I had the privilege of learning to teach yoga at the Gold Coast Yoga Centre in Australia. On the back of their bathroom door was a poster of the Desiderata. During peaceful moments of bathroom contemplation, I always read the poem through.
One passage reads:
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
It’s a poignant observation. In essence, we all live the same life, which at the same time expresses itself so differently. To compare ourselves with others, who live the fruits of their planting, is to not appreciate our own garden.
The enlightened Sri Daya Mata once said:
You cannot plant an apple seed and get a grapefruit tree. Whatever seed you sow, you will harvest the fruit of its kind.
We all know the what you sow, you shall reap idea. But what Sri Daya Mata spelled out – you will harvest the fruit of its kind – made that world-known statement real for me.
Comparing ourselves to others is a down payment on suffering. The beginning of the end of happiness.
Warnings about comparing ourselves to others are everywhere in this world. It’s in my children’s favourite Ten Commandment: Thou shalt not cover thy neighbour’s house. With stuff, they assume.
Hipster exhibit ACoveting (not covering kids!), is an old fashioned word for desiring, and begins with comparison. No one would want to covet if they didn’t compare their lot with others.
Imagine a world where we did not compare.
There goes consumerism! The hipsters would rejoice through their beards and non-prescription glasses.
Sorry for turning the industry on its head brah.
(a popular hipster line.)
New iphones, seasonal fashion or latest model cars not required.
You haven’t heard of the Desiderata? Well, it's my pleasure to share it with you here.
Desiderata
-by Max Ehrmann
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.
