Old books,timeless wisdom and us

 

 

 

 

Image Artist: Gaurav Bose

 

A wonderful day at an old books shop..

We all love a good book, a deep message, a true story. These are the things we learn from, that touch and move us, as we cuddle into a book on a cloudy day.   So when my old dear friend invited me to go to an old-second hand, used book shop, I couldn’t resist (not that I can resist going to any bookshop, anywhere ) I thought it would be an interesting evening. It turned out to be a very reflective , even touching one.

My friend told me, that she loved old books because they have yellowing pages, inscriptions from people written in them and a lovely old smell. I didn’t really have such a romantic notion but as I entered the place, things began to change.

First it amazed me, just like life does in all its hues. We looked around amazed at what could be found – everything. Literally, it seemed like all kinds of books were here- all single copies. Excitement crept in and we were beginning to go a little bit crazy. Just like little kids when they begin to experience the world for the first time.

Isn’t this what life is – excitement, joy, thrills at all the wonderful things around us? Everything seems new and like an adventure. So when we are kids we intrepidly explore.

Then we have to grow up and make choices.

We cannot have the whole book shop. So we have to choose, to decide, to chart our course. I decided to start with the list of books I wanted. They didn’t have them and that’s okay. I felt a little upset, I always ask for books no one has, unfair.  However, I wouldn’t let the sadness take hold of me.

I realized that’s its okay. I’ll find them in another place, at another time if I look harder. Or maybe its best to let go.

There were still many options before me. Would I look at them or walk away empty handed. I looked.

Sometimes we have to let go of our notions and ideas and just explore, try new things, walk a new road, so I did.

And I found the world.

Books on mushroom cooking, books on happiness, a National Geographic on discovering the first galaxies, a handbook of Bach flower medicine(never heard of that before).

Life is indeed amazing in all that its holds. Who knew, till we set out to explore and be amazed. Its good this – to be amazed and in awe of life’s exquisite array of wisdom.

My friend wanted to show me a book special to her. The book was “Gift from the sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

As she strolled along the many aisles of books, she found two copies of the book. This is rare in a second hand book store. All books are  used and old so only single copies of books are found. She was delighted, she found two. The book is a wise one, one that had touched her and she wanted to share it with her friends. She found two. When we want to give and truly share, from our hearts, the Universe responds. Rare things happen. Love and care, are only waiting to be spread. Open the barricade and it gushes forward in full force. I could tell from the look on my friends face- it’s a wonderful feeling.

I was looking for books on healing. Pulled out a few by the same author and I couldn’t decide which one I wanted. I was confused. So I read the blurbs- different newspapers and magazines praised the books. Sheesh, choices and choices!!

I took a deep breath and looked closely. Two books had the same title!! Different covers but it was the same name and the same book. This is what confusion does to a person , makes one forget to look with clarity. We have to take a breath and focus on what is in front of us.

Indeed, even if our jackets are different, often the message, the spirit, the stories are all the same .  Healing touches us, love moves us, gifts make us smile.

I opened a book called Love, Medicine and Healing. On it was written “ A friend loveth at all times”. It was a book by a surgeon talking about the soul’s power to heal. My friend and I wondered. Why would anyone give this away??  So I bought it, to cherish , acknowledge and respect the sentiment with which that quote was written.

And as I bought the book, it struck me. Books, words of advice, are all good, but they take on another dimension all together when they have a real story attached to them.

This is what binds us together – to share our tears and joy, to cry and laugh together, to learn from wise people as they teach us what life in turn had taught them.  It is a treasure, to learn from the experiences of another’s life, to value their wrinkles and pain, to laugh in each others joys, to learn from experienced friends, and old books – to listen to the stories they have to say.

Books and wisdom, touch us, move us, provide us with hope and comfort as we walk on, ever gracious for these gifts, these lamp posts on our paths of life.

Note: Do you buy old books? When you look back at the old books you have, what memories do they bring back? Looking forward to your interesting stories and wise reflections in the comments section.