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Desiderata for Contemporary Times
Amongst all the uncertainty that prevails, I thought i would add some additional text to that lovely piece of work by Max Ehrmann 1927. DESIDERATA.
GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in self isolation and social distancing. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with your Toilet Paper supplier.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story and remember to wash your hands thoroughly.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons and those that are coughing or sniffling; 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 and in far worse health circumstances.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. Don’t sell your shares and if you are still working, keep those retirement plans for later.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery especially in China. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism, except in Supermarkets.
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.
Let go the urge to “Pass” or use the term “en femme”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.
TGR will be here to support you and guide you through your journey and help you enjoy your life as a gender diverse person.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 be accepted by society.
And whether or not it is clear to you, there is no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should and expanding and expanding. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him or Her or 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 is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Caroline
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3 Replies
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Very good Caroline
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I wonder why this site cuts off messages sometimes …?
I continued: I would just add to China in your trickery line ‘…. and USA, especially under Trump’. And to pronouns for God I would add ‘… or they.’ That covers us non-binaries and androgynes
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Thank you Caroline. With so much doom and gloom around us, especially relating to things we have absolutely no control over, we need to look for ways to keep spirits up. That won’t negate the problems we’re facing but it will help us to deal with them with less effort.
As we begin to find ourselves ‘isolated’ by direction rather than self-imposed choice, perhaps we can replace those face-to-face meetings with online activities. We might even be able to re-establish connections we’ve lost or simply become too busy to maintain.
By fate or fortune, we have a golden opportunity to “GO PLACIDLY” for there will be much less noise and the haste,
