Such a beautiful share, Jen. Anam Cara has been a light and guide on my own path; such wisdom there. And for me, like you, the book arrived at the perfect time.
I can relate to you in the time of transition. Do you feel that books gain extra power in a time like this, so you want to choose your enchanters very carefully? I don't have a copy of Anam Cara, but O'Donohue's Benedictus is on my small shelf of books I reach for most often.
You're the 2nd person who has another O'Donohue book on their shelf! He's such a keeper.
And those books that find us during times of transition are the ones that stick with us. I feel like they choose me during those times rather than the other way around.
Ah, I *love* that book and also picked it up first during a big life transition moment. It led me on, first to his book, "On Beauty" and then into other Celtic and mystic writers. Like you, when I need to remember that we are our own soulmate, I turn to this beautiful book and to the natural world that we're a part of. You gave me a moment of pause, reflection, and joy today with your words and the connection between us, through that beautiful book. Thank you!
I really need a few days like this. In October, I'm treating myself to a childfree trip to Berlin - time for myself and time for writing. Glad you found the right book for your me-time, it sounds like a great read.
This post was so, so comforting. I have had brief in-the-wild encounters with John O'Donohue's book, Anam Cara, but have somehow not yet gifted it to myself. After reading this, I will be placing an order. I love the line you quote from the prologue in particular: “If we become addicted to the external, our interiority will haunt us. We will become hungry with a hunger no image, person, or deed can still.” Gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing!
The greatest gift in life is a true friend. Especially when that friend is you!
Very wise huh? What a gift!
Such a beautiful share, Jen. Anam Cara has been a light and guide on my own path; such wisdom there. And for me, like you, the book arrived at the perfect time.
Dana - I just repeated your quote that books like this are a light in the darkness. Love that description. It's divine timing.
I can relate to you in the time of transition. Do you feel that books gain extra power in a time like this, so you want to choose your enchanters very carefully? I don't have a copy of Anam Cara, but O'Donohue's Benedictus is on my small shelf of books I reach for most often.
Thank you for the lovely and wise post!
You're the 2nd person who has another O'Donohue book on their shelf! He's such a keeper.
And those books that find us during times of transition are the ones that stick with us. I feel like they choose me during those times rather than the other way around.
Ah, I *love* that book and also picked it up first during a big life transition moment. It led me on, first to his book, "On Beauty" and then into other Celtic and mystic writers. Like you, when I need to remember that we are our own soulmate, I turn to this beautiful book and to the natural world that we're a part of. You gave me a moment of pause, reflection, and joy today with your words and the connection between us, through that beautiful book. Thank you!
Caroline I'm so glad. And know I want to find his book On Beauty. It's the reminder I needed about how to become my own soulmate. ♥️
So lovely Jen! And agreed, the natural world provides wonderful companionship.
Thanks 🙏🏻 Diana! The natural world is... and why we need to take care of it!
I really need a few days like this. In October, I'm treating myself to a childfree trip to Berlin - time for myself and time for writing. Glad you found the right book for your me-time, it sounds like a great read.
That is so great to hear Susannah. I hope you let yourself really enjoy your childfree time. You'll come back more present and available.
❤️
This post was so, so comforting. I have had brief in-the-wild encounters with John O'Donohue's book, Anam Cara, but have somehow not yet gifted it to myself. After reading this, I will be placing an order. I love the line you quote from the prologue in particular: “If we become addicted to the external, our interiority will haunt us. We will become hungry with a hunger no image, person, or deed can still.” Gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing!
Comfort is a great word to describe it Jamie. So fun to meet you in Sarah's cohort! 🙌
So beautiful Jen. Thank you for writing and sharing so vulnerably about this time.
Thanks Toby! Love seeing you here. ♥️