wisdom

Author Gayle Redfern
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781449057602
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Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (01/10)

The author, Gayle Redfern, felt guided by her spiritual connections to write a book about the teachings and guidelines of the indigenous world.  In doing so, she wrote “Ancient Wisdoms: Exploring the Mysteries and Connections.”  She recognizes that much of our modern society has forgotten the teachings of the past.  She tells us, “Following the lessons of the Ancients helps us understand the present.”

Covering every end of the globe, Ms. Redfern discusses aspects of a multitude of ancient cultures.  Some of these cultures still exist today, some have vanished, and others have evolved to enmesh themselves in the modern times.  Obviously having done extensive research, much of which is referenced, the author takes us on a fascinating journey around the world to explore the beliefs of these people.  She points out both the similarities and the differences among these peoples.  I found this incredibly fascinating because some of these ancient cultures developed on opposite sides of the world from each other, yet share many similarities.

I feel inspired to write about the power of words today. I’ll take some extracts from my journal, thoughts and poems to feed our souls.

22.10.2008 At the bookshop, between hundreds of possibilities, finally my eyes were caught by a small book, the older brother of two more. “THE FOUR AGREEMENTS” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

It is a wonderful book, I guess my instinct guided me well and once more I learn how important is to listen to my inner voice.

I am feeling good in reading it: easy and deep wisdom for my life.

This morning I read the first agreement “be impeccable with your words” and I was amazed how much power we use every day not even knowing it. Words are ENERGY: if we do not speak positive words we are only getting and spreading around NEGATIVITY. The way we speak, the words we say, it is going to come back to us; but it is very difficult to become self-educated because it is so easy to lose control, to gossip, to talk in a harsh way. This “agreement” also takes me back to what Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says: “don’t misuse the power of words…never speak badly even when you are cross”.

I have tried today to be impeccable with my words and I will try again tomorrow and again the following day, and again, and again.

Contributed by Nancy Oelklaus

Because of a hereditary condition, my hearing is impaired. I especially have difficulty with soft voices. To compensate, I listen intently. I watch people’s lips. In a group, I sit at the front.

These coping strategies worked well—until I had to wear reading glasses. One day, during a board meeting, I was looking down at the agenda. Suddenly, I realized that the room was quiet. One board member was a man with a very soft voice, and I felt he must have spoken to me. I looked up from the agenda quickly, jerking off my glasses, with these words: “Will you please repeat what you said? I can’t hear you with my glasses on.” Of course, everyone laughed. But I was dead serious.

Many years later, as I worked through personal crisis, a friend and advisor gave me this wisdom: “What you see is not what you’re looking at, but what you’re looking with. Learn to see with eyes of love.”