Here, Paulo Coelho asks readers to write on a list of words : miracle, torture, prayer, suffering, advice, xenophobia (fear of the unknown) and marriage
Decided to make that as my Day8 post :
Miracle :
Somethings can never be explained. Not by logic. Not by science. Nor by any rule in any book ever written.
This is one of them. And you don't really need anything to experience it...miracles are what all of us experience every single day, in the smallest things. I always feel magical when I'm around butterflies :) And luckily for me, I have always managed to find some where ever I live :)
Sigh! Miracles :)
Torture :
The word itself is extremely 'thorny', with strong negative connotations. Brings to me memories of the hell recreated by TV and films. The hot coals, burning oil, huge thorns, etc etc. But leave all external forces apart...one can't control them anyhow...so look at yourself...do you inflict torture upon others by being brash, a sudden insult belted out, arguments carried on for the sake of arguing, slight misunderstandings that weeded out strong friendships...the list is quite long if you care to inspect. But most of all, make the list of the things you torture youself about...the goodbyes said hastily, the acquaintances never made, the things never said, the second chances never asked for and never given too...these inflict far more torture than mere notions of some imaginary hell...
Prayer :
Pray with your soul. Not for money, not for fame, nor for smaller everyday things...I feel it's too much to bother Him with all our daily issues ;-)
Pray for peace. Yours. And the world's. Pray so you can hear clearly what your mind says. Be still, Serve people, Teach, Work, Learn, Love, Play, Cook,
Feed, Travel, Share, Talk. Most importantly, Live. You can practice prayer in many forms :)
Suffering :
Most times it is a self created thing, might be circumstantial too. But one thing is certain, it makes heroes out of ordinary people. Its a hot furnace with burning coals that shapes and strengthens the soul of the sufferer. Sometime, sooner rather than later, we get the strength to break the shackles of suffering and emerge victorious.
Advice :
Haha! :P Something I love to give my brother for free, especially when he obviously is least interested ;-)
Well, listen to advice, everyone's. But be sure you analyze it before you believe/act on it. There's one nice quote I had read which sums things up quite aptly, "Never take advice from someone who doesn't have to live with its consequences" :)
Well, and it never harms in being miserly while belting it out too. Especially more so, when you know the person listening believes and trusts you...:)
Xenophobia:
Something everyone deals with their entire life. I guess free will is its positive side...because afterall free will gives us endless possibilities, and endless possibilities lead to innumberable paths...multiple crossroads...not knowing, i.e choosing one path. And staying true to it. Also, retreating if you think you've come the wrong way. Trusting the signs, trusting yourself and believing that you will ultimately reach the destination. Not forgetting the unknown journey will bring you more than the destination ever could.
Marriage :
I wanted to write 'a sacred bond', but that would make it too 'heavenly', too bookish, very filmy. Marriages may very well be made in heaven, but it's people on earth who give it meaning. Two mortal beings. Not 'perfect' by themselves. May be not 'perfect' together as well. Actually, might not be 'perfect' for each other too! Two people who know that the road will never be smooth. Potholes and speed breakers and accidents are all a part of the ride. But who still want to travel together, believe that they will sort out problems together, enjoy the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and rains and storms too. Who know they wouldn't be judged and will be loved even when they are at their worst behaviours. And grow with each passing day. Share a dream. Strive for it. And in the process, inch towards being 'perfect' together...
Bas! Am done
Stopping now :)
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