Preventing rheumatism
The centipede decided to ask the wise man of the forest, a monkey, what was the best remedy for the pain in his legs.
“That’s rheumatism”, said the monkey. “You’ve got too many legs. You ought to be like me; with just two, rheumatism hardly ever appears”.
“And what do I do to have just two legs?”
“Don’t bother me with details”, answered the monkey. “A wise man just gives the best advice; it’s up to you to solve the problem”.
Can I help?
As soon as he opened the church, the priest saw a woman come in, sit down on the front pew, and put her head between her hands. Two hours later, he noticed that the woman was still there in the same position.
Worried, he decided to approach her:
“Can I do anything to help?” he asked.,
“No, thanks”, she answered. “I was just getting all the help I need when you interrupted me”.
Jesuit Anthony Mello comments: “in a monastery no-one wrote Don’t talk on the notice-board. What was written was: Talk only if you can make the silence better.”
I know what’s right
A peasant was returning home when he saw a donkey in the field.
“I’m not a donkey”, said the animal. “I saw the Messiah being born. I have lived for two thousand years, and am still alive to give this testimony.”
Frightened, the peasant ran to the church to tell the parish priest. “Impossible!”, he said. The peasant took him by the hands and led him to where the donkey was. The animal repeated everything he had said before.
I repeat: animals cannot talk” said the priest.
But you just heard it talk!” insisted the peasant.
How stupid can you be! You’d rather believe a donkey than a priest! “
This will work for us too
A fable of the Lebanese writer Mikail Naaimé is a good illustration of the danger of following the methods of others, no matter how noble they may seem to be:
“We need to free ourselves from being slaves to men”, said an ox to his companions. “For years we have listened to human beings saying that the door to freedom is stained with the blood of martyrs. Let’s discover that door and knock it down with the strength of our horns”.
For days and nights they walked down the road until they saw a door all stained with blood.
“Here is the door to freedom”, they said. “We know that our brothers were sacrificed on this spot”.
One by one the oxen went through the door. And it was only inside, when it was too late, that they realized that it was the door to the slaughterhouse.
Deciding the fate of others
Malba Tahan tells the story of a man who came across an angel in the desert and gave him water. “I am the angel of death and have come to find you”, said the angel. “But since you have been good, I will lend you the Book of Destiny for five minutes; you can change whatever you want”.
The angel handed him the book. Leafing through the pages, the man read the lives of his neighbors. He was discontented: “Those people don’t deserve such good things”, he thought. Pen in hand, he began to make each of their lives worse.
Finally he reached the page of his own destiny. He saw his tragic ending, but just as he was about to change it, the book vanished. Five minutes had passed.
And right there and then the angel took the man’s soul.
When we attempt to control the lives of others and lead them to what we think is right, it’s actually a sad attempt to control our own lives…to have a controlled reality where every problem has a solution and an instant piece of advice. We create the illusion for ourselves that everything will be alright and that advice will definitley solve people’s problems, because that means that life can be figured out and can be predictable. If we are so good at solving other people’s problems, then how come we have no clue when it comes to our own problems?
Yes,
The angel of death cones to us all. Sometimes we take a moment and change our life and quest, while at times people change nothing as they are happy. I am here in a small town in Ireland called Athlone. I’m heading home today to try and find a job as I am on my last €20. That has to do me till next Wednesday..
About six weeks ago I gave up my stress full job, it didn’t pay much and I had to work too hard for this wage. I have no money now but I’m glad that I got to spend those weeks with the girl I love so much and the experiences I had while enjoying life a little bit more.
I began a new path last weekend, training to be a hypnotherapist. It is a very spiritual journey for those who wish to travel it…and a very rewarding path.
A few days ago I came across a book in the local library..I was amazed by it’s title…I can’t remember it in full, so I’ll give it a go..Irish Men Who Became Solders in The Royal Army of Santiago de Compostela during the 18th century. Unfortunately the book was in Spanish r Portuguese so I couldn’t read it. Some day Paulo can read it for me and I can see if my great great uncle was there!!
Anyway, I thought someone out there would like to know!!
Kealan
It is always good to be reminded…..! It is not that we forget, but just that we don’t remember!
I have to wonder where you get these many, wonderful anecdotes. Having recently read Like a Flowing river, it would seem that you have them in abundance. Is this a trade secret?
Hi Paulo,
I loved all of your stories today, as usual. I’m feeling very conscious of what I say, though, after reading the one regarding speaking only when you can ‘make the silence better’, because, as you may have seen, I talk way too much, and I often feel sad as if I may be bothering people. So, forgive me for my ramblings.
Having said that, however, now I”m going to ramble! Hee hee! You have told us that we shouldn’t feel guilty about things, in previous postings, so, I’m going to carry on just the same and try to work through the guilt as I write!
In regards to the priest story, saying that the person should be listening to a priest instead of a donkey, I so much related to that, as, unfortunately, this is one of the reasons that I stopped attending church.
I was raised Catholic, and always had a deep love for God, but I also have this annoying fascination with and ability to recognize Truth. I was talking to God all of my life, and never felt that I needed to go to someone to do it, and didn’t believe, nor could respect, those people who were telling me that I can only get to God through someone else.
I even searched and searched for a church, trying out different denominations, and even non-denominational churches and found the same thing everywhere. At the last one I attended, I went with a childhood friend. It was her church and she felt the need to ‘apostle me’, as she put it. Feeling that she had to teach me everything about God. Yet, the way she would learn was by asking her pastor for his advice on everything.
One time, for example, I told her I was reading “Guidepost” magazine, which is, I guess, in retrospect, a fairly conservative Christian magazine. She said that I should watch what I read because the pastor said that the Devil speaks through certain publications and that we need to ask him (the pastor) which ones are good and which are bad. She said she’d ask him for me if this one was OK. I told her to not bother, that I had a mind and heart of my own and could make my own decisions, basically, and stopped hanging out with her and going to that church.
Shortly afterwards, by the way, I was sitting in our car, while my husband ran into a store and the pastor pulled up beside me in his big Lincoln Continental, and there was a man there walking into the store who I knew. He was an old friend of my husband’s and had had a bad motorcycle accident in which he almost died and it affected his brain. He would walk around town, or ride on his bicycle, wearing outlandish costumes. On this day, he was wearing a set of angel wings and an afro wig! God love him!!
He always brought a smile to everyone’s face.
Well, this pastor saw him, looked at me as my husband was just getting back into the car and said to the both of us, ‘What’s with THAT guy? What a weirdo!’ And my husband said, ‘He’s a friend of mine who had a bad accident and can’t help it. You and your church should pray for him!’
The pastor got all flustered and embarrassed and said, ‘oh, yes, I see, you’re right.’ And ran off into the store.
Maybe I’m just too harsh with people, but, I just feel that all humans are merely humans. We’re not gods. And, the only way to know God is to look within. People can inspire us, or give good advice, but, like the first story you wrote, Paulo, it’s so true. I loved that! That, wise men can only give good advice and it really is up to us….to make our own decisions…to follow our own paths…and to help ourselves. God helps those who help themselves, right?
Thanks so much for all of your wise words. I pray that I only have the strength, power and ability to use them wisely to make the proper choices in my life.
So be it!
Lots of love to you and everyone here.
-Deb
Who, tries to make the silence better! 
And hopefully will succeed someday. 
Hee hee! 
About the oxens : who knows? The slaughterhouse door was maybe the door to freedom? When one consider that death do not exist, then the oxens were maybe not so stupid after all…
Paulo, your story about the Angel of death is a fascinating one, and a valuable lesson on getting one’s priorities right in the living of our lives. It’s a bit like the old bible story about taking the beam out of your own eye before looking for the splinter in somebody else’s (or words to that effect).
We all (me included!) spend so much time looking at and for the faults of others when we should only really be concentrating on our own. After all (and I think you said this yourself Paulo) the best way to improve the Universe is to start with ourselves i.e.by improving ourselves, we set a good example and therefore ultimately improve the behaviour of others around us.
Thank you Paulo for your continual wise observations, you have made a difference in this world for the better, by the example you give.
Well Well Well, of course I have been waiting for this one. I finally caught up on all the news letters. And I just want to read them all over again.
Debbie Holmes was talking about how she has tried many variations of churches, denominations, etc. I have to agree with her on this one. After reading your writings, and many other’s that you have refered me too. I have come to some form of conclusion.
I used to be affraid of death, for the mear thought that I was going to hell. I thought this because I was not “living my life in Gods Name” Or something like that. I wasnt living Gods WIll.. But I had the wrong idea of what, “GOds WIll” was.. I thought it might be something along the lines of going to church, praying, reading the bible.
I was wrong. All these things, church, the bible, praying, these are all things to help us in our walk with God. I believe church is a great way to connect with God. But I do not believe that it is neccissary.
As you stated in an interview I read the other day, religion is also one thing put on this earth to help make our walk with God easier. But I believe that most or even all religions have branded themselves in a bad way. They lay down their own rules, and laws. They fight HOly wars in Gods Name. They tell us if we do not believe their religion, their laws, and attend their church, that we will in turn, be sent to the depths of hell, to burn for the rest of our lives.
I have grown up feeling guilty for the actions I have taken. Partying, drinking, smoking, having sexual intercourse. But now I know that I never stopped believing in god. I stopped believing in Religion.
Now you have shown me another way to connect with God, without religion. I can walk into any church now, freely, and connect with God on a level that I have never done before. I am even going to go back to my old church that I stopped attending.
God works in mysterious ways. You have shown me that we all have a special gift from god, and unless we reach out and grab it, and embrace it with much enthusiams, and faith, then we will be stuck as a servant for the rest of our lives living someone elses “dream”.
THanks for giving me the chance to reconnect with God, and become more spiritual in my walk of life.!
Looking forward to the next one!
also sorry for the double post the screen did something weird!
thankyou for your time on the live event, although my questions didnt manage to be asked I enjoyed listening to your answers for other people. A good chilean friend of mine introduced me to your books, it was in fact the first book i read in spanish “By the river I sat down and wept”. I have so enjoyed continuing reading your books that I am keen to show my gratitude to my friend by sending her one of your books in spanish. I live in Scotland, and therefore this proves a little difficult. Is there a website you know of where I could order spanish translations?
Thanks again, Cate Robinson, Scotland x (ps. have you been to scotland?)
Hi Paulo,
I enjoyed hearing you on Beliefnet. Was sorry that none of my questions got through to you, but was happy with the questions that were asked.
I just wanted to share a tiny, little story with you. After reading your story about the oxen, it reminded me of a true story that happened a few months ago, here in Vermont.
There is a slaughterhouse nearby in which one of the cattle escaped, walked miles and miles, crossed the New York border and found refuge - in an animal sanctuary, no less! I laugh just thinking about it!
Ironically, the slaughterhouse, which has been in operation for years and years, burned to the ground shortly after. Hmmm. Is there some connection?
It reminds of that book ‘Animal Farm’ in which the animals take over. 
I know this has nothing at all to do with what you were talking about. I just felt like sharing. Felt like ruining the silence again!
Take care!
-Deb
Wishing that Paulo would come to Vermont someday for a book signing! 
It’s really very beautiful here! 
Paulo,
The chat today was a wonderful experience. Thank you so much for participating, and it was an honor to spend an hour listening to your thoughts. I must admit, I have a handheld recorder that I left next to my speakers, just so I could reflect on your words later on. You have changed my life so much, and for this I am eternally grateful.
I just wanted to add that I loved hearing about the feathers, and how you touch every page of yours books with them. I believe that it really does bless your books, and that God speaks through you to help guide us and encourage us to be warriors of the light.
A good mixture of laugh and seriousness.
I am moved by the anecdote about the angel of death. So often I am consumed by the lives of others and comparing my fate with theirs - this story hits home so strongly - I need to allow others to live out their own destiny and focus on my own path and journey.
Thanks Paulo for these words - they are timely and empower me to live my life and walk the path carved for me. When I consider the journey I have been on for the last four years - Debbie I hear you loud and clear and I relate to so much of your story - I feel like I have undergone metamorphosis - new job, new studies and I like where I am
Peter from Ireland - I agree with your words - thanks so much
Thanks again Paulo - your words have been a profound influence in my life
Mark
We (should) learn lessons every day and we sometimes are capable or feel qualified to teach others. Many of your readers (also here today) have offered good examples of this, however, as Peter of Ireland said today, it is of paramount importance that we set a good example. We can do this by just living our lives and fighting the good fight. Children learn from us automatically, they trust us implicitly until the day comes when they can form their own ideas and make their own decisions. Some, unfortunately, never get that far. If we are honest and open and fair to our fellow human beings (especially toward our childeren) the whole world will become a better place to live in. We owe our children at least that!
The word Virus has a specific meaning and can be said and spread in many ways. It can be destructive or useful. The Virus you have started is spreading fast….the “Virus of Love”. Your manner of teaching is infectious (a virus) and I truly hope that it takes hold of the entire world population. Thank you for your love! Your faithful student WOL, Paul Vincent Davey
dear paulo,
your first book i read was the alchemist. it was in bahasa indonesia edition.and i do like the words you used to share the idea. i always wish that someday i’ll be a great writer, like you are…
i don’t know, but this idea always in my mind, that i am the one who lives in the loneliness. but i do feel that this “alone-like” is only a kind of mystery for my life journey… i don’t know… but i’m still looking the answer of everythings happened in my life. do you have any idea how to make it right??
thank you and regards,
from tika~indonesia
ps. i’m sorry if my english isn’t good enough!!
I am a middle school teacher in Memphis, Tennessee. I took the response of the praying charcter and made a poster out of it for my classroom. Now when my students have trouble focusing on their assignments I motiont to the poster — and I myself try only talk when it improves the silence.
Debbie - if you go the Spanish version of Paulos website and click on “libros” you will get the titles in Spanish. Thereafter you search the Spanish title at Amazon.com and you can hopefully order it from there. There are also other websites for Spanish books, but this method seems to work. Yours friendly, Josephine
Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much for sharing, the angel of death is telling us not to waste our lives trying to be better than others or judging others, concentrate on making the best of every moment. Thank you Paulo for teaching us such a precious lesson without teaching at all.
It is so refreshing to know there is a community of people focusing on love, it makes the world a better place. Tamara
Debbie Holmes, what a beatuiful story! you made my silence better today!
I simply love short stories with multiple messages. Well, I picked up multiple messages in last batch of stories!
However I always seem to first pick up on the warnings which when I equate them to my own life, it becomes evident that these are lessons which I need to improve myself. Thereafter the messages of hope and kindness seem to reassure me that I’m actually not all that bad and am capable of doing things right.
So often I only see the negative in myself, but when I dig deeper I find that ultimately there is more good than bad!
Thank you Paolo (and all the other bloggers) for your stories which make me think deeply about myself, and which make me realize that we all have an abundance of good within. We just keep on bringing the good to the fore!
Keep on smiling, and have a WOW day!
Paulo,
Having read all the many and varied (and extremely interesting!) contributions, it strikes me that we are at our best as teachers when we speak from the heart, with honesty and without intention to ‘convert’ others to our way of thinking.
By simply speaking our personal truth (imperfect though it may be) we somehow strike a chord of empathy and understanding in the reader or listener.
From the moment I read the first few pages of your magical book The Alchemist, I was hooked on your uncanny ability to make me think and examine my own (course in) life, and that in turn led me to read every scap of material you have published since.
Similiarly (and surprisingly - for me at least!) I now equally look forward to reading the insights and personal wisdoms of Katie Holmes and Cassidy and Mark H and Paul from Austria and all the other WOL ‘bloggers’ out there - the list thank God is infinite as are the possibilities to learn from each and every one of them. I thank you all
So, finally, thank you especially Paulo for creating the space for all of us to share our personal experiences and insights - you have with this (perhaps) given us a treasure more wonderful even than your books and short stories….
Peter
Hats off to the genius writer for another set of illuminating and inspiring stories. I feel so confident and refreshing after reading the warrior of the light.
The “wise” monkey reminded me of many people who always try to harm others. There are many “I know what’s right” priests in the world who has bloated egos and never accept truth.
hi mr PAOLO…one question:should we think about ourself or about the other???i don’t how can i explain cause in these days when u wanna talk about human being and should help each other about that love,all laugh about u cause a word named “about”is very strange these days and specially about the others,why we can’t look about the others,i’m sure that we can make a better world,a better place for YOU first and me,love hurts but we still love cause we are as butterfly whom know the the light will burn it but no change,the butterfly wanna get close to the light so it burn it.
by the way still not having your new book (like a flowing river) in lebanon,why????and also a letters from a prophet from the fabulous lebanese author jibran khali gibran that i wish u read all his book,thanks for all the warriors of light,and we still continue to love cause love is us and us is love,so love forever and help the closer and the far cause we are all the same and don’t think about the intentions if it’s good or bad,think for the first time in yourself that u can offer your help for the others….
and thanks for u to mentioned a lebanese author mikhael naimee cause he’s from my beutiful country who never the war can do with it cause we are still alive and always.lebanon the world of peace,love and nature…
Hei, Paulo.
During the last couple of months I have read The Zahir, Alchemist, The Devil and Miss Prim, and Elleven minuttes.
I am looking foreward to read more of your books.
Glad to find your blog. I hope one day I can make my own pilgrimage as you inspire.
dear paulo,
my days starts with inspiring teachings from ur books…
‘Alchemist’ is helping me .. to live the moment… to enjoy the life by living in the present… to follow my dream…
Thank u very much.
I think that maybe if we concentrate more on self-development and transcendence above our human desire to always compare ourselves to others, then we will be able to give good advice not through words but through setting an example.
Thanks for a lovely set of anecdotes Paulo.
I was reminded of the theme of these stories the other night (They always know what’s best for us) when my husband , Mark, and I ran into a young man that Mark knows.
He is schizophrenic, as are most of the people we tend to attract in our lives (birds of a feather stick together?!).
This was my first meeting with him and he instantly went into a monologue telling us what he’s learned regarding what life is all about.
He told us how he was a cherib during the time of Jesus and saw another angel put a football-sized lump in Jesus’ throat, and how he argued with the angel about doing that…then went on about the ‘guy in North Korea on the television set’ and how he knows that if everyone concentrated hard enough, then we could blow a hole right in his forehead just by thinking about it because we’re all connected, and his father used to run this planet, and the aliens have told him that he has to run around this track at the fairgrounds four miles a day or his head is going to explode, and he’s here on the earth as a punishment for being a bad angel, and he can’t wait to get off. Krishna told him what’s really going on is that the earth is a big eyeball, and we’re all part of it and…
Mark and I were just fascinated listening, as we always are when people talk like this. We both have been on the brink of craziness and so understand what it’s like.
When I was a teenager, I dated a schizophrenic. At first, I was trying to help him to come back to my reality, but in the end, he dragged me into his and I couldn’t relate to the ‘general consensus reality’ that I had come from. (I guess the acid I was dropping didn’t help much, either.)
Mark and I have always felt that it’s a shame that people don’t understand that just because someone doesn’t share the same reality, that it doesn’t mean that it’s not a valid one for the person.
Who are we to tell them what to think and why do we have to drug them?
I’ve noticed that everyone lives in a completely different reality from each other. Even the people that attend the same church all have different views regarding the religion they are each ascribed to. They have a common, loose set of congruent ideas, but when you dig deeper, you can see that noone thinks alike to the exact same degree.
I guess this is why I have trouble dealing with people in my personal life. I can respect others’ beliefs because I believe that they are all valid, (none of us knows the absolute Truth, only what works for us) but I’ve noticed that people always want to change ME. People continually try to ’save me’ from being the heathen I am - except for the other lunatics. Maybe that’s why I prefer their company.
I picked up my copy of ‘Veronika Decides to Die’ and began rereading it last night, and I remember why I liked it so much. I could totally relate to the message, which is the very same one I am addressing here.
Thanks again to Paulo for understanding and addressing such issues. It makes me feel a little less lonely knowing there are others out there in this world who think like me.
Wishing us all Peace and the ability to live out our unique lives with compassion from and to others.
Love,
-Deb, Head Lunatic, Planet Earth, Sector B, section C, seated between God the Father and The Son, directly behind the Holy Spirit and Krishna (who is wearing an awfully large hat that I may have to ask him to remove)
I know…I will burn in Hell…please don’t email me about it, as, everyone has already told me so! 
A while ago a really good friend of mine told me that “silence is golden” and I have been thinking about it ever since. I have a bit of a temper sometimes (i’m Irish from Dublin so I guess it is the Celt in me!) and can go on a rant. This storey has made me think even further.
It is so true you don’t have to shout to disagree.
Hello Debbie, your pieces always fascinate me. I always start thinking - wow this piece is too long I’ll never read the entire thing, but I always do.
I’m sure you are an exciting person to know. I hope the people around you can appreciate your unique perspective and enjoy every moment of it. I know I do…
a challenge to souls who struggle to be good..
..simply said..
Thank you Tamara and Shannon and those of you who have said nice things to me. I really appreciate it, as, I keep feeling guilty for writing so much! I just can’t help myself….the voices in my head, you know!
Hee hee! If I stop writing, they tell me MY head will explode! 
Just kidding!
Actually, they said my head would fall OFF!
But, in all seriousness (for once!) When I write in this little tiny space, it never seems to be that much. And when I post it, I freak out, realizing that I’ve been a blog hog again!
So, I’ll shut up now, as I see I’m doing it again! Ugh!
Take Care everyone! I’ll be talking to you again soon, I’m sure!
Lots of Love and happy thoughts to you all.
-Deb, who…well, I’ll just shut up this time.
Reading your tale of the donkey, the peasant and the parish priest brings to mind a more recent story in my own locality, but one where the priest (unlike the one in your story) showed considerable wisdom and understanding.
Paulo, you and your readers may or may not have heard of the phenomenon of ‘moving statues’ a number of years ago in several parts of Ireland. They all concerned Mary (or the Madonna) and several people were convinced that she either moved, or shone, or in some cases appeared to shed a tear.
In one such instance, only a few short miles from where I live, a statue of the Virgin Mary, encased in a box with a glass window at the front, seemed to shed tears of what appeared to be blood. Of course, the word got out and hordes of people thronged to the village, some out of curiousity, others simply to pray. It made the national headlines, and beyond, to such an extent that the BBC sent over a reporter and camera crew from the UK to check it out.
As part of their story, which was probably leaning towards the sensationalist side, they tracked down our local parish priest who up until then had managed to diplomatically avoid making any comment one way or the other on the matter, firstly because the church’s general position on such matters is one of scepticism but secondly, probably more importantly in this case, because he wasn’t a judgemental man and wouldn’t have wanted to upset or offend anyone who did believe, even if his official position stated otherwise.
The reporter probed gently at first but then, asked the direct question “Well Father, do you believe the Virgin is actually crying as these people praying and gathering here say, or do you condemn it?”
He paused for a moment, looked the reporter straight in the eye, and replied
“I don’t see God in statues, I only see God in people. I see God in the people praying together here today, I see God in the eyes of the handicapped childen in our local community centre, I see God’s hand in the work you are trying to do putting this report together.”
The reporter fell silent. He asked no more questions and thanked the priest for his time. ..
Thankfully, not all priests in this world are like the one in your story Paulo, although that may be the general perception! Just thought I’d share that little story with you all…
Loved your priest story, Peter!
He definitely was a diplomat! 
just to say ‘hai’ to u all…
going thru this blog make me feel like reading letters from dear ones…
so close to heart….
impatiently waiting to read new entries…..
well debbie, i probably didn’t do him justice, he was a diplomat but a lot more besides. it’s very difficult to express in words the essence of someone’s character as evidenced by my long winded attempt!! thanks for taking the time to comment
Oh, Peter, you did perfect! I agree that people can’t be summed up in a handful of words, but I felt the essence of this loving man shone through in your passage. I attribute it to your great writing skill. Did you say you just wrote a book?
Also, along these same lines but directed to Paulo, I have been reading the old WOL issues, trying to catch up, but savoring them slowly. I wanted to mention that when you, Paulo, wrote about your day at the mill, and that night that you were alone and feeling lonely (was it in Paris?) I was completely drawn into these passages. I felt like I was there with you, and, realized how, like Peter mentioned above in a previous entry, when people share their heart and personal Truth, it really does ’strike a chord of empathy’. I felt that way when you talked about your uncle Jose, as well. I guess I’m trying to say, I hope you continue to share your personal stories with us, as well as your other stories. It makes me, (I assume all of us) feel closer to you.
Happy travels, Paulo. May you be safe and protected. My Italian mother, whenever I travel, always has to bless me with “Madonna be with you”, but in Italian, (which I don’t know the proper spelling of!) so, “Madonna be with you” (in English).
Many bits of love thrown at you all,
-Deb, who TRIED to keep it short this time, she really did! Honest!:(
Paulo,
A cousin of mine walked the Road to Santiago in October last year, and came across a note/poem written by an earlier (Irish) pilgrim called (I think) Bonnie Quinn Cotter. In the absence of any inspirational thoughts of my own on this wet, dreary day in Dublin, I would like to share her musings with you and fellow WOL bloggers…
Clean Slate
I would like to start again
with a simple room
overlooking the sea -
empty of memory.
Bare floorboards
so I could hear the rhythm
of my uncluttered heart.
I would build slowly
re-create privacy;
a typewriter
a work-table
a plainwood chair
no ornaments
and a small stove to cook
simple food; some books
and perhaps the luxury
of a big bed - just in case…
In such a space I might find
Joy I seem to lose
along the burden of possessions,
pared back to my original self.
I could find a way to live…
After all, I arrived here empty-handed.
(Poet: Bonnie Quinn Cotter (?) Ireland)
PAULO.
I will probably never get to Spain. It is hard to travel now in my life.Your book found it’s way to me at a difficult time in my life. Now I make the trip with you often, a pilgrim too. You book is my way to escape and walk thinking of the ‘good fight’ and readjusting personal goals. For this gift of your spiritually inspiring work, I thank you. becky
re: The Pilgrimage
the Warrior of the Light has enlightened me in almost all aspects of my life.. thank you paulo.. the universe definitely conspires in helping us achieve our dreams…Ü
i was never a person who would go out to the world and discover its beauty. but after reading, i have been awakened to the fact that there are a lot of things this world has got to offer other than the mind can imagine. you work really inspired me to be more of what i am. it is really nice to know and be touched by someone though he may be in the opposite side of the world. thanks so much for the ideas and inspiration you gave to the world.. really love to have more of what you love to do….
Paulo,
Yet another thanks for your previous book The Alchemist from 1988. It really hit home and was very enlightening. I have shared my book with many friends and they too were startled by your message about destiny. Your words helped steer me to my current destiny of becoming a Nurse. Keep touching lives with your work and perhaps some day, if I am very lucky, I can meet or hear from you!
I read this book several years ago, just came across your website and I now say to you - Maktub.
Scott
Dear Paolo,
There is something so dear in your WOL issues. It has become very important to me to read bloggers comments too. They are incredibly exciting.
Your parables ‘They always know what’s best for us” are so simple and at the same time so profound. They make you stop and think, look into the well of your inner self. You communicate in a manner that anyone can grasp, understand and be transformed by. Thank you for the movable and dynamic energy.
Nona from Georgia
How come that silence almost always gives deeper insight than spoken words, but yet, I cannot do without them?
Hello Paulo,
Yesterday I did an exercise in which I wrote out all of my desires, and all of my fears. My desires amounted to one page, my fears -THREE! The worst part, aside from seeing and finally facing how pathetically fearful I am, was seeing that many of my fears aren’t even my own!
I was also amazed at how these fears limited my ability to dream, and was reminded of one situation in my life in which I did overcome fear in the end, to follow one of my dreams….
It was a few years ago. I had a very strong desire to work at the local prison. I contacted the volunteer center and explained my desire to do a pottery workshop with the inmates. We decided to have the guys make handbuilt vases, fill them with flowers, and give them to lonely elderly folks in local nursing homes for Easter.
I was very excited about the idea, until I told my husband about it. Normally a very loving man, he despised this idea and told me that he didn’t think I should do it. He was worried about my safety, and reminded me of how naive and vulnerable I am and how I tend to get into bad situations as a result. Because I genuinely care about and always listen to people and their problems, men that I meet usually think it means that I’m interested in them sexually, and I’ve had my share of unwanted advances, stalking, and attempted rape.
He ranted on (in an uncharacteristic way) about how these people are ‘criminals’ and don’t deserve to have people being nice to them. I ignored him, understanding it was just his fear talking.
Then, about a week before I was to do the workshop, we were watching the news and an item came on about a policeman being killed by a thief. My husband then commented, ‘These are the people that you want to help? Why don’t you go and help children or the elderly, at least there you’d be doing more good than working with these horrible people who will never change!’
I was so sad and disheartened by what he said. One of the reasons I had chosen the prison population was because I know, from firsthand knowledge, how hard it is to change your life when everyone around you already has a preconceived notion of who you are. It’s like swimming against the tide to imagine a different life for yourself. You begin to believe all the bad things that people say about you, and just helplessly float downstream, giving up the good fight of believing in yourself and what you have to offer. I was hoping to give these guys a different view of themselves, through use of their creativity - sort of like throwing them a life preserver.
At this point, however, I was starting to succumb to my husband’s fear and judgments, feeling that he was right and that ‘he knew what was best for me.’ And, sadly, I called and cancelled the workshop.
A year later, the desire to do the workshop resurfaced. I decided that it really was something that I had to do. So, I mustered up all the strength I could find and went ahead with it without anyone’s blessings.
I was so glad I did!
I went into the prison with many fears. I was told by the guards, as I was being searched, that I shouldn’t discuss my last name, nor any of my personal business with the inmates, for my safety. It’s so against my nature to be like that, but I went in with my boundaries up, braced for the worst.
There were ten men seated at different tables waiting for me. I introduced myself, handed out the supplies, explained how to make the vases, then, walked around, spoke with and helped the guys. I was in shock as I looked around the room and saw not a bunch of evil men, but what appeared to be innocent, little boys playing with clay.
The men were not leering, as I had feared, but looking at me with total respect and kindness. One by one each one thanked me for coming in with such genuine love and gratitude in their voices. One man said, ‘Noone ever comes in here and does such fun things with us, thank you so much!’ One of the guards whispered to me that he had never seen the men so calm and happy. I watched as their eyes lit up with excitement with each step accomplished and how proud they all were of their creations. Every vase was so unique, and so beautiful. It was as if I was watching the birthing of their souls.
The workshop consisted of three visits - the first to make the vases, the second to glaze them and the third to place the flowers in them. Each time I had a chance to talk to the different men and hear some of their stories.
One young man told me that he remembered choosing his birth mom from the spirit world. He said he remembered choosing her because she was an alcoholic and he knew he would have a difficult life, but that he would learn a lot through the trials. He knew he’d end up in jail, and, although I personally didn’t ask nor didn’t want to know the reasons they were there, this man told me that he had raped a girl, although, he supposedly really didn’t do it, but knew it was in God’s plans and had accepted his lot in life. I didn’t care if he did or didn’t do it. I just enjoyed hearing his story, which he ended by telling me that all of this stuff he had been through had brought him to the Lord and that he had been taking classes in jail in preparation for becoming a minister when he was to be released.
Another man told me how the prison had just started a garden for the inmates to work in, in which they would donate the food to the local food bank. He talked enthusiastically about working with the soil, how good it feels to be connected to the earth, how it grounds him and gives him hope for the future.
I heard many other stories, and through each one, I sat on the verge of tears, not only because I was so touched by hearing the expressions of love, but because I felt so badly that I had ‘given in’ the year before to my husband’s idea of what was good for me. I kept thinking how I was so happy that I didn’t miss out on all of this, this time.
On another, yet similar, note, I had heard a story many years ago about a saintly woman who only looked upon everyone with complete and utter love. She was in a public restroom stall one time when she opened the door of it to see a man wielding a knife at her. Instead of fear, she beheld him with love in her eyes. Upon seeing this, the man appeared shocked, dropped the knife and fled!
I guess the moral of the story is that love drives out all fear, as you already understand and teach. My prayer for us all is that we always only look upon everyone with love and, hopefully, that is all that we shall ever find.
Looking upon you today, and always, Dearest Paulo, with Love.
Sincerely,
-Debbie
Who is enjoying her peaceful, boring Sunday afternoon, even though Paulo seems to detest such moments! Hee hee! 
Because spoken words are an organised form of stammering, silence can be more clear, because there is no space between the words
(which is thinking)
Good post. Thanks for the laughs and the stories to ponder. Just bought The Fifth Mountain and am looking forward to reading it tonight.
Well said Nona! Couldn’t have said it any better.
To Peter from Ireland, What a great Poem. Thank you for Sharing. Exactly what I needed today.
sabash!!! Debbie,
This is how a WOL walks his/her path…
Debbie,
How brave of you to do what you did, and what honesty in the telling of your tale – I salute your noble heart!
True courage is not freedom from fear, it is being afraid and still going ahead anyway!
Paulo, I would like to quote from a previous article of yours called ‘Believing in the Impossible’.
I think it defines the importance of what Debbie has done in this difficult and real life situation….
Quote
‘Whoever travels down a spiritual path carries an honor code to be fulfilled; the voice that is raised against what is wrong is always heard by God.
Even so, now and again we hear the following comment:
“I always believe in dreams, I often try to combat injustice, but I always end up disappointed.”
A warrior of light knows that certain impossible battles are worth fighting and so is not afraid of being disappointed, knowing as he does the power of his sword and the force of his love. He vehemently rejects those who are unable to take decisions and are always trying to pass on to others the responsibility for all the bad that happens in the world.
If he does not fight against what is wrong – even if it seems beyond his strength – he will never find the right way.’
End of Quote
Of course, you may need to substitute the word ‘he’ with ‘she’ in this case …..!!
Thank you once again Paulo – as Nona from Georgia said earlier, ‘thank you for your moveable and dynamic energy’ – it inspires us all to be better human beings.
Peter
Amanto and Peter,
Thanks for your comments on my story.
Again I was feeling guilty for writing so much, and you’ve relieved my guilt a little. 
I admit, this last posting must qualify for some friggen world’s record for its ungodly length! 
I didn’t expect anyone, including Paulo, to even take the time to read it! Ha! 
After doing that exercise that I spoke of regarding facing my fears…one of my fears, I’ve realized, is of flying..which I inherited from my husband. I haven’t flown in 18 years and as a result, stopped dreaming of travel to different countries to which I couldn’t drive or take a train. After realizing how I limited my thinking with this fear, I’ve decided to plan on taking a trip to some of the countries that I longed to visit in the past. The reason I’m saying this is because Ireland is one of the countries on the top of my list, as, my dad’s grandparents were from there. So, when I come to Ireland, I’ll look in the phone book for ‘Peter’ and I’ll come to visit, alright? Hee hee!
I recently was looking at the different WOL sites…in different languages…and noticed that someone in the Portuguese section complained to Paulo that he never comments on the site, and so he commented. Should we do something like that here so that we’ll hear from him more?
Hee hee! 
Like call him names or something to that effect? That ungrateful BASTARD! He never even stops by to say ‘hi’ anymore. The nerve of him! 
Wishing you all…well..you know…good stuff!
Lots of love and only good humor,
-Deb
New and Improved….Now with 10% less guilt, and 75% less fear!
HI
I VERY ARDENTLY READ ALL YOUR BOOKS. BEING A HINDU IN INDIA WE ARE EXPOSED TO A LOT OF IDEAS LIKE YOURS BUT VERY FEW CAN FIND THE WORDS FOR EXPRESSION. I THANK THE LORD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THIS EXPOSURE.
I WANTED TO SHARE AN INSIGHT.
AN ELDERLY NEIGHBOUR WOULD BE KNITTING FOREVER , HER PATTERNS AND COLOURS SO VIBRANT. IT WAS AMAZING HOW SHE COULD GO ON DESPITE A HUSBAND WHO BEAT HER UP , A DRUNKEN SON AND A FLUSTERED DAUGHTER IN LAW , TILL ONE DAY I REALIZED THAT SHE HAD SO MUCH BEAUTY IN HER AND THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING SHE COULD CONTROL AND CONTRIBUTE AS HER OWN MAKING.
IT WAS HER WAY OF SURVIVAL.
IT TAKES ALL TYPES TO MAKE THE WORLD.
I COME FROM A CITY IN THE CENTRE ON INDIA.
how does faith comes back into one’s life? beyond religion and quotes and others… i have lost it along the way somewhere and don’t seem to be able to get it back
Jackye - and still you are searching for it,
so maybe it’s not that far away….
Debbie - great story!
oh, I love to read the stories and comments here
I loved all your stories - and I get them delivered personally - like I have my own personal sage! I loved the story about the priest and the donkey. I spent a lifetime in a religion that told me that God was angry and every thing I did was bad. I always believed there must have been something else. When people from said church conned my aged grandmother to invest in their churches and then never repaid her - I mean really what guts it must take to go to church, take communion, pray and then steal from little old widows. That was the last straw - I could not take it anymore. I sympathize with Debbie in so many ways - I also feel she should not worry about talking too much - I loved everything she said too. So I walked around in my life pretending that I was doing what I should but I still felt stagnant and it occurred to me one day that all of the beliefs all spout one thing - do unto others as you would have them do unto you … just with different words. I tried that too, but God was not anywhere where I could feel him - but I knew if I just did that little part that was good enough. Then one day I went to an Orthodox church (Greek) on my rounds to find a place for my son to grow up and know God - and in the midst of the choir chanting the priest sings out Wisdom stand and attend and I felt goosepimples all over my body and I knew that without a doubt God was in the room. I went a few weeks later and talked to the priest and told him that I wanted to become a part of this faith - his words are ones I will never forget and the reason I will never leave - If you want to be a part of our church welcome, if you expect me to convince you to convert I will not, you must convince yourself, for your relationship with God is yours and yours alone. I wanted to scream - I have found the most beautiful faith - there is no judgement, no fighting over money, no one tells you of the budget shortfall as part of the sermon, and everytime the priest calls on Wisdom to attend I know He is attending. So don’t lose faith that there is a place for you to worship your God as you wish - you dont have to settle for a priest who argues with the truth. Just thought I would share this … I was lost for so long but I have been found - He never stopped looking for me! What a blessed gift!
[quote comment="335"]Amanto and Peter,
Thanks for your comments on my story.
Again I was feeling guilty for writing so much, and you’ve relieved my guilt a little. 
I admit, this last posting must qualify for some friggen world’s record for its ungodly length! 
I didn’t expect anyone, including Paulo, to even take the time to read it! Ha! 
After doing that exercise that I spoke of regarding facing my fears…one of my fears, I’ve realized, is of flying..which I inherited from my husband. I haven’t flown in 18 years and as a result, stopped dreaming of travel to different countries to which I couldn’t drive or take a train. After realizing how I limited my thinking with this fear, I’ve decided to plan on taking a trip to some of the countries that I longed to visit in the past. The reason I’m saying this is because Ireland is one of the countries on the top of my list, as, my dad’s grandparents were from there. So, when I come to Ireland, I’ll look in the phone book for ‘Peter’ and I’ll come to visit, alright? Hee hee!
I recently was looking at the different WOL sites…in different languages…and noticed that someone in the Portuguese section complained to Paulo that he never comments on the site, and so he commented. Should we do something like that here so that we’ll hear from him more?
Hee hee! 
Like call him names or something to that effect? That ungrateful BASTARD! He never even stops by to say ‘hi’ anymore. The nerve of him! 
Wishing you all…well..you know…good stuff!
Lots of love and only good humor,
-Deb
New and Improved….Now with 10% less guilt, and 75% less fear![/quote]
Dear Deb,
not that I want to encourage people to call me “bastard”, but you’re right, I’ve been reading more than talking these days… I do though drop a comments everynow and then.
I just want to tell you that your story at the prison moved me and that I think that you’re definetly overcoming your fears by listening to your intuition.
All the best
Paulo
My husband had a spinal constriction all of a sudden inthe year 2000. from being a healthy person who would play golf and tennis every day he became a vegatable neck downwards. operations to ease that left him paralysed . he had to be carried to his office ( we are automobile dealers )
where people wold stare , he would sometimes soil his clothes, and i could not bear it. i begged him to set up his office in our premises , but he refused. the staff has seen me fielding all the good times, i have got the chance to be humble now , should i dismiss it ?
he is now able to walk with alimp and also sign . he is able to carry on his daily duties ably.
i am glad he did not listen to me . he is very well respected today and all because of his humility.
his unstinting faith in god and also that god is keeping him as best as He can , sees us through all. my husband is in extreme pain at all times, he laughs it away. he says man gives everything a name , so if you call my pain as my joy - see how much joy i have.
it is after all God’s will , to accept it smilingly is the answer
[quote comment="300"]Hei, Paulo.
During the last couple of months I have read The Zahir, Alchemist, The Devil and Miss Prim, and Elleven minuttes.
I am looking foreward to read more of your books.
Glad to find your blog. I hope one day I can make my own pilgrimage as you inspire.[/quote]
dear friend stop hoping and start making piligrimages, may be small once from tomorro maybe once a week, go to the beach for 2 hours, spend some time in meditation, go to the chruch and do some vluntary service, humbling kind of maybe brooming the st. or say gardening lovingly, u u wnat to go on pilgrimage, u must be aquainted with your deity, if not no problem, start and for god’s sake stop telling any one that u hope, of course u hope, otherwise u won’t be here anymore, stop hoping and start being, now, (bole to, hindi for,… ) NOW. fisrt step ignore this piece and forget about it. no really i mean it, u cannot do anything other than having received another blow to wake u out of u’r sleep of hope, forget it, but remember it, see i care not whether u r still alive or dead, did u leave this piece just like that or out of some desire, whether u will ever see this, if yes will ever read it, whatevre, my present action is based on a trust, a trust which can not be betrayed, becauyse it is not looking at the reault at all, I can feel your pain, so i have shot this, rest is …
aditya
I was waiting if anyone will point out, but then why wait, all beginings are made today not tomorrow, postponement to tomorrow is the biggest enemy of my warrior of light. planned retreats, palnned evrythinbg is OK everything is OK so long as it’s done in full awareness. I am sorry I sound the way I do, hope this group of warriors will understand. Thru u I too am struggling to remain on the path.
Well Aditya!!!
Desire… Hope….Dream… And make it Happen!!!! (isn’t it ?)
Sachiko…. All the best for the Pilgrimage u are ‘hoping’ to do one day like Santiago…..
Like millions , even I am too your big fan. I always keep “Warrior of Light” handy so that I could refer it whenever I feel like I have lost track of life OR whenever I am confused to understand the frequency of my life. The word Warrior itself gives you enough strength to stand upright to fight again.
Whenever I find some situation very thought to pass through , I make my own “Warrior of Light” kind of statements, which has helped me a lot. I imaging my self with a several wound on my body, and a sword glittering in my hand…..
The above stories like many of your books have a very good message in it. I liked the “monkey”, “Ox” and “Desert Angel” stories the most.Again all these stories are within the boundary of “warrior of light ” I mean , the hidden messages in the stories are nothing but some rule which “Warrior of light follows in his life”.
In “Monkey” and “Ox” stories one can say: “Warrior of Light listens to everyone’s suggestion but use his instincts whether to follow them or not”
In “Desert Angel” story one can say: ” Warrior of light should first worry about his own battle. Think everything and every possibility to win it and not to waste time in praying or wishing for the failure of others”
Looking forward to read more books and columns from you.
Thanks
Shekar
[quote comment="400"]Like millions , even I am too big fan of Paulo Coelho books . I always keep “Warrior of Light” handy so that I could refer it, whenever I feel like I have lost track of life OR whenever I am confused to understand the frequency of my life. The word Warrior itself gives me enough strength to stand upright and fight again.
Whenever I find some situation very tough to pass through , I make my own “Warrior of Light” kind of statements, which has helped me a lot. I imagine my self with a several wound on my body, and a sword glittering in my hand, the sounds of enimy(problems) coing towards me on horses…. and I say to myself ” Welcome to the human race honey”.
The above stories, like many of your books have a very good messages in it. I liked the “monkey”, “Ox” and “Desert Angel” stories the most. Again all these stories are within the boundary of “warrior of light “. I mean , the hidden messages in the stories are nothing but some or the other rule which “Warrior of light” follows in his life.
In “Monkey” and “Ox” stories one can say: “Warrior of Light listens to everyone’s suggestion but use his instincts whether to follow them or not”
In “Desert Angel” story one can say: ” Warrior of light should first worry about his own battle. Think everything and every possibility to win it and not to waste time in praying or wishing for the failure of others”
Looking forward to read more books and columns from you.
Thanks
Shekar[/quote]
HI,
Thank you for deciding to write, your books have t