A Wee Something for the Soul
Quite a few of the blogs I read are by people who have a wonderful gift for writing – many even have the vision and determination to be writing novels. I take my hat off to you because I don’t think this is something I could ever do.
I do love books though. Books are precious things but I find I don’t have room for all the books I get through. Some years ago I decided to pass them on. So, when I finish a book I write a little note in it about why I enjoyed the book and leave it for someone to find. Sometimes I leave them on benches, in supermarkets, even in public toilets. I never know who picks them up or even if the books I leave are read by those who find them. I like to think they do – even better to be passed on again in a similar fashion. There are some books however I know I could never part with and will come back to again and again. One of these is Anam Cara – A Book of Celtic Wisdom written by John O’Donahue.
Anam Cara translates as soul friendship and John was certainly big on love; love of others, of self, of the landscape and even what’s unseen but ever present. It is believed that you are joined eternally with your anam cara and your friendship crosses all boundaries and convention. This is made possible as the Celtic understanding did not set limitations of space or time on the soul. So reading this book always causes me to reflect differently on the past, present and even the future.
A trained philosopher John died in 2008. His family described him as ”a beautiful wild soul that he showered with love and attention” and it is this that I think he shares in Anam Cara. So, this book may not change your life but it is gentle, whilst still finding way to be rigorous. It’s also pretty sweet but at the same time challenging. Every time I pick it up and leaf though it I take something different from the words.
My favourite is a poem he wrote called “Beannacht”, which is the Gaelic word for blessing. He uses a wonderful phrase to end his poem; “and so may a slow wind work these words of love around you, an invisible cloak to mind your life”.
Beannacht is wonderful to read, but even more wonderful when read by the author. Enjoy.
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Wonderful! I could listen to him all day.
When D and I separated and I had to downsize (we both did), the one thing other than the divorce that was most difficult for me was that I could not take all of my books with me. I donated many to good causes, gave more to my daughters than they wanted, and gave quite a few to my friends. Here’s the thing–more and more books find their way into my hands despite the fact that I’m reading as much as possible on my Nook. I LOVE your way of passing them on. I’m going to try it. It just seems like a generous and thoughtful way to dispose of them. A Johnny Appleseed of books. Or Jacqueline the book fairy.
Thanks!
Jacqueline the book fairy – I like that Pat!
I love that you leave notes in the pages of the book before passing them on. When we were on vacation at a beach home on the ocean several years ago, there was a bookshelf of fiction, and each book had all kinds of personal notes within about various readers’ reactions. There was also a journal for us to all write in, and reading it was quite fun, along with leaving behind our own entries. It felt so uniquely alive to be reading it.
Thank you Phil. I think there is actually some kind of more formal way of doing this – not sure what the website is but I think people write a reference in the books they leave around and the person finding them can go online and find out where the book came from and enter their location. Some books I understand have been tracked all over the world. Nice idea, but I’m not that organised and I’m just happy to pass my books on.
What a wonderful idea to pass on books, especially with a few words inside. The last words of his poem are certainly ones to remember. Thank you.
If memory serves me then I think this is the poem that’s on the cushion I made for you.
Yes, When I looked again at your Blog I suddenly realised where I had seen the words before.
I like the way you deal with the books you don’t have room for. I have passed on books to friends and students over the years, but I’ve also seen piles of books that were given away in certain central places in my city. Sometimes, peole set up a table on a sidewalk, and leave the books they no longer need, and others join in… and there are quite a few, free for the taking.
Thank you. I do believe books are precious things and it’s nice to share them. I like to do it like this, although sometimes I also give them to charity. There is a local Maggie Centre, for cancer support that has regular books sales and I’ve donated to them. It is surprising how much this boosts their fundraising and the books are fairly priced so you can also pick up books you may not want that others have donated.
Jaxqueline – how lovely is that poem and the author’s soothing voice. Thank you for sharing it.
Sue xx
Thank you Sue – it seems even more special to hear the poem read by the author. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
I, too, read books, make notations, and pass them along. Books are meant to be shared.
Beautiful words, beautiful pictures. This book is going on the top of my Christmas list. And Jacqueline, thank you *so* much for nominating me for an award. I am *drowning* in study at the moment and blog is consequently neglected. But I will get there as soon as I can. Btw, love your way of passing on books. Maybe you should set up an email account for them and put the address with your little notes – you never know, you might get to find out something about their travels!
Your most welcome Joanna. I really enjoy reading your blog and it’s a nice way of passing on the recommendation to others – particularly other students. I’m pleased you liked the poem and I hope you enjoy the book. I think it’s just a wee gem. Sorry to hear you’re drowning in study – I guess it happens to the best of us. Like your idea for my passing on book thing! Thank you – it would be interesting to know where they end up.