Blessings and Gratitude- December 2020
What a year it has been for every being on this planet!
May we take time to reflect on the joy and pain, calm and chaos, and what we have received and what we have lost. Through mindful reflection we can begin to process the depth of our experience, treasure what we have and grieve what we have lost.
As 2020 comes to an end and 2021 approaches, I wanted to share a beautiful poem that I first experienced while standing amongst snowy pine trees during a New Years Eve walk through the UW Arboretum. A naturalist read the poem as the moon shone upon us and the trees protected us from the wintry wind.
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 to 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.
By Max Ehrmann 1927
I wish all of you joy, strength, peace and hope this holiday season and the year beyond. I am grateful for each and everyone of you! I look forward to working with you in the new year as we all "strive to be happy".
With love and gratitude,
LIsa