2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Tag, You're It", October 25, 2004
This review is from: Searching for the Waters of Antiquity (Paperback)
What a delight to slowly discover that the main character, Tag, is a turtle. And what a surprise to gradually realize that Tag is really "me." Shirley Ryan's book, "Searching for the Waters of Antiquity," is such a simple tale of creatures in fantasy gardens that it would delight young children, yet it has a deeper level with many metaphors for life. I was so grabbed by the story and identified with Tag and all of his fears, hesitations, curiosity, and need to grow, that I read the entire book in one sitting. And then found myself reading it again a week later, gaining even more insight. Throughout, I felt personally guided by the author through the gardens of life. I loved that each of the three sections has an introduction and an epilogue where the author elaborates on the many metaphors.
Tag eventually faces four doors labeled "Love," "Compassion," "Affection" and "Impartiality," signifying universal desires, which he must enter in his process of transformation. We see him hesitate at each door, feel his fears, and then the exhilaration when he has learned something new and made a change in his life. My favorite door was the one of "Affection" where he learned that "affection is a gift of acceptance that you give to everyone with words and deeds."
As an artist, I responded to the beautiful illustrations on nearly every page. Shirley Ryan certainly writes and paints from her heart and the story is illuminated with color and joy.
"Searching for the Waters of Antiquity" is a charming and poignant story which I know I shall enjoy reading many more times. It has universal appeal for all cultures and religions, the perfect gift for family and friends of all ages.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A do-it-yourself manual of meditation techniques, May 7, 2005
This review is from: Searching for the Waters of Antiquity (Paperback)
Shirley Ryan has been practicing contemplative meditation for more than 20 years, exploring the internal and external benefits of Yoga exercises, Tai Chi, subjective fantasy, breathwork, and cleansing processes on a daily basis. In Searching For The Waters Of Antiquity: A Follow-Along Meditation Process, Ryan draws upon her decades of experience and expertise to provide the non-specialist general reader with a do-it-yourself manual of meditation techniques and applied principles to engage in the mediative experience and process. Thoroughly "user friendly", Searching For The Waters Of Antiquity is ideal for the novice, invaluable for those seeking relieve from stress and physical ailments, and effective for acquiring the life-changing benefits and intense healing effects of daily meditation.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Feast for Eyes, Mind and Soul, November 3, 2004
This review is from: Searching for the Waters of Antiquity (Paperback)
Searching for the Waters of Antiquity offers a unique invitation to meditation appropriate for all ages. The story is simple, with emphasis on inner growth through reflection. Older children and adults will find the journey into the inner reaches of the mind and soul both engaging and enlightening; the mysterious yet inviting pool on the front cover begins a path that even young children can follow through the illustrations. I came away with words and images that continue to resonate in my own inner life.
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