Dear Spirit to Spirit friend,
Charlie Chaplin. This image most likely comes to mind- of his films and the characters he created. A consummate comedian/actor/filmmaker of his time and all time.
His life was fascinating- complex and complicated. From extreme hardship as a child through challenges of enormous proportions to the heights of great fame, infamy, and success. You can read more about him here:
It was interesting to discover this poem of Chaplin's entitled "As I Began to Love Myself", written around age 70. The great awareness he came to and expresses in this poem speaks directly to how to live life every day. And, there is deeper wisdom he so beautifully articulates in this piece. Something we can all take to heart.
"As I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only
warming signs that I was living against my own truth.
Today, I know, this is "AUTHENTICITY".
As I began to love myself, I understood how much it can offend somebody as I force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this person was me.
Today, I call it "RESPECT".
As I began to love myself, I stopped craving for a different life and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow.
Today, I call it "MATURITY".
As I began to love myself, I understood that at any circumstance, I am in the right place
at the right time, and everything happens at exactly the right moment.
So I could be calm.
Today, I call it "SELF CONFIDENCE".
As I began to love myself, I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future. Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer...and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm.
Today, I call it "SIMPLICITY".
As I began to love myself, I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health- food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew me down and away from myself.
At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism.
Today, I know it is "LOVE OF ONESELF".
As I began to love myself, I quit trying to always be right,
and ever since I was wrong less of the time.
Today, I discovered that is "MODESTY."
As I began to love myself, I refused to go on living in the past and worrying about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where EVERYTHING is happening.
Today, I live each day, day by day, and I call it "FULFILLMENT."
As I began to love myself, I recognized that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick. As I connected it to my heart, my mind became a valuable ally.
Today, I call this connection "WISDOM OF THE HEART".
We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations, or any kind of problems with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing together,
new worlds are born.
Today, I know "THAT IS LIFE"! "
Bowing to the wisdom that is Charlie Chaplin.
In Gratitude & Love, Joanna