“Desiderata” means “things wanted or needed.” Max Ehrmann, the poem’s author was a lawyer and poet from Terre Haute, Indiana, which happens to be my father’s home town. (NOTE: See component to this post — a Cliff’sNOTE on The True Gentleman.)
The first time I heard Desiderata (pronounced, [DI] + [ZID] + [UH] + [RAA] + [TUH]) was at Joe Shymanski’s, memorial a few weeks ago. Apparently, Joe loved the piece and for those in attendance, it fit the “Live Like Joe” theme to have it read. In the weeks since, I’ve read it so many times it runs like a continuous loop in my head. As that tape was looping this morning in that space between sleep/wake, underlying polarities (interdependent yin/yang pairs) in the piece started popping. I decided to start the day by capturing the polarity wisdom underlying the Desiderata wisdom as Joe’s picture on his memorial flyer accompanied me. For those who didn’t have the pleasure of being “Joe’s best friend” (i.e., every friend he had), I hope this gives you a window into what Joe was like through the poem and the polarities he leveraged so well in his life – to help you, “Live Like Joe.”
Desiderata Through a Polarity Lens
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
Do w/Peace And Be in Peace
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Care for Others And Care for Self
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Speak Your Truth And Listen to Others’ Truth
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; 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.
Learn from the Greatness in Others And Appreciate the Greatness in Yourself
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Enjoy Achievements And Enjoy Future Achievements (Plans)
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Appreciate Your Work Now And Appreciate Your Future Work
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 Cautious of Trickery And See the Virtue/Heroism Everywhere
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.
Receive Affection And Appreciate Love
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Hold On And Let Go
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.
Nurture Mindfulness in Good Times And Utilize Mindfulness in Challenging Times
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.
Be Disciplined w/Self (Tough Love) And Be Gentle w/Self (Gentle Love)
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.
Seek Peace/Beauty/Cheer/Happiness And Find Peace/Beauty/Cheer/Happiness
The Desiderata Multarity
Do w/Peace And Be in Peace
Care for Others And Care for Self
Speak Your Truth And Listen to Others’ Truth
Learn from the Greatness in Others And Appreciate the Greatness in Yourself
Enjoy Achievements And Enjoy Plans
Appreciate Your Work Now And Appreciate Your Future Work
Be Cautious of Trickery And See the Virtue/Heroism Everywhere
Receive Affection And Appreciate Love
Hold On And Let Go
Nurture Mindfulness in Good Times And Utilize Mindfulness in Challenging Times
Be Disciplined w/Self (Tough Love) And Be Gentle w/Self (Gentle Love)
Seek Peace/Beauty/Cheer/Happiness And Find Peace/Beauty/Cheer/Happiness
