Desired Things
“Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things”
– My Favorite Things, Rodgers and Hammerstein
Favorite things. Desired things. A heart’s desire.
In 1927, Max Ehrmann wrote Desiderata (Latin: “desired things”) as a poetic call to action. Contrary to the implication of the title, these things were not things at all in the physical sense. Rather, it listed ways of thinking and living, perhaps even acts of faith, that enabled contentment.
As we wait for this winter to (please) melt into spring, I wanted to explore the wisdom of the eight stanzas and nearly twice as many independent directives of Desiderata.
It begins with a juxtaposition of grammar and meaning. We are launched with a clear imperative and then slowed with a reminder of the dual powers of action and stillness.
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.”
We are beings separate from our environs. Although we may be (and frequently are) surrounded by the external noise of busy families, incessant electronics, and divisive politics, we can choose how we proceed in the world. The noise can be internal as well. Our self-doubt, lingering regrets, and private fears frequently drive us blindly to act with haste.
Ehrmann goes on to explain how we might achieve the unruffled poise of calm waters. We can pause and, with intention, choose our responses demonstrating tranquility instead of rashness.
Get quiet, receive wisdom, go placidly. Repeat.
Score another point for mindfulness and meditation, for pausing in our hustle, and for seeking silence in whatever winter we find ourselves in. At work, at home, and in our communities. Mental, spiritual, and physical. Minor or catastrophic.
We can go placidly through all the places in our lives with the confidence that peace is dwelling in the stillness of our souls…and knowing that all is well with it and us.
