55 Comments
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John Dobbins's avatar

Dear Josie - I cried reading this. Aren't we all writing a novel, even if we are not writers? Every day I am trying to be open to the enchantment of this life, the magic of being here as I write my story. I am constantly amazed at your ability to find words for these things. Thank you for sharing your blessing with us.

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Josie George's avatar

"Aren't we all writing a novel, even if we are not writers?" Oooooffff this got me right in the heart! There is some deep truth here, John. Thank you.

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Catharine Wilson's avatar

Apologies to John here, Josie, but this may be my only way to reach you -- when I try to submit a comment of my own above, there is no 'SHARE' button, even though I am a PAID subscriber. Can you clue me in to how to submit a comment, given this odd situation? Thanks! -Catharine

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Josie George's avatar

Oh I'm sorry you've had trouble, Catharine! There should be a box freely available under each post to leave a comment - I never restrict this feature but I will double check my settings. Are you viewing posts using a browser or via the app? If you continue to have problems on future posts, please do let me know! (and thank you for persisting! x)

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Catharine Wilson's avatar

No worries, as it turned out, J. -- I resorted to 'unplugging and plugging in again' (did you ever watch the comedy The It Crowd?!! 😄) re my desktop. That caused the 'share' button to reappear -- whew!

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Catharine Wilson's avatar

Such nourishing Josie-esque candour and cheer in every bit of this. What a wonderful tribute to all the tender unseen forces that support us on all levels of Being when we invite them with our loving awareness. And your gift for expressing these evanescent wonders is 'magically' down to earth, as if we're all sitting -- relaxed, quiet, and happy -- together in a comfy, peaceful tea-room ...

Must say, I suspect that John O'Donohue, poet of "Beannacht" (Blessing) would've grinned with joy to hear of the serendipitous *personal* blessing that poem became for You! Would you believe .. about 22 years ago, not too long before his death, when he visited Ontario, Canada, we had the thrill one rainy late autumn evening of hearing him read, in a village near our home. In a tiny wine bar, where we were cuddle-close to both John and his co-reader, poet Oriah Mountain Dreamer, he spoke to us openly, too, often using the lilting adjective 'lovely' - extraordinarily musical and resonant in his warm Irish voice. In such close quarters the beneficence of his presence really was palpable; Oriah's too.

At this link, you can listen to him reading 'Beannacht' just as he did for us, in just over a single minute of time -- magical? Yup, 'tis! (Sorry for a repeat if someone has already offered this!)

https://youtu.be/ZfvS2LYbZLQ?si=Wn2UZAs9PsidQ0tK&t=3

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Josie George's avatar

Thank you so much for this! I've never heard his voice before!

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Julie Wise's avatar

Love, love, love this! Thank you for sharing and inspiring us all with wonder and joy (and spells). ❤️

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Ambermoggie's avatar

Oh Josie you were indeed blessed my lovely and thank you for sharing your blessings x

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Josie George's avatar

How lucky I am!! x

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Jennifer Nevergole's avatar

Thank you for this inspiration; it helps on a very rainy grey morning to think about doing a little something from list two.

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Helen Poore's avatar

Thank you so much for this. I need to focus on living by the second list and ignoring the first one…easier said than done!

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Josie George's avatar

It's definitely a process! I think of it as small course corrections every day ❤️

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Linda Holford's avatar

There's so much I could say about this fabulous post, but I won't repeat what others have said. I am grateful that you keep the spell alive so we benefit from your writing, the voice that is uniquely your own. I love that you shared the lists of things that get in the way of being your best self and the things help you live at your best. The next time I write in my journal I will do the same. Thank you once again.

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Josie George's avatar

Thank you so much dear Linda. The lists are a really useful exercise! I keep them on my phone and often update them as I learn more about what I need.

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Miranda Ruth Gill's avatar

I like to make creative altars where I sing and dance and call in the magic of the spell! It keeps me focused on a project ( in theory, because as you beautifully articulate, I still find myself choosing the stagnancy sometimes…) This is such an inspiring piece, thanks Josie.

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Josie George's avatar

I love it!! I like to just start talking to everything around me. That usually wakes the spell up too! Thank you Miranda.

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suzanne illingworth's avatar

Finding that book at the just the right time was serendipity at it’s finest Josie

And finding you as a mentor was serendipitous for me💕xxx

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Josie George's avatar

So much love to you, lovely Suzanne!

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suzanne illingworth's avatar

And right back at you always🌷xxx

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Gray's avatar

crying 😭😭😭 so much of this resonates with me so deeply and i am definitely going to have to read that O’Donoghue book now. (i am also an acolyte of Big Magick, such an amazing book!!)

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Josie George's avatar

Rebel wizards unite! <3

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Mary Booker's avatar

Thank you for your lists. I can relate to both of them - deeply.

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Madeleine Ann Eames's avatar

Ah, this poem. I understand being saved by John O’Donahue. He brings me back to the deep, dark feminine magic and out of the insanity of the frantic mind. Thank you for starting my day with him. Nothing grounds me like Beannacht/Blessing.❤️❤️

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Wendy Turner's avatar

Thankyou Josie. I think you are rather beloved and adored, as it happens. X

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Josie George's avatar

Thank you so much Wendy. A scared part of me is always telling me I'm not! I am so grateful to you all for your friendship and kindness, it really does affect me deeply.

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Alex's avatar

Your wonderful emails always seem to arrive just when I need them most. I'm going to print out 'Blessing' and your second list and pin them to the noticeboard above my desk. Thank you. x

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Josie George's avatar

Oh good plan!! I swear, even reading that poem aloud casts a spell. I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.

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Diana's avatar

Thank you Josie. A beautiful and inspiring piece and you sent me looking for my copy of Anam Cara. Your resolve is amazing and rings with joy and hope despite everything.

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Josie George's avatar

That is so kind ♥️

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Jeannine's avatar

Thank you for this encouraging post, Josie ! I am looking forward to your book!

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