Rediscovering Enchantment: Thomas Moore's Guide to Reconnecting with Life's Wonder

Today, I met a person who argued that it's futile to seek out good books in today's world - stating that modern bookstores are merely filled with trash and thus, visiting them would be futile. As an author, this statement is rather harsh; yet, there's no denying the avlability of literary gems nestled amongst these shelves.

Personally, I wouldn't have minded missing out on Howard Stern's 'Private Parts' dominating bestseller racks, but let me tell you that there are indeed treasures wting to be discovered in such locations. One remarkable book released last year is The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life by Thomas Moore - a companion piece to his previous works, 'Care of the Soul' and 'Soul Mates'.

Moore understands our contemporary discontent with modern life and encourages us to reconnect with the simple yet delightful sources of enchantment that once filled us with wonder during childhood. In his introduction, he eloquently writes:

Enchantment is an ascancy of the soul; a condition where one can connect with the world we inhabit, our families, communities, and surroundings in loving intimacy for most parts. Without this enchantment, attempting to forge those connections through rational efforts leads nowhere. Consider the widespread complnts agnst modern culture: crumbling family structures, fling marriages, vanishing neighborhoods, and nature being abused. We're lacking a sense of connection and love, and that's a problem rooted in our approach towards relationships.

Moore proceeds to elaborate on how we can restore this intimacy by focusing on rekindling the enchantment through various aspects like nature, home, habitat, and global society. He opens his book with an emphasis on nature’s importance to souls:

All lessons about enchantment start with nature: from observing animals that exhibit pure soul; acknowledging natural rhythms like day-night, season-tide; and embracing our instincts, sensations, our essence reflective of the world around us. It's not enough to philosophically speak of being part of nature - it's crucial to live this realization in dly life through personal connection with local nature. This initial step towards re-enchanting individual lives is necessary, although it might take time for society as a whole to understand that we can't survive ely without relinquishing some authority and initiative to nature.

Though Moore doesn’t specifically reference birds, their role in our awareness and interactions with the natural world offers an enriching experience. These moments filled with wonder and enchantment often become a vital reminder of our connection with the environment, other living beings, and ourselves. Moore's exquisite book, which bls emotional depth with thoughtful ideas, explns the significance and beauty of these experiences and why it's essential for all to seek out enchanted moments that help us mntn our place in this world.

The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life is an exceptional read - one I’m glad pd for in hardcover instead of wting for the paperback release. It's a book filled with knowledge, insight, and inspiration med at helping individuals and society at large rekindle their enchantment for life, nature, and themselves.

All my writings, illustrations, videos, sound recordings unless otherwise noted by Laura Erickson from 1986 to 2024 are copyrighted. Please eml Laura for permissions.

Chickadee illustrations by Michael P. Geraci
This article is reproduced from: https://www.lauraerickson.com/radio/program/11970/book-review-the-re-enchantment-of-everyday-life/

Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.ln83.com/Strange_and_unusual_words/The_Re-Enchantment_of_Everyday_Life_by_Thomas_Moore.html