To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable, and
wealthy, not rich;
to listen to stars and birds,
babes and sages, with open heart;
to study hard; to think quietly,
act frankly, talk gently,
await occasions, hurry never;
in a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common
--this is my symphony."
This poem, by William Henry Channing, has been a fixture in my office for about a year now. I have it posted near my computer where I can reflect on it. I don't remember where I first saw it. It seems to resonate with many people who see it. In the past few weeks, I've run across it a number of times on others' blogs and that reminds me of the synchronicity and connectedness of us all.
There are some doubts and fears in my life right now; self-doubt, fears for some friends facing major challenges. Finding the synchronicities gives me a feeling of comfort and the confidence to remember this too shall pass, and life is precious right at this moment, with all of its pain and beauty, challenges and opportunities, fear and certainty.
