The Archer: Calm and Profound

 

Image Credit to Goodreads. Graphic Design by Nina

    If you are looking for something calm, slow and steady then The Archer by Paulo Coehlo is the one. I find the pace of the story quite slow and steady but there is calmness to it. I still enjoy the profound insights as it goes along and there are tons of it. Lately since the last time I read a novel of Paulo Coehlo, I find some insights no longer resonate with me. I could say this on the part about finding allies. I guess it is just me and my personal experiences that deny some truth in it. As the saying goes, to each his own. Is it just my age that I am beginning to sort of argue with the author now as I read along?

     The pace starts to pick up as it reached talking about the Bow, Arrow, Arm string, Target, Elegance and Serenity. I am quite perplexed with how the thoughts are laid out on the actual pages - There are more spaces than the actual words. There were some illustrations too. The lay out looks minimalistic and it seem to create more emphasis on the insight. The space on the pages seemed like giving the reader time to ponder. Either that or a breather for the readers' eyes to rest. I find it quite unexpected. .

     I love the part in The Archer that says keep calm and breathe deeply. Little things like this is essential through challenges. At first, I do not agree that allies or enemies watch our calmness. On second thought, it sank in and this rings true at some point. The Archer reminded me to be more aware of others and mindful of myself.

     When it said in the novel to draw the string like a musician, I am yet to realize the connection of time with being a musician. Later on I guess time is of the essence if we need to figure out our passion, purpose, vision and how to hit our own goals, I must say. I agree nothing in this world stays very long. Like The Archer, I could see how we must always be calm, mindful and intentional about shooting our arrows. We need to make our shots count because there is such a thing as a shot with and without soul.

.    The story goes on how numerous efforts of repetition through practice creates intuition. On the outside, the movements look the same and a space for trial and error happens. The target is hit as changes in the movements and direction of the wind coincide. The pace picks up when the archer, bow, arrow and target become one with repetition.

     At first glance, I think it seems that there is no climax in the story. I felt like it is just plain narration. It gets interesting at the far end as the process of The Archer is revealed. The bow symbolizes the world of the Archer, his action is the arrow and the target is represents the goal. As the Archer releases the arrow the bow expands. He watches the flight of the arrow as it hits the target. Once the target is hit, the bow and arrow have served its purpose. The path is made significant because of the learnings, realizations and growth that came along with it. Life becomes joyful and lived with enthusiasm in following the path that the Archer has fulfilled. 

    If pondering about life is your cup of tea, The Archer by Paulo Coehlo is an interesting read. All Rights Reserved. Book Image credit to GoodReads. Image Background credit to Canva. Graphic Design by Nina. ©TheBlissfulInkblot

 

 

 

 

 

Superpower Life Skills for Teens with Ambition: A Game Changer

 

Image from Goodreads. Graphic by Nina

Have you ever found a book that is so life changing? If not, better keep reading because I kid you not, there is such a thing. Ready? Here we go. Ladies and gentlemen, if you have not picked up “Superpower Life Skills for Teens with Ambition: How to master resilience, conflict resolution, teamwork, money management, critical thinking and more to become your best self” by Mike Klaassen, you might want to get it. I have not been such a fan of reading self-help books ever since but not until I read this. I have tried other books but I guess the ones I read before and tried to apply in life did not work that much. Some of them seem to be in conflict with my personal beliefs about faith too.    

I am at the point of thinking to myself, what could I be doing wrong? Why are the other self-help books not working as they should? When I read “Superpower Life Skills for Teens with Ambition,” I finally understood. Somewhere in it I was enlightened by this reality: “Not everybody wants you to achieve your dreams, especially if those people feel that makes them look bad. Sadly, that can include friends and family. I encourage you to read this book when you have a bit of privacy; read, pause, and reflect.” I guess this gave me an epiphany. Interestingly, I kept reading on to the very end.

This book stood out because the author said it is about mastery and self-discovery – not changing who you are. I love how this aligns with my values for Authenticity and Excellence. The book “Superpower Life Skills for Teens with Ambition” spoke about an array of Superpower Lifeskills in different aspects. I enjoyed the part about the physical aspect. I realized how important it is to be physically healthy and maintain my well-being to handle stress. I only focused on getting things done but not really making sure if I am getting enough food, water, exercise and sleep. Silly as it sounds but how did I go on with my life like this? People tell you eat or sleep but not really tell you why you have to. I was like my life is more than just eating or sleeping. I get so bored with all those basic stuff without realizing that taking care of my body is essential too if I need to thrive in life. This book helped me learn this before it is too late for me. I learned to accept and be thankful of the body that I have and not have to comply with the standards of beauty. As long as my body functions well, I am more than thankful that I am using it meaningfully. I know with great health, beauty and well-being follows. The management of each Superpower Lifeskills, Action Items and Training missions on this book inculcated in me to be intentional about life. I liked the tracking of food, water intake, sleep and progress. I enjoyed the good sleep tips like budgeting sleep time and limiting naps to 30 minutes, winding down and making comfy sleep beds. Exercise is not my cup of tea but I loved that this book offered different physical exercise for aerobic, muscle strengthening and bone strengthening.

The social aspect that talked about handling disagreements are helpful. I see the value of seeking social support and being around people who inspire growth. It gave me a chance to reflect on the social aspect of my life. I am looking forward to improving this without having to sacrifice being myself and maintaining my well-being. As the saying goes: When you improve yourself, everything around you grows well too. 

I must say the Superpower Lifeskills about Thinking, Communication, Habit and Routine, Finances, Career, Numeracy and Technology are gold. I feel like Mike Klaassen, the author of this book is like a true friend who genuinely wants you to win in life. I don’t want to spill every detail and spoil it for you, guys. I am so not gate keeping this book from the world too. I could rave about “Superpower Life Skills for Teens with Ambition” but it is not enough until you read and enjoy it for yourself. If you are looking for a game changer of a lifetime book, you must have this. And if you do, just between you and me, keep it low key until you succeed. 

All Rights Reserved. Book Image credit to GoodReads. Image Background credit to Canva. Graphic Design by Nina. ©TheBlissfulInkblot