Saturday, August 2, 2008

DESIDERATA - found in Old St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, circa 1692; author unkown.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, 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 to others, you made 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 possessions 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 people strive for high ideals. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it transcends time and space.

Take kindly to the counsel of years, while 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.

Your 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, there is no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with yourself, as a god in your own right and do not confuse spirituality with supernatural.

Whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.