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Searching for the Waters of Antiquity is described as a "follow-along
meditation," and reading this serene and lushly illustrated book feels
exactly like a guided meditation into the inner self. Author and artist
Shirley Ryan, an executive and personal coach and a wonderful watercolor
painter, has created a beautiful package that contains not only visuals
that are soothing and comforting to the eye, but a powerful and profound
message of spiritual discovery in the guise of a three-part story about
a turtle named "Tag."
The reader is drawn into the book's stunning imagery as the story progresses,
literally taking a simple and humble turtle named Tag on an extraordinary
journey of outer discovery and inner self-awakening. Tag, who really
represents the reader, sets out to find the ancient waters of his ancestors,
but along the way he veers off into strange and mystical places, places
that open his mind and his heart to compassion, love, respect for all
creatures, understanding, tolerance, affection for life in all its
aspects and forms, wisdom, and ultimately, a true connection with the
Source of All Things. He is often frightened and unsure of the unknown
path ahead, but always Tag moves forward along the road, willing to
face the changes and challenges ahead.
Tag's journey is broken up into three sections, or levels of growth,
if you will.
The entire book is meant to be experienced both a section at a time,
or as a whole in one reading. Either way, the reader is given an opportunity
to learn and grow and experience what Tag is, as he meets wondrous
and mysterious entities, including his own personal guide, Ms. Crane,
who help guide his way.
When Tag finally reaches the Tree of Life and comes face to face with
the Source in its brilliance and glory, his self-awareness and connection
to life all around him have increased from the obstacles, challenges
and questions he has encountered along the way. One of the best things
about this lovely and truly emotionally uplifting books it the use
of questions, usually directed towards the wise Ms. Crane, for these
are the very questions we ourselves ask as we make our own way along
the spiritual road to enlightenment. "Searching for the Waters of Antiquity" is
for adults and older children who seek a unique reading experience,
for this is more than just a book with interesting stories and pretty
pictures. It is a meditative journey between two cardboard covers,
complete with visual imagery that provokes thought and inspires creativity.
This book would make a wonderful gift, for someone special...like yourself.
It is the gift of questions, answers, going away and finding yourself,
and finally, finding your own connection to every other thing as well
as the Source itself - a gift far greater than any material object
I can think of. |
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