Given the new year, I recently signed up for the 21-day yoga challenge through Yoga Journal. 15 minutes of yoga, 15 minutes of meditation, and at least 1 vegetarian meal a day. Simple enough. Not really. Especially for someone as undisciplined as myself. While I am always thankful after the fact (that is, the yoga . . . the meditation and eating 1 vegetarian meal a day, those are less challenging), to actually make a daily commitment in the midst of everything is a task. Day 3 - so far so good. Bring it on!
Below is one of A.'s favorite poems, which speaks to me so clearly these days. (It was one of the readings at our wedding.)
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
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.
Speak your 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 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.
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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken
dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be
happy.
The remarkable thing about yoga is, it has the power to keep the peace in our souls. Amazing how a particular situation might present itself when least expected. In the midst of family, work, and personal matters, life has a way of throwing a a zinger or two. And sometimes, for a moment, it feels like we're drifting through a dream.
Whether or not it is clear to us, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
