You know that feeling when you look up at sky and are reminded of how insignificant your problems are when you are merely a speck in the universe? I had that feeling the other day. Every year I try to get out to watch the Perseid Meteor Showers. This year my husband and I made a date of it on our farm. We had a charcuterie board and wine and then headed out in the truck to our pasture. My sweet husband even packed tiki torches because he knows I’m a mosquito magnet.
So I got that humbling feeling and began to think a little more. As insignificant as we may be in this vast universe, I also believe that the love we put out into the universe is far more significant than we can comprehend. The love and kindness we give to others multiplies. I have thought about how I am too insignificant to lead a teacher training, but have realized that the world needs more ambassadors of peace. We need more yogis sharing this beautiful gift.
The other thing that came to mind while I was admiring the beautiful night sky was the poem, Desiderata.
Desiderata
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.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927
Original text
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