Taking as her starting point the inspiration and wisdom that can be derived from myth, fairy tales, and folk culture, Dr. Sharon Blackie offers a set of practical and grounded tools for enchanting our lives and the places we live, so leading to a greater sense of meaning and of belonging to the world.
Enchantment. By Dr. Blackie’s definition, a vivid sense of belongingness to a rich and many-layered world, a profound and whole-hearted participation in the adventure of life. Enchantment is a natural, spontaneous human tendency — one we possess as children, but lose, through social and cultural pressures, as we grow older. It is an attitude of mind which can be cultivated: the enchanted life is possible for anyone. It is intuitive, embraces wonder, and fully engages the mythic imagination — but it is also deeply embodied in ecology, grounded in place and community.
To live this way is to be challenged, to be awakened, to be gripped and shaken to the core by the extraordinary which lies at the heart of the ordinary.
Taking as her starting point the inspiration and wisdom that can be derived from myth, fairy tales, and folk culture, Dr. Sharon Blackie offers a set of practical and grounded tools for enchanting our lives and the places we live, so leading to a greater sense of meaning and of belonging to the world.
Enchantment. By Dr. Blackie’s definition, a vivid sense of belongingness to a rich and many-layered world, a profound and whole-hearted participation in the adventure of life. Enchantment is a natural, spontaneous human tendency — one we possess as children, but lose, through social and cultural pressures, as we grow older. It is an attitude of mind which can be cultivated: the enchanted life is possible for anyone. It is intuitive, embraces wonder, and fully engages the mythic imagination — but it is also deeply embodied in ecology, grounded in place and community.
To live this way is to be challenged, to be awakened, to be gripped and shaken to the core by the extraordinary which lies at the heart of the ordinary.
| Published By | House of Anansi Press Inc — Apr 24, 2018 |
| Specifications | 356 pages | 5.5 in x 8.5 in |
| Keywords | mythic imagination; anxiety; re-enchantment; life satisfaction; sense of wonder; kinship; belonging; mother nature; natural world; feminism; environmentalism; #FolkloreThursday; Earth Day; slow living; heirloom gardening; traditional crafts; motherhood; new parent; wellness; mindfulness; psychology; mythology; ecology; folklore; exercises; tips; case studies; resources; The Art of Enchantment; Singing Over the Bones; The Lost Words; Self-help; |
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Excerpt |
| Written By |
DR. SHARON BLACKIE is an award-winning writer and internationally recognized teacher whose work sits at the interface of psychology, mythology, and ecology. Her highly acclaimed books, courses, lectures, and workshops are focused on the development of the mythic imagination, and on the relevance of our native myths, fairy tales, and folk traditions to the personal, social, and environmental problems we face today. As well as writing four books of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling If Women Rose Rooted, her writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Irish Times, the Scotsman, and more, and she has been interviewed by the BBC and other major broadcasters on her areas of expertise. Sharon lives on a smallholding in the mountains of Wales. |
| Written By |
|
DR. SHARON BLACKIE is an award-winning writer and internationally recognized teacher whose work sits at the interface of psychology, mythology, and ecology. Her highly acclaimed books, courses, lectures, and workshops are focused on the development of the mythic imagination, and on the relevance of our native myths, fairy tales, and folk traditions to the personal, social, and environmental problems we face today. As well as writing four books of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling If Women Rose Rooted, her writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Irish Times, the Scotsman, and more, and she has been interviewed by the BBC and other major broadcasters on her areas of expertise. Sharon lives on a smallholding in the mountains of Wales. |
“"Sharon Blackie weaves a rich tableau of what a life full of wonder and authentic connection might look like, supplying practical ways to approach ancient wisdom. Her book is a beautiful roadmap to purposeful change."” —Lynn Thomson, author of Birding with Yeats
“"A master of her craft, Blackie weaves beautiful threads of folklore, psychology, history, philosophy, and much more into this remarkable work, reminding the reader of the magic inherent in all of our lives, whether we live in the suburbs, the city, or a remote wind-swept island. Enlightening as it is poetic, The Enchanted Life is a fable for our modern times. I will walk differently through our world after reading this book, paying attention to what is alive, which, if you look closely, Blackie shows us, is absolutely everything."” —Emily Urquhart, author of Beyond the Pale: Folklore, Family, and the Mystery of Our Hidden Genes
“"A new Sharon Blackie is always a cause for celebration."” —Melissa Harrison, author of Clay and At Hawthorn Time
“"Engaging and inspiring, Sharon Blackie’s beautiful book will empower people to find wonder in everyday life."” —Clover Stroud, author of The Wild Other
“"It’s inspiring, yes, but so much more than that — it’s empowering. Readers are encouraged to take action to live a life that is enchanted — filled with creativity and play and meaning and belonging. For me, it’s exactly the kind of book that my soul is searching for — one that digs deep, prods, and turns over the self-limiting beliefs that hold me back. Complex, intelligent, and thought-provoking, this is for seekers of authenticity and purpose."” —Monique Mulligan, author of Wherever You Go