Reviews and views of some of the books that I can recommend
Thomas Moore: A Life At Work
The Joy of Discovering What You Were Born To Do
I've read a number of books by Thomas Moore and I adore his poetic writing style, it really touches my heart.
As you already know, I'm PASSIONATE about life purpose, soul purpose, finding your place in life and this book is really all over those topics.
If you have read any of his other books (Care of the Soul and The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life come immediately to mind) then you will already know that this author has a deep and gentle style and at the same time is able to go right to the 'heart' of that which he is writing about.
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- In this book he suggests that finding your 'Life's Work', your vocation, is very much part of caring for your Soul or as I like to put it, your Life Purpose or Soul Purpose.
I particularly like the way he alludes to the fact that it is entirely possible and even necessary for a person to have more than one 'calling' in their lifetime.
Different stages of life, call for different work and activity, different interests and desires and different perspectives on what your Life Work, Life Purpose or Soul Calling might be.
- I found his use of imagery and metaphor of the ancient art/craft/science of Alchemy very interesting and quite poetic.
He used this corelation with 'Alchemy' to discuss the processes and value of finding work that is filled with joy, fulfilling, satisfying and challenging.
It's a great combination and makes understanding what he is driving at so much easier.
A highly recommended read Buy it here
- One of the most inspiring thoughts I got from reading A Life At Work was the validation of my view that a life is multi-faceted and that no one part of it stands alone.
Your worklife colours your homelife, your physical being informs your attitudes, your beliefs create your perspective, your spiritual life infuses all other aspects whether you are aware of it or not.
To increase your conscious awareness of the way each aspect of yourself and your life interact and interconnect will give you deep insights into how to recognise your life work, your purpose and for me I could see so many areas where I could live all of that that was not necessarily connected with the way I could 'earn a living'.
- Finally, the one thread that I found weaving its way all throughout this wonderful book was that of Love.
Loving yourself, Loving others, finding ways to bring Love into your workplace and your occupation.
My favourite quote from the book comes from Chapter 10: Loving What You Do and it is attributed to C.G. Jung
"The alchemists thought that the opus demanded not only laboratory work, the reading of books, meditation and patience, but also Love".
With a receipe like that, followed faithfully, how could any of us fail?
This is a great book and it comes as a hardback, a paperback, downloadable audio book, or as a CD! Take your pick, I'm sure there is a version to suit you.
A highly recommended read
Buy it here
Links:
A Life At Work by Thomas Moore
