There are things that impress us as children while growing up, though we know not what they mean. Such is the case of these wise words I heard on the radio every morning as I prepared for school…..
“Yesterday is but a Dream, Tomorrow is only a Vision, what is important is Today. And of Today, whatever you do, will determine your yesterday’s dream, and tomorrow’s vision”.
Raffy, the DJ, would say these words like a prayer, a mantra. That was some 50 years ago growing up in a small village in the Pacific Islands. After greeting his listeners, Raffy would then play a prose recording, I would further listen to attentively. I could not remember the title at the time, only that the words were deeply engrained in my mind and the sentence I will never forget…. ”you are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.”
I didn’t have a clue what it meant, only that I was part of something that gave me permission to be. And in that, I found comfort and joy, that somehow, I was not alone.
I later found a little book entitled, Desiderata. This work of art sums it all up making life simpler. There is something to the process called contemplation that gives birth to wondrous works of prose and poetry such as this. Moreover, what it does for others who are fortunate to find it and serves as a catalysts inspiring them to keep on dreaming, moving, growing.
It was a companion that in my moments of aloneness, gave me such sweetness of hope and strength, of hanging in there. Today, I find it a constant reminder that no matter where my experiences take me, there is an unfoldment that occurs that aligns me to evolve and contribute in a grander scheme called life. In that knowledge, I am at peace and one with all.
In checking wikipedia, I found this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desiderata. I hope you get as much from it as I have, so I post it here for easy access.
DESIDERATA by Max Ehrmann (1927)
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 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 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 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Here is a page showing the beautiful pamphlet it was later printed on http://desideratadays.blogspot.com/2009/03/desiderata-and-old-saint-pauls.html
Here you may request for a copy of the pamphlet http://www.osp1692.org/osp/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=139
