Sparked by Matt

[nedd]

I find myself going to this poem often when I am low. I have posted this before but think it deserves another shout. If nothing else read the last verse, and remember you are "a child of the universe".

Desiderata

'Max Ehrman' = Max Ehrmann

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 to the dull and 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.

[tobie]

Beautiful , thank you Nedd

[MattBuckland]

That was a great read Nedd. One to come back to. Thanks for sharing

Matt

[nedd in reply to MattBuckland]

Hi Matt glad you liked it.

How's it going. I have been a wondering.

The cloak of doom slowly descends to smother motivation and sap limited energy this time of year my end. I don't know why I am surprised happens every year. The festive season highlights my inability to cut the mustard so to speak.

Although funnily enough I like the glitz and glitter not to say Slade's classic.

I want to scuttle down a hobbit hole and peer out.

I think the line

"Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness" is so true you can be lonely in the mist of a crowd. Although not the most comforting of lines.

Go well and remember

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars

Ned

[MattBuckland in reply to nedd]

Hi Ned

Struggling on at the moment, a few days off work which was good but I have lacked the energy to do things. But I am okay. Fear from fatigue, yes that resonates strongly and fear of fatigue. When I can get out of the self hatred and have some clarity of vision it often comes up against this lack of energy. Not sure if I am doing to myself. Anyway two weeks and my probation is up at my new job, I have no logical reason to think that I won't pass, but it will be a weight off. If you can muster the energy, wrap up warm and get out somewhere in nature. It took me two of my four days off to do so but is worth it. I am sitting at this moment on a bench in a park over looking Loch Lomond and glen finlas. The sky is for the most part blue but I can see that it is raining in helensburgh and the mist is drifting over Ben Bowie . There is a smattering of snow on the hills and the lights are twinkling in the Cameron house hotel. Loch Lomond is calm and the slight hum of the A82 is broken by the calls of birds picking the roost for the night. I feel a bit brighter for it. Hope you can find some light in the darkness even if it is twinkling on a Christmas tree. Look after yourself brother. Matt

[nedd in reply to MattBuckland]

Thanks for catch-up. I have to say nature feeds my soul too. There was a loan goldfinch visiting the garden this morning. I have one teasle growing. I used to allow more but they sort of spread thier love so to speak, and given the chance they would take over my small garden. But I do allow the forgetmenots seed everywhere to do thier stuff in spring.

Good luck with the job.

And I would have loved to have seen the view from your bench.

Ned

[Zoea in reply to nedd]

"Cloak of doom"? Did you seriously make that up? What is doom? The singularity at the point of existence? The point at which Earth gets swallowed up by the Sun? I'm unsure. I'm VERY unsure it matters in any case. Just jive with it!

"You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars"

While this is objective true (!) these kind of existential thoughts can lead to a bad place. Just remember the food chain - ~ Humanity is on top and by birth right that means We are on top. That's just how it is. If you bear this in mind with the above quote it all just makes a sense?

"fear of fatigue" I'm unsure how this can be a thing nedd but I'm not literally in your shoes. You're going to get through this work probation. You've basically said so yourself. Why is your mind wondering to the point where it is worry about when you are less able to be active? Is it bored? Are you dwelling in a thought space you really thought I shouldn't be? I am unsure perhaps, but still, you should strive for no fears (and that's subjective because what you perceive as a fear may actually be something entirely not a fear?) and you should get your 7-8 hours sleep a night, get your diet on track (no sugar/fructose!) and keep on keeping one!

This seems a deeply personal conversation and a good one (freely admit that) so I'll leave it at this. Just don't loose sight of the wider goal of Humanity. It's there, it's here, it's this, it's that, but most of all it's shared. For now.

[marigold22]

I am going to print out all of that including your photo, and frame it. It's so beautiful. Thank you for posting x

[Hidden]

It is enlightening to read this poem again, thank you for sharing nedd,

Lottie x

[puddlediver]

Haven’t read this for ages, thanks a lot

[winter2013]

I actually carry a small copy if desiderata around with me as find it so relevant before ME!! X

[nedd]

Someone gave this to me when my son was busy dying.

I still reflect know it's wisdom.

So me words and watching others have taught me how to be.