Desiderata

Desiderata

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 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 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 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 critical 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 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 with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

Stephen Colbert - Regarding His Faith

Steve Jobs' Last Words

Creation

Creation

Creation is the play of nothing, something, the possible, and the impossible. Within a field of nothing a universe is born - expanding outward in all directions. Many theories exist about this. Some theorists suggest that there may be multiple universes (but detecting such a possibility going to be hard). What’s something? A thing, an object Things could be tangible or intangible.

Every moment and place is filled with infinite possibilities. Out of nothing (unless God is assumed) a universe began to expand.

Looking for Reality

Spaceship Earth & Humanity

The Unknown

Living knowing

that we are in the unknown

opens us up to the spacious sense of existence.

Enlightenment and Practice

When you are
enlightened the
days of practice
are over. You realize
that you are the light,
just like a young
child again

Buckminster Fuller ~ The Final Message

Earthstar Radio production soundtrack, recorded just weeks before Buckminster Fuller passed away on July 1st, 1983 at the age of 87. In his last days he was focused on integrity. I had the honor of doing the interview in a sound studio for nearly an hour. It was a difficult task. Co-producer, Sherri Morgan, condensed the recorded interview into what felt like the essence of his final message. Buckminster Fuller was one of the most inventive and socially aware engineers of the 20th century. For him "doing more with less" was a human value as well as engineering value. He warned us that we need to do more with less so that "spaceship" could sustain all of us in a high standard of living without the need for war.

Permission granted by the co-producers of Earthstar Radio. This program aired on National Public Radio shortly after Fuller passed away. I don't know the exact date. It was a long time ago. Sound quality is poor - this audio recorded off of an old audio tape in my files. I had lost track of it for many years. Image: Photoshop 5.5 Artistry by Barry Haynes and Wendy Crumpler, New Riders Publishing.

Beyond Compartments

Cloudy Sky

Climate Change Is Real

Climate change is real. The severe weather this October in Northen California and around the world is a sign. Irresponsible leaders must get out of the way. Reality, not politics and special interests, is required now. It's not just the cars we buy. Travel less and less. Become truly localized in our living patterns. Consume less. Enjoy life with friends and simple pleasures.  

image credit

Three Urban Deer