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