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Writer's pictureimswami

Desiderata

It's okay.


Really.

It's okay if you're not really feeling your 100%. The important thing is to not wallow in this feeling.

We have many moods and it is essential to experience these as it happens. In an authentic way.


Our lives are a balance of contrasting elements. We seldom get what we desire for and yet desire all our lives.

We make ourselves unhappy in search of happiness.

We hate ourselves when we don't find love.

We compare ourselves with others to feel better only to end up feeling miserable, at some point.

In constant search of destination, missing out on the journey.

In pursuit of extraordinary, undervaluing the ordinariness.

So on, and so forth.


When I think of simple contrasting elements experienced in real life, Desiderata comes to mind.

It is beautiful prose-poem by Max Ehrmann. Desiderata means "desired things" in Latin.


Max Ehrmann once wrote in his diary “I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift — a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.”


I hope, like me, you'd relate to this poem. One of my favourites. Keeps me real and honest.

Desiderata By Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious 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 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 in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. 
Be cheerful. 
Strive to be happy.

When you are not at your best, remember it is ok to this way.

When you're feeling all foggy in your head, let it be. Do not force yourself.

Find what will help it settle down.

And when it does, you'll end up seeing things clearly all again!

Until then, just breathe!



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