HEARTH OF THE SOUL

John O’Donohue (1956-2008) Irish poet wrote:

“Solitude is one of the most precious things in the human spirit. It is different from loneliness. When you are lonely, you become acutely conscious of your own separation. Solitude can be a homecoming to your own deepest belonging. One of the lovely things about us as individuals is the incommensurable in us.

In each person, there is a point of absolute nonconnection with everything else and with everyone. This is fascinating and frightening. It means that we cannot continue to seek outside ourselves for things we need from within. The blessings for which we hunger are not to be found in other places or people. These gifts can only be given to you by yourself. They are at home at the hearth of your soul.”

(From: ‘Anam Cara’ Gaelic term meaning ‘soul friend.’)

When I read ‘Anam Cara,’ I read it because I like the message of John O’Donohue. It was beyond my expectations as he presented Celtic wisdom as something you share with a soul friend. I was reminded of my great privilege of having some ‘Anam Caras’ in my life.

“Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” Jesus