2 there is the news with all its issues. (! again)
ReplyDeleteThe "Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life" quote is a new one to me - but so true. I draw a great deal of inspiration and energy from music and being a celebrant has introduced me to so much that I would otherwise have missed. Poems too - although I think I default to music more often if my spirits need a bit of a lift!
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