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The Invitation |
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 The Invitation byOriah Mountain Dreamer Harper San Francisco 136 Pages, 2000 ISBN 0062515845 Reviewed by Bev Walton-Porter On rare occasions, a book digs so deeply into one's heart that the very intent of the book's purpose is lodged in one's soul so firmly, destined to remain there forever. This is the case with The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. In 1999, I first read The Invitation as an excerpt - the one this book is based on - but it wasn't until this year that I was fortunate enough to savor the beautiful, poignant mysteries of the entire text of the book. What is The Invitation, and why should every reader accept it? In itself, this book is an in-depth challenge to draw readers into a deep, abiding intimacy with one's own life. Are you ready to take the necessary risks required to live up close and personal with what lies within you, as well as outside of you? Are you ready and willing to accept the pleasure and the pain of life, and to face both with eyes wide open? Finally, are you ready to be fully alive and entrenched in the mystery and wonder of life? If you are ready to step forward and to face these things unflinchingly, then you are ready for The Invitation. Through an exploration of personal stories, readers empathize with the joy, heartache and pain as the inner meaning of life is revealed beneath the many folds of details. Deep intimacy with yourself and others, the author warns, often leads us face to face with the unpredictable. Contending that there are a thousand ways to love others, as well as the world itself, the author laments that there is one question that concerns her most: "Did you love well?" Although this question appears simple, if you sit quietly and seek an honest answer from yourself, you may find the results quite intense and emotional, indeed. With care and pause for deep thought on each subject, readers explore various levels inclusive of The Invitation: longing, fear, sorrow, joy, betrayal, beauty, failure, commitment, fire, deep sustenance and finding our way home again. Each chapter opens a door to an aspect of our lives that is both glaringly honest and remarkably intense in its introspectiveness. Volumes could be written on each chapter alone, despite the fact that the entire book is a mere 136 pages. The chapter on The Fear struck me the most, especially the opening passage: "Tell me about the times you have played the fool, risking it all to follow the flames of desire. I can ask and listen without judgment, for I too have been the fool." As the pages turn and words are absorbed from this book, you get the sense that the author is peering into your very soul and empathizing with the long line of joys and heartbreaks you've endured. Her words flow over the reader like gentle waves of comfort, healing one's deep psychic wounds and offering genuine reassurance. Books such as The Invitation are not meant to be kept to oneself; they are meant to be shared, with one's soulmate or best friend and given as a gesture of pure love and friendship. Find someone you care for passionately and surprise them with this book - it's simply the best way to tell them how much you love them. After all, works of intense art and beauty are honored the most when openly appreciated by more than one person. |
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