Hey Big Dawgies!
I know it's been awhile and I've fallen off the wagon on the series. Life has taken on a new rhythm lately as I adjust into a new role so things I once planned shifted however the tide seems favorable. It's more involved than my previous experiences and it's taken strategy and adaptability. Also I've become a morning person and 5:15 comes around early my friends but I've found it sets a positive pace for the rest of the day. Random interjection: make your bed every day. If you haven't heard that yet, you will. Anyways, I thought I'd share my thoughts on the most recent book I finished which is Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist.
Paulo's message is clear and the book read quickly and well. I enjoyed the pace of the story and the subtle, simple, and powerful messages within. A few passages stood out to me as I read, one such being "men began to reject simple things, and to write tracts, interpretations, and philosophical studies. They also began to feel that they knew a better way than others had. Yet the Emerald Tablet is still alive today." I liked the Alchemist's words to boy as its reminiscent of how sometimes the simple method, however simple it may appear, may be the most effective and efficient manner of proceeding or understanding.
Another passage that I read multiple times was the Alchemist stating "Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity." I mean, how true, straightforward, and encouraging! Although different, fear and comfort tend to occupy the same space. So what sense does it make to wallow in your fear and perceived suffering instead of embracing the actuality of the situation to discover the truth? Maybe you'll suffer and if you do, at least it's real! I encounter this often as my mind is my own worst enemy, tending to try to wrap me in fake fears and possible outcomes that don't exist my daily reality. Yet I realize it's a control mechanism for the ego, it wants to remain control and fear is the only way it knows how. But fear not, I shall. Whew, that got a little strange and personal. Forgive me as we move onward!
The last passage I want to share states "When you possess great treasures within you, and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed." I liked it because it's saying who cares what other people think, you're living your life independently of them living theirs. Do you star-child, shine forth thy divinity!
Overall, I loved it! The Alchemist was a fantastic read and the message I took away was to enjoy the journey of life and dance in its music. Realize your treasure is always right in front of you (or in other words, where you make it). Please feel free to respond with your thoughts about The Alchemist if you've read it yourself or if you want to add to or challenge my statements. I'd love to hear your perspective. Thank you for reading Big Dawgs. You slay like Bobby Flay.
