Tag: book-review

Gaia Love

I have recently read Amy Tan’s new book The Backyard Bird Chronicles. She wrote and illustrated this personal account of her obsession with bird-watching during the Covid years. I am especially fascinated by her descriptions of parent birds teaching their babies to fly. There was a time in my life when I was a fledgling on the mystical journey. I was constantly encouraged to leave the nest of my comfortable container of faith and although I was often resistant, the ecstasy of flight was always worth it.

One of the first times I was kicked out of the nest happened way back in the early eighties at a liturgy called “Missa Gaia” (Mass of the Earth). Paul Winter, a celebrated jazz musician, composed the music, utilizing the howls of wolves, the songs of whales, and the call of loons for the main motif and then imitating them on his magnificent soprano saxophone. Mesmerized beyond all words during the mass, I felt the transcendentals–One, Beauty, Truth, and Goodness– permeate my body, mind, and spirit. All wobbling doubt turned into a fiery faith during that hour of holy, extraordinary transmutation.

I immediately purchased the cassette tape and played it so many times that it broke in several places and could not be repaired. I deeply mourned the loss. Before the Internet, there was no way of finding another copy easily even though I tried valiantly for years. A sweet consolation at a particularly needy time, I surrendered the experience, as all on the mystical path must do. Yet, the music of Missa Gaia echoed through many moments of joy in the natural world.

Much to my astonishment, the music of Paul Winter returned to me this Christmas, quite by accident. A friend gifted me with John Phillip Newell’s new book, The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Quest for Healing and Home. There, on page 14, was a reference to Missa Gaia by Paul Winter. I flew to my iPhone, opened the Apple Music app, and my heart pounded when the album quickly appeared. The divine sensations came flooding back as I listened once again in rapt ecstasy. No longer a fledgling on the journey, my seasoned spirit flew high, while simultaneously grounding me back into the primordial dust from which we emerged.

Since then, I have listened to Missa Gaia every day. My love for the Creator of our Earth has increased with every listening. Lifted out of the many cares of the world, I rest in the arms of the Beloved, my face often streaming with joyful tears, what I often refer to as “the holy water of the Spirit. “

“Rejoice, rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” Heavenly moments right now. Here is the link on You Tube that will take you on this mystical mass journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYW3tgB10Wg

Celebrate Love (another name for God) on this coming Valentine’s Day!

Books on the Tenth Day of Christmas

“I wish I had a river I could skate away on; I wish I had a river so long it would teach my feet to fly. . .I wish I had a river I could skate away on. . .” from “River” by Joni Mitchell

No secret: I am a bibliophile. Libraries and bookstores rank high on my list of favorite places. Lately, one of my most pleasurable activities is scouring the bookshelves of Friends of the Library and local thrift stores. Today, on the tenth day of Christmas, I made a little excursion to offset the “after Christmas” doldrums.  The treasured volumes I find delight and astound me! I love rescuing favorites so I can gift them to friends and family.  I only buy the books I have already read and know are worth the time and effort. The best part, these precious tomes are a bargain—each a dollar or two at the most.

I have skated away on a river of books ever since I learned to read for pleasure. Novels, nonfiction, classic literature, children’s books—well, I love them all. My children and grandchildren are well aware of this facet of my personhood. One of their Christmas gifts every year is a book I think they need to read. I resist the urge to question them later. My hope is that they keep the books and someday, when ready, will read them.

In our technologically-oriented culture, people today do not read much for escape and pleasure any more. That does not settle well in my soul. According to a recent YouGov survey, around 54% of Americans reported reading at least one book in 2023, with a significant portion (46%) stating they did not read any books in the past year; this data suggests a decline in overall reading habits compared to previous years. I find this shocking, especially with anxiety and depression on the rise. We all need a reading river to skate away on sometimes!

 Unfortunately, that river is most often social media, texting, or internet cyberspace environments that do not transport to a land of enchantment and beauty. My youngest daughter is a high school English teacher, and we have many conversations about how to nurture the next generation of readers. Her students read all the time on their phones but not the literature she assigns so she often reads with her students in class to pique their interest in the stories. I think this is a good strategy—sort of like reading with children at bedtime, evoking a sense of intimacy and enjoyment.  Admittedly, this does not work all the time. Mysteriously, many people do not find reading for pleasure a priority and sadly, there are no quick fixes.

Meanwhile, I will continue my crusade to help others find this enriching and free pathway. While challenging, perhaps we elders should share our wisdom (without judgment) and teach our young ones how to skate.

May you feel the glorious freedom flowing from the river of books right at your fingertips.