Listening Meditation Desiderata Poem by Max Ehrmann

In this short meditation, I will be reading to you from "Desiderata," written by Max Ehrmann. The definition of "desiderata" are things wanted or needed. I came across this poem when I was just 17 years old. I was spending the weekend at my best friend's parents' home. It was a beautiful artist's loft on Grand Street in very chic SoHo Manhattan. It was airy and raw with 20-foot-high ceilings with a real working sculpture studio. In their artfully decorated guest powder room, there was a woven basket in the corner. In it, there were dozens of desert arata printed on parchment paper, rolled up into scrolls, free for the taking of any lucky guest who happened to come across it. This poem spoke to me from the first time I read it. It guided me and comforted me. I took one with me, had it framed, and I've had it for all of these years, through two children, two houses, and two careers, and I still find solace in it. So find a comfortable and safe spot to rest just for 3 minutes. Take a few deep breaths. Inhale. And on the exhale, releasing tension wherever you may be holding it, particularly in the neck and shoulders, allowing your hands to rest wherever they may be. Inhale and exhale, feeling your feet on the ground. And just one more time, take a deep breath in, this time scanning from your head to your toes, releasing any tension that you can notice in this moment. You may allow your eyes to close if they haven't already done so, or allow them to just rest by gazing down. Desiderata. Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in 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. 3. 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. 4. 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're a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, and 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/her/they 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's still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to Be Happy by Max Ehrmann, 1927. Take a deep breath in and slowly open your eyes if you haven't already done so. May these words stay with you bringing you comfort and guidance.