March 16, 2008

I first became aware of the Serenity Prayer in the seventies. My parents had purchased a small plaque with the above prayer while holidaying in Toronto, Canada on their first visit. Apparently, it was a very popular prayer at that time in Toronto. It is still used for many 12-step self-help programs including Al-Anon. When they returned home they did the honour of placing the plaque on the dining room wall.

I recall now that when I was younger my outlook on life was totally different. You are young and you are supposed to make a difference to make the world a better place. Reflecting back over the years, I believed very strongly in working hard (a strong work ethic), playing by the rules, etc. I wish that I had had the foresight, understanding and perhaps the guidance and direction to be more accepting of how the world was and not how I wanted it to be. You know a perfect utopia, better for everyone. But then there was so much we did not know about and could not have predicted.

Wars have not ended; the Green Revolution has apparently been a failure, since world hunger is ever present (apparently food shortages are occurring globally). Wheat prices are skyrocketing, which means bread prices are on the rise globally, which could lead to more social unrest. Oil prices have reached an all time high of US$110.00 per barrel and the same is happening to gold, which has traded at a high of US$1,000.00 per ounce. Not to mention diseases like AIDS and avian flu, resistant bacterial strains, world poverty, hunger, environmental disasters, global warming, etc. The scientists and all the experts had predicted these things would be a thing of the past. These issues were high on the agenda during my university years during the eighties. Everything was supposed to be better in the future they said. Sometimes it seems worse than ever. There are many things I thought would have changed over time.

I am no longer young, naïve and trusting of those who say they will effect change. Many of our politicians, leaders, academics and experts have continued on the old paths that lead to dead ends. It seems as if the blind are leading the blind. They do not have the answers or the solutions to the problems facing us. They seem ill equipped to resolve the problems that we are facing globally. I am just getting tired of seeing all of the environmental disasters, and the sad and hungry looks of children, who stare back at me from my TV in my living room.

I have learned over the years to put my trust in God and to rely on my common sense and wisdom that are an integral part of me… (In the United States, the national motto is, “In God We Trust.”)… The serenity prayer advises us to accept things that we cannot change, and to change the things we can. So using our common sense and wisdom we are asked to change the things we can. So on a personal level, I will continue to try to do so and for good measure I am going to keep my hand written copy taped to my bedroom wall a bit longer. Lest I forget!

March 15, 2008

"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."

Those words above have been embedded in my consciousness since I first encountered the Desiderata years ago. It has brought me peace and comfort when others have seen fit to exclude, isolate, marginalize or exclude me by race, religion, gender, ethnicity and nationality or for social, economic or political reasons. It is worth remembering the power of words. As they say, "The pen is mightier than the sword."

My advice to others who encounter difficulties or obstacles along their life journey is to remember the above few lines and to take comfort in them. When others dehumanize, ridicule or try to humiliate you, keep your faith in God or your Higher Power. All of creation is here for a purpose and we must understand and respect the Divine Plan. Loving and respecting our fellow man and woman is a noble ideal.

March 03, 2008

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speakyour 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 vexations 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.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this 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 in 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 have posted the "Desiderata" above, attributed to Max Ehrmann. I fell in love with this poem when I first heard about it during my senior year in high school. I also heard the recorded song version, which I found very inspiring. I think Les Crane originally did it.

It is such an inspiring and encouraging poem. Sometimes we all need a gentle reminder to keep us on track during our very busy lives.