a reflection

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)