Summer is almost here - a time to relax and enjoy the outdoors,
and a time to find your favourite spot on the beach or under a tree with
a good bookin hand.
It's intriguing how the perfect book often shows up at just the right
time. There is an old saying, "When the student is ready, the teacher
will appear." We are all lifetime students and some of our best teachers
appear through the written word. Everyday we have multiple opportunities
to learn something about ourselves and our world. There have been many
great authors throughout time who have inspired us, shown us different
worldviews, or simply helped us to laugh at ourselves and not take life
so seriously.
Whether you enjoy the classics or the works of some of the new-age
thinkers, the lessons available are many. "Three Cups of Tea", a
relatively recent bookstore hit, is an inspiring true story of one man's
willingness to open his heart to a different culture and bring people
together to share in a dream.
Another inspiring read for both young and old is "Me to We: Finding
Meaning in a Material World" - no explanation needed, the title says it
all! And for those on the path of self-discovery, the stirring internet
poem “The Invitation” by visionary author, Oriah Mountain Dreamer is
thought provoking, to say the least.
Why not pass along one of your favourite books or poems this summer with
the hope that it will inspire others along the way? Chances are, if it
moved you, it will do the same for someone else. You could simply pass
an inspiring read along to a friend or possibly you might opt to change
things up and have some fun with the opportunity. The book could be left
in a public place with the intent that it will find its way to the
reader who would most benefit from its message. Possibly the author
might provide just the right words of encouragement or simply help the
new found reader to find more humour in life.
An inscription could be attached in the front of the book. This is a
great opportunity for creativity and the possibilities are endless, but
it could be something as simple as:
This is a "PASS-ALONG BOOK" When
finished, please pass it along or leave it in a public place for someone
else to discover
~ ENJOY ~
Pass-along
book ventures have been around for years and have harnessed the
enthusiasm of readers of all ages. Whether exchanging books with a
friend or choosing the more adventuresome route, taking part in the
project is just another opportunity to be part of the process of
positive change and have some fun along the way. Who knows how far your
book might travel and how many lives its message may touch?
There is
another great saying, "What goes around, comes around". Maybe this
summer it will be your turn to be on the receiving end. Wouldn't it be
fun to find that perfect book left "just for you"? Who knows, maybe it’s
destiny at work. Enjoy!
(next column)
04/06/2009 10:58 PM
