How to BE HAPPY

Sunday, March 1st, 2009
0028 hrs

In the last several days/weeks/months, I have been witness to much
in the lives and times of people. In these times that are
characterized by deceit, lies, and changing fortunes I asked myself
what the essence of happiness was. And therefore, perhaps to soothe
you, I would like to take this opportunity to present what was
presented to me by a progressive Buddhist Monk when I was 22 years
old.

Please read every sentence s-l-o-w-l-y and imbibe, Its one of the
most logical pieces of emotional prose I have ever read and I have
been reading it for a long time. I hope I have imbibed a little
and have made a positive difference in my dealings with others.

--
The Desiderata of Love, Max Ehrmann, 1927

"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 the 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 and
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 perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to 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
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."