DESIDERATA BY MAX EHRMANN IS A 1927 PROSE POEM. ("DESIDERATA" LATIN: "DESIRED THINGS")

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann is a 1927 prose poem. "Desiderata" (Latin: "desired things")

14. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

To say the world has become more complicated since the penning of the Desiderata in 1927 is an obvious understatement. Distress over dark imaginings was a hazard then and it's a hazard today.

This instruction tells us that dark imaginings will happen and can be stressful if we allow them to be. Now, we all have imaginings; however, when we start having dark imaginings, that's not good. It's our responsibility to determine their origin and deal with them.
We know what we consider to be dark imaginings. We take a situation, or a thought, or a rejection and begin to imagine the worst. We conjure up a scenario that hasn't happened yet, make it real and then distress over it.

If the reason for conjuring up this dark imagining is to prepare ourselves for the worst in order to come up with solutions, or to strengthen our spiritual shield, then the purpose is to ease the stress. That's healthy. We're recognizing it and dealing with it.
Dark imaginings stem from fear. Fear is a legitimate emotion that we shouldn't ignore or belittle. If we ignore our fears, we are robbing ourselves of self-understanding. We eliminate the opportunity to be courageous. We undermine our strength of spirit.

Thank you for reading. What are your thoughts?
Dedicated to my sons Jibri and Chris, my privilege and blessing. EcwmB