The Book That Moved My LIfe

"A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving." Lao Tzu

We, the Wanderers, are on a spiritual search. A path where our conquest is soul growth and a more peaceful existence in a worn down world that needs us more than we need this world. Enter the search, seeking guidance that wisdomkeepers and sages and storytellers to share with us. Yes, the bookstore.

If you are like me, you wander the bookstore knowing that book you need in your life will speak and you will lift it up for your life journey.

'Soulcraft' by Bill Plotkin was that book for me five years ago. This book has been at my elbow since. I am still in wonder of the wisdom, the comfort, the guidance that Plotkin and our wisdomkeepers share.

That day, five years ago, I felt like I was literally dying - which is not to be confused with feeling suicidal - but like I was crushed by world burdens I could not change nor leave behind. Then there was magic. This book spoke and I woke up. Again.

We all have many chances to leave and many chances to awaken during our lifetimes of sacred dreaming. Each time we choose to stay gives us more to offer. Each time we awaken, again, is more profound than the awakening before. That specific time in my life - when I began to work my way through 'Soulcraft' - I was awakened to deep, substantial creativity and my own messages to others.

'Soulcraft' spoke to me as I wrote my novel (A Breath Floats By: An Illusion for the Soul... fiction which explores life purpose merits and sacrifices we are asked to make in order to birth our gifts.) 'Soulcraft' speaks of sacred speech, sacred silence, sacred wounds, sacred love for oneself.... living as if your place in the world mattered.

I awakened to the dreams, the gift I was promised and needed the courage to offer others. I awakened to the dawn, to the purity of life, to touch again the vibrational medicines I held dear. Now to share them with others. I am forever grateful.

'Soulcraft: Crossing Into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche.'
Author Bill Plotkin. New World Library 2003. Cover reviews:

"Here is an abundantly wise and carefully crafted survival guide for the wild soul currently dozing (or dying) at the heart of your civilized life." David Abram, author of The Spell of the Sensuous.

"Plotkin has skillfully interwoven the tools and insights of depth psychology with the mysteries and ecstasies of wilde
ess rites... a contemporary path of initiation into soulful adulthood." Robert Johnson, author of He, She, We, and Inner Work.

Opening pages:

"The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don't go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don't go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don't go back to sleep."
Jelaluddin Rumi