In today’s special episode, we delve into a timeless piece of wisdom that has profoundly influenced my life. This poem, Desiderata, written in 1927 by the American writer Max Ehrmann, has been a guiding light for many. It was discovered in an old St. Paul’s Church in Baltimore and has since resonated deeply with readers around the world. I keep it on the wall of my podcast set to remind me of what truly matters and to guide me through tough times. Let’s take a moment to reflect on its profound messages.
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.
Found in Old Saint Paul’s Church – Baltimore
Desiderata concludes with a powerful reminder: “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” Life, despite its imperfections, is inherently beautiful. Striving for happiness and maintaining a cheerful disposition can help us navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
Whenever I feel down or conflicted, I return to this poem for comfort and guidance. It helps realign my mindset and reinforces my resolve to continue my journey. I hope this reading has lifted your spirits and provided you with some solace. Remember, the universe is unfolding as it should, and our journey is here to teach us valuable lessons.
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Follow Along with the Transcript – Episode 025
Alex Ferrari 0:03
Today, we're gonna have a special episode. There's a poem that I read years ago, and it's really affected my life. I have it on the wall of the set of the next level soul podcast and it's there to remind me what is important in this life and what to do when times are tough. The name of the poem is the seed Urata. It was written in 1927 by American writer Max Ehrmann. It was found in an old St. Paul's Church in Baltimore. And the poem has resonated with the world ever since. So sit back and enjoy. 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 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 may become vain and bitter. Or always there will be a 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 and the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution and your business affairs for the world is full of trickery. Well let this not blind you to 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. Or in the face of all aridity and disenchantment. It is as perennial as the grass. take kindly to the Council of the years. Gracefully. Surrender these things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to show you for the 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 in 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 can see them to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noise of 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. I hope this poem has lifted your spirits today and come back to this reading in this episode. Anytime you need a little pick me up to get you through the day. Anytime I'm feeling a little down or conflicted or something's not going right in my life the way I wanted to. I listened to this poem. And it does put me in the right frame of mind the right mindset to continue my journey. And if you haven't already, please subscribe and leave a review for the show wherever you are listening to it. Thank you so much for listening. And as always, trust the journey. It is there to teach you. I'll speak to you soon.
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