WORDS FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED
“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, 1927
I can remember when TV stations were not broadcasting 24/7. I am not sure which channel it was, but I would lie in bed and listen to these words spoken by a male with a very deep and melodious voice. I didn’t know where it came from but once I found it, I have gone back to this beautiful poem time and time again. In Latin, desiderata means ‘things that are desired’. Max Ehrmann wrote the poem for his daughter as words to live by. It lays out the ground rules he believes one must live by to have an authentic, virtuous life. The protective nature of Ehrmann’s advice to his daughter has resonated with millions, resulting in the poem being regarded as a manual to a life well-lived. I love the entire poem but the words, “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” are my favorite part. Once we understand that we are a spark of the Divine, we then open the door to our heart to find peace within. I keep this desire at the forefront of my mind every single day of my life.
Dear Angels, the poet calls us to "Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence." This line speaks volumes about our modern lives, where busyness and distractions often drown out our inner voice. We are constantly pulled in multiple directions—by work, relationships, and worldly concerns. But in the midst of this chaos, the poet reminds us that peace is not something found outside; it is within the silence of our souls, in the quiet moments when we choose to pause and tune into our divine connection.
Dear Ones, just as the poet states, we agree that you cannot avoid external conflict. Rather, you are to make a conscious decision to protect your energy, to nurture the sacred space within where peace resides. Surrounding yourselves with harmonious people and environments allows your spirit to flourish. You are called to be discerning about what you let into your minds and hearts, ensuring that you maintain a peaceful, calm interior. So often you get caught up in feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, questioning your purpose and worth. It is in these times that we remind you of your divine nature, urging you to accept yourself fully and without judgment. When you practice peace in your relationships with others, you send out ripples of love and harmony into the collective energy of your world. True peace does not come from avoiding conflict but from engaging with others from a place of love, understanding, and respect. When you communicate with kindness and listen without the need to be right, you create harmony in your interactions, uplifting those around you. As you move forward on your spiritual paths, may you carry this message with you, living its wisdom and allowing peace to radiate from your soul. In doing so, you become instruments of peace in the world, lighting the way for others to follow.
Dear Angels, thank you. I love you. Namaste y’all.
Today, I promise to stay true to what my soul speaks to me, which is to connect with the peace inside of me and treat my fellow man with respect and honor.
Teri Angel is a Happiness Coach, energy healer, best-selling author, spiritual teacher and mentor, and a motivational speaker. Teri is the Peace Campaign Coordinator for We, The World and the founder of a nonprofit organization, Angelspeakers Inc., which offers educational workshops and events centered around environmental awareness to include animals and nature, peace advocacy opportunities and ancient wisdom teachings. Teri’s movement “Peas For Peace” involves strengthening our awareness of the oneness of all, unifying mankind through compassion, peace, love and joy. She was named "She Who Blesses the Sacred Land" during the Peace On Earth Tour and embraces that title with loving grace. www.angelspeakers.com
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