I was lucky enough to be introduced to this book by Amanda while I was at Millennium Elephant Foundation. We had been discussing the meaning behind my synchronicity tattoo and it reminded her of the book (which she had read and brought along for her trip) because synchronicity is much like destiny. She lent me the book and over the weekend I had it finished.
What a simple yet captivating read that honestly left me feeling inspired. It seemed to be exactly what I needed to be reading at the time (perhaps some destiny/synchronicity at work there as well ;) ) and so it really resonated with me... The boy with big dreams of travel... The message that you should never let someone or something hold you back from doing what you think/feel is right for you... And that we tend to be the ones who close the door on our destinies or possibilities because we grow up and begin to believe they are no longer possible... Perhaps "dreams" don't have to be just dreams, if you really want something you can find a way to make it work.
So what better book to read while I am traveling the world than a story like this!
The boy didn't know what a person's "destiny" was.
"It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny."
None of what the old man was saying made much sense to the boy. But he wanted to know what the "mysterious force" was; the merchant's daughter would be impressed when he told her about that!
"It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your destiny. It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth."
"Even when all you want to do is travel? Or marry the daughter of a textile merchant?"
"Yes, or even search for treasure. The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things are one. And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
-The Alchemist
What a simple yet captivating read that honestly left me feeling inspired. It seemed to be exactly what I needed to be reading at the time (perhaps some destiny/synchronicity at work there as well ;) ) and so it really resonated with me... The boy with big dreams of travel... The message that you should never let someone or something hold you back from doing what you think/feel is right for you... And that we tend to be the ones who close the door on our destinies or possibilities because we grow up and begin to believe they are no longer possible... Perhaps "dreams" don't have to be just dreams, if you really want something you can find a way to make it work.
So what better book to read while I am traveling the world than a story like this!
The boy didn't know what a person's "destiny" was.
"It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny."
None of what the old man was saying made much sense to the boy. But he wanted to know what the "mysterious force" was; the merchant's daughter would be impressed when he told her about that!
"It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your destiny. It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth."
"Even when all you want to do is travel? Or marry the daughter of a textile merchant?"
"Yes, or even search for treasure. The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things are one. And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
-The Alchemist