A small book by Rainer Maria Rilke, ten letters the poet wrote to the young Franz Xaver Kappus. A book I wish I read earlier in my life, then again, it may have not made sense to me then. I have come to believe that books find us when the time is right. You hear a title and it haunts you until you look it up and finally lay hands on it. And then you open it up and find a kindred spirit, someone who speaks to your soul. This extraordinary book could be read swiftly, but why? Like a rich chocolate cake, it is best enjoyed by small pieces with no other distractions, and visited again and again for small slivers. I have gone back and read and reread some of letters three, four, five times, they just get better. Rilke describes the different places he is writing from, shares small snippets of daily life, and writes with such generosity to this aspiring poet, no critique, no harsh shredding of his work, he speaks with such concern and love, acknowledging the courage that it takes to offer someone an inside look at your soul, your work.
I am reading another marvelous book at the same time, something I promised myself I would not do again, read several books at the same time. I am reading Robert Wicks “Riding the Dragon.” I discovered his book while researching education programs on death and grief. I fell in love with what he wrote in the preface:
“In the area called “post traumatic growth” studies are reporting now that some people who have encountered severe stress, dramatic loss, or trauma experience a positive paradox…they experience new psychological growth and spiritual depth that would not have been possible had they not undergone a trauma or severe stress…although no one should want to suffer dramatically (and when it does happen it certainly should not be underplayed or denied)…the terrible occurrences can actually turn out to be the source of unforeseen personal development.” Robert Wicks, Riding the Dragon
He speaks of facing our “dragons” not stuffing them down inside caves, but learning to ride our dragons. And, this is so important, he validates the pain, he understands that there will be darkness, deep darkness. I am nearing the end of my first read of this gem and who does he quote? Rainer Maria Rilke! He quoted from “Letters to a Young Poet.” I sat and just enjoyed the moment, what a rush of excitement, another kindred soul! I will reread “Riding the Dragon” as soon as I finish my first time through, in my eagerness to consume the entire book, I know that I have missed much wisdom.
I was just interrupted in my writing by our canine door bell, he loves it when “brown” delivers. So do I. I have been eagerly expecting the arrival of a new book. I read a quote by Joel M. McMains from his book “Dog Logic: Companion Obedience”, it stayed with me, rang true with why I believe in consistent, loving, training for our canine friends. I had placed a moratorium on purchasing new books, but then Amazon has this feature where you can search inside a book, and who was quoted? Yes! Rainer Rilke again! Of course I hit the “order” key, so excited to have found another friend of Rainer. How small the world is when we step out into its vastness.
I feel like I am following pearls along a path, they catch the eye with their reflected light, a light from another soul. I am continuing my God hunt, I have found Him in unexpected places, kindness is His hallmark. I know He will change up the game once I get good at it, but for right now, it is a great game.
