I finally took the jump and read a rather popular, classic novel that was recommended to me a few years back. In many ways, reading it right before Christmastime really helped me begin the season with a completely different outlook on Christmas and on life in general.
At one point in everyone’s life, The Alchemist must be read. Formerly a high school English class staple, this wonderful tale has managed to get lost in the shuffle which, to me, is a grave injustice. The Alchemist tells the tale of a young Andalusian shepherd who embarks on an adventure that ultimately brings him to the deepest self-discovery. The Alchemist author Paulo Coelho forces his reader to face him or herself, to explore the deepest areas of our soul, and to come to self-realizations that will change the entire way in which we operate.
Upon its introduction, this mystical tale is in an unfamiliar setting to us modern-day folk. We follow the shepherd boy, Santiago, from Southern Spain on his quest in search of the Egyptian pyramids. Santiago has had a recurring dream that leads him to search for the pyramids by way of a gypsy, and then by Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who only appears in the story very briefly. King Melchizedek leaves Santiago with an important lesson on how to conquer his Personal Legend.
While Santiago goes off in search of his hidden treasure, he is taught many necessary life lessons along the way. Santiago is headstrong, curious and eager. Throughout his journey, Santiago’s character speaks to the dreamer and seeker that lies within us all.
Eventually, while crossing the desert, Santiago meets the alchemist who teaches him of his innate ability to connect with the Soul of the World. Throughout his journey, Santiago learns to read omens, communicate with the Earth’s energies (ex. Sunlight and wind) and to have a relationship with the “Hand That Wrote All,” or simply put, God.
The Alchemist isn’t just a fable, tale or novel. It explores our purpose and guides us into not only making the most of life, but getting the most out of it as well. We come to realize within this story that our lives are and can be deeper than we seem, and that we do not have to go far to discover its depth or its purpose. The Alchemist opens our intuition and our spirits to explore the vast possibilities it has been granted, all by simply paying attention and choosing to be in tune with the energy that surrounds us.
