Monday Morning Musings
Posted on November 9, 2020 under Monday Morning Musings with one comment
Family House – Kangiqsujuaq
“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.
Man, it’s a tall order for a person to be placid these days. It seems that everything is out of sync. Is the world more unsettled than it has been historically or have social media and mass media just made it seem that way? It’s particularly difficult to find silence although the north is one place that it can be found rather quickly and conveniently by just stepping outside your door and walking on the tundra. Being on good terms with all persons is a lofty goal but one worth pursuing.
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 and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
The bitter rancor south of the border is very disquieting. Unfortunately, this is not just a problem in the U.S. It appears that there is another global pandemic besides Covid. Intolerance of every kind.
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.
Not to go too overboard on Covid but one thing has been highlighted. Jobs that appear to be humble to many have been shown to be crucial and worthy of respect and dignity.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is perennial as the grass.
Love conquers all. Enough said.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
I’m not sure if the Baby Boomers are prepared to surrender anything! Most (not all) post war babies have had it pretty good, wouldn’t you say? I am learning a great deal from the Inuit and hope to be able to meet and talk with some elders before my time in the north comes to an end. There is still a great deal to be learned.
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.
Fears and dark imaginings are also born of watching too much CNN or Fox News. Mercifully, I don’t get either of these channels and I have a full-time job to keep me focused. I do know what’s going on. Democracy is under siege in many parts of the world.
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.
This last statement requires resolve and a great deal of faith in the human condition.
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.
Desiderata. Max Ehrmann
They say that it is darkest just before the dawn. This is easily one of the most unsettling times in several generations, but this should not stop us from striving to be charitable, happy, useful, compassionate, and cheerful.
It won’t be easy but nothing good in life ever comes easily.
Some of you will remember this musical version of the poem:
Have a great week.
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