I was travelling with my soul sista, Stormie, up the East Coast of Australia. We had arrived in Cape Tribulation during the dry season. The bungalows we stayed in were on stilts about 5 or 6 feet off the ground, there were no real windows on our simple bunk bed bungalow - just bamboo shutters. We were truly living in nature. There was a little green frog who hung out with us, a HUGE spider who had set up his home right outside our door - this thing was HUGE! I mean it. He was black with yellow knees. Yes, I said knees! There were these lizards about 4-5 feet long that slowly made their way around the area while we were there. Wild turkeys roaming around. It was awesome! I had met this woman, who had wild hair - brown, blond and grey strands - I remember her hair was thick and raw, untouched and natural. She had these piercing eyes full of wisdom. I sat down and talked to her for a while and she told me a little of her journey. There was something so magnetic about her. She shared with me this writing. She thought maybe the author was a soldier from the times of war. After I read it, she asked me to share with her which part stuck out for me. When I did, she laughed. She said it never fails - everyone picks a different part. I copied it into my journal that night. I have shared it with different people along the way and done the same thing. She was right.
I thought I would share it here again:
The Desiderata
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.~written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s
She wrote in my journal "Dearest Jana, please pass this on and Remember "Stop + smell the roses," Life is not a rehearsal, THIS IS IT!! Love Sara x
Feel free to leave a comment of what stands out for you. I would love to hear.
definitely some truths to that passage.
ReplyDelete