James Van
Praagh ends his recent book, “Adventures of the Soul: Journeys Through the Physical and Spiritual
Dimensions with this poem:
Desiderata
(Things I Desire)
Go placidly amid 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 to the dull and
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's 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.
