How to be happy

I was with my dear friend, Luciana, the other day, relating to her a sad bit of my life.  It prompted her to ask me if I’d read the Desiderata.

I remember first encountering that rather long piece of prose poetry as a young teenager and finding it really hard to get into.  And even though I had encountered it several times since, that first impression must have stuck as I never really allowed myself to connect with it, at least not enough to leave a positive impression.

That afternoon, however, following yet another sumptuous meal that Luciana is notorious for feeding me, I followed her into the room where she had a framed copy of the Desiderata.  This time, I gave myself the mind and heart space to read it.  And was I glad that I did.

Even as I read it, I felt a gentle shift in the sadness I had been feeling.  The timelessness of its advice spoke in a direct and personal way to me.  Within these simple words was an understanding of the trials of life and insights into their management.  In short, it is a simple ‘how to’  i.e.  ‘how to be happy’!

When I returned home, I searched the Internet for what I now recognize as a truly inspired piece of writing!  Not only did I find it but I also found a little bit of its history.  Apparently, its author, a poet and lawyer called Max Ehrmann, had expressed a desire to “..leave a humble gift — a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.”  I know that there are countless numbers of people, myself and Luciana included, who are grateful that he did!

Here is that beautiful piece of writing:

Desiderata

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.

Lucy Lopez

Awakening to our Greatness!