For Everything, There is a Season

Shaghayegh Hanson

I became a contributing writer for Peyk in 2007. At that time, my daughter was five years old and my son was almost three. I wrote what I knew then, that is, the trials and tribulations of motherhood. I have also shared with you the struggles of walking the East/West cultural divide. At times, I have been moved to write about social injustice, such as Islamophobia or structural bias in our institutions. Always, I have tried to connect with you as a friend at your dinner table, with honesty, sincerity, transparency, and gratitude for the invitation. It has been such a privilege.

But now, my season must end. I feel the time is right for a fresh and different voice, perhaps various different voices. So, with the utmost love and thanks, I am handing the torch that was passed on to me from our venerable Shahri Estakhry on to those new voices.

I will always be committed to this little magazine that could, and particularly to its English-language articles that embrace the Persian Cultural Center’s mission of cross-cultural understanding and inclusiveness of our evolving community of younger generations whose tongues operate more naturally in English. My fervent wish is that you will keep reading Peyk well into the future, as will I, and keep supporting the enormous efforts of the volunteers and writers who bring it to life. I may even pop back in for a guest article or two now and again.

In parting, I leave you with a poem I keep close to my heart; it is not a Persian poem but certainly a practical one for the ages, and perhaps much needed in our troubling times.

DESIDERATA

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.