My Symphony......

My Symphony

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.

William Henry Channing

1810 - 1884