“If you could imagine the most incredible story ever, it would be less incredible than the story of being here. And the ironic thing is that story is not a story, it is true. It takes us so long to see where we are. It takes us even longer to see who we are. This is why the greatest gift you could ever dream is a gift that you can only receive from one person. And that person is you yourself. Therefore, the most subversive invitation you could ever accept is the invitation to awaken to who you are and where you have landed.
From “Reflections” by John O’Donohue – Published on his website in 2007
I was introduced to O’Donohue’s book Eternal Echoes by an acquaintance in 2006. I guess I would say that John wrote about our existence as spirits in human bodies. He understood the loneliness that we all experience at times, and the need for peace and sanctuary. He impressed on the reader the wonder of being alive.
It took me 3 months to complete my first reading of Eternal Echoes as each page of the book contained enough ideas to fill a chapter in a normal book. It is rich beyond imagination.
One year ago this month, my partner and I had the privilege of attending a one-day workshop with John O’Donohue at University of British Columbia in Vancouver. O’Donohue, originally trained as a priest, later became a poet, philosopher, writer and speaker. To many people, including myself, he was a mystic. Spending a day in his presence, listening to him speak widely on many topics and participating in his guided meditations was being in the presence of genius…a spiritual genius. He had the energy of several men rolled into one and an incredible zest and joy filled him.
We were shocked to learn from CBC radio today, that John died suddenly on January 3rd, not at home in his isolated community of Connemara, Ireland, but in France while visiting friends. He was 53 years old.
His death is yet another reality check for us…a reminder that life is indeed short, and very precious. It strengthens our determination to live our fullest lives, to manifest what we long for.
“I would love to live
Like a river flows
Carried by the surprise
Of its own unfolding”
John O’Donohue
John O"Donohue - In Memorium
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