Paul's Corner

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Tuesday, 20 November

Something to contemplate: Go placidly

Something to contemplate:

Go placidly amidst 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 ignorant for they to have thier story.

This is the first part of the "Desiderata" a script apparently found hanging in a church in Baltimore in the 18th century...but please dont quote me on that. The whole piece is lovely. There are two versions the one I like and believe is the original finishes with "....be careful, strive to be happy." Some guy found this script and changed the end to ....be cheerful strive to be happy..... and then put his name to it, or so the story goes.

Why am I talking about it? Well I have been wrestling with an anger issue or an issue that has made me very angry. Whilst trying to source this anger I remembered those first lines and realised that I was angry because I had surrendered and not spoken my truth and therefore had been walked over and completely discounted. I was angry for myself (and at myself) for allowing me to treat me like that. If I allow me to treat me like that then I also allow others to treat me like that! It may not always be easy to stand up and speak your truth, perhaps ..."remember what peace there may be in silence" is also a way of saying keep the peace through silence?? At times a very good option which in doing so is not surrendering.

Any way I thank the powers that be that led me a year and a half ago to learn the Desiderata off by heart, Because after an hour of contemplation on this problem the words came to me and I found an answer or a road to travel and it dealt not with anger but with the love and respect I show myself and there-by also to you.

Mmmmmm....life works in mysterious ways doesnt it?

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Comments

Re- Desiderata. I love Desiderata and have a big poster of it hanging next to my bed. I sat and memorized it one night when I was going through some tough times, and it has been a priceless treasure in those dark moments. I just came by this site to see info on "Strictly Ballroom" (wonderful film) and ran into this- thanks, Paul, seeing that on your site made my day! Good luck.

Posted by: Dale Fitz on April 1, 2002 11:06 PMfrom IP:

I've got this hanging in my house too, only mine's in the bathroom... it gives the guys reading material, and me an opportunity to "meditate" while I'm brushing my teeth..... I think I've had it memorized since the 4th grade and the truths within it have been food for thought in good times and not so good times. Seeing this on your site convinces me further that I should check in again and read more often... there's good stuff here!!!

Posted by: Rachel on April 23, 2002 02:32 PMfrom IP:

ENJOY, FOR WE QUIRE PATIENCE AND TOLERANCE FOR OTHERS, TO RECIEVE THE SAME. ICH LIBE DICH

Posted by: PAULINE on May 8, 2002 10:13 AMfrom IP:

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