‘…amid the noise and haste.’
October 26, 2021[Read by Shane Morris, music by Tony Anderson.]
From Marianne Williamson:
Today, the world is so tired and weary. There is an exhaustion that permeates, not only our civilization but seemingly others as well. We have so descacralized our planet that is hard to find meaning here. Too many don’t remember where we came from, who we are, or what we’re doing here. And without a sense of higher purpose, it’s impossible to achieve inner peace.
Our biggest problem, perceived by many, is that this cannot continue. The situation is untenable. It’s as though our global civilization is having a collective nervous breakdown, an identity crisis, as humanity has lost its essential connection to a moral universe. Created in love, we have become masters at lovelessness. Those standing for the most sacred values are trampled on by soulless powers. The most basic principles of right living are treated like they don’t even matter.
So now, we are where we are…living on the most beautiful planet but recklessly destroying it; created as brothers and sisters but treating each other like enemies; gifted with the most amazing powers of science and technology but using them more often for personal gain and destructive purposes than for universal good.
That we are on a self-destructive path, is clear. And I believe in my heart that enough of us get that. The question of our time thus becomes this: are we ready to consider that there might be another way? In A Course in Miracles, it says the line in the Bible “Heaven and Earth shall be as one” means they will no longer exist as two separate states. Heaven – or the awareness of our oneness – can be the consciousness that guides our lives right here, right now. We can live on the earth but think only the thoughts of heaven. We can allow love, and humanitarian values, to order our hearts and to order our societies. It is possible, and it will happen, if and when enough of us are ready to say so and make it real.
Reading Marianne’s words, I was reminded of a poem I first discovered in the 70’s, although first published in the early 1920’s. ‘Desiderata’ is Latin for ‘things desired.’ A simple, beautiful prose that speaks to our time, a time we are experiencing in deep layers of transformation, evolution, and perhaps, revolution. May it be non-violent as we continue to unfold our singular and collective experience. Ahimsa. ~dayle
Desiderata [original text]
‘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.’
-Max Ehrmann