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Saturday, November 15, 2008

On matters of spirit and soul ...


Realized I haven't got very far in my 100 doll challenge, so have taken a photo of some spirit dolls that are under construction. These are prototypes of new shapes I'm trying, pleased with most of them so far, although I haven't decided how to decorate them as yet. It's great watching them come to life.

I've started reading a book called "Eternal Echoes - Exploring our Hunger to Belong" by John O'Donohue. It was recommended by a friend who knows I'm reflecting on homesickness, longing and belonging for a painting which is forming itself in my head. I've only read the introduction, but it is so beautifully written. I think he wrote it so that it could speak to our souls, and it certainly did that, it felt a bit like coming home. You'll have to read it to see what I mean! I did some research on him as I wanted to find some more poetry of his, and found out that he died in his sleep back in January this year. I felt a great sense of sadness, that such a poet and gifted writer was no longer here, but what a legacy he has left. He wrote such beauty that will go on to inspire others for lifetimes to come; true creativity.

Here's a poem from the start of the book, it paints such a vivid picture in the mind, enjoy:

Matins
I.
Somewhere, out at the edges, the night
Is turning and the waves of darkness
Begin to brighten the shore of dawn

The heavy dark falls back to earth
And the freed air goes wild with light,
The heart fills with fresh, bright breath
And thoughts stir to give birth to colour

II.
I arise to day

In the name of silence
Womb of the Word,
In the name of Stillness
Home of Belonging,
In the name of the Solitude
of the Soul and the Earth

I arise today

Blessed by all things
wings of breath,
delight of eyes,
wonder of whisper,
intimacy of touch,
eternity of soul,
urgency of thought,
miracle of health,
embrace of God

May I live this day

Compassionate of heart,
Gentle in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love

by John O'Donohue

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