Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News - Posts Tagged "philosophy"
International Happiness Day - Writing Can Make You Happy!
This is the day when people around the world celebrate being happy. But what is happiness? Does it just exist out there to be taken, or do we have to learn how to create our own happiness? And if the latter is true, then how do we become happier and healthier in our lives?
My idea is a personal one, and comes from my own personal experience of creating joy from writing.
My first book, "Johari's Window," is a romance novel with a dark side. I wrote it when I was "getting over" some difficult experiences in my life, and I was also aware that I was venturing toward the light, and better times ahead.
As I wrote the first chapter of "Johari's Window," I revisited one of the happiest times of my life, my early childhood in Wales, when I was surrounded by nature, and close to the ocean. I also "experienced again" my relationship with my late paternal grandmother, a wonderful, spiritual woman, and a bird-whisperer, who has been a constant enduring influence on me and my life.
The difficult part of "Johari's Window" was when I wrote through the pain I had experienced in my life, and, in a sense, in the process of writing, I had to relive these times, when, to be honest, life sometimes was a trial, and I did not know how I would see another day. These were times when I was emotionally withdrawn, and socially isolated, and to get through to another day was my only ambition. I was operating in survival mode, but survive to tell the tale, I did.
Once I had written out the darkest of chapters, I felt a sense of relief, and of being heard for the first time. I looked at my situation again with an objective eye, and I even felt proud of myself for hanging on through the bad times, and making the best of it. I felt empathy for myself, and began to cultivate a deeper knowledge of who I was and what I needed to be happy. I even forgave myself for the mistakes I had made.
Towards the end of "Johari's Window" the mood is more wistful than melancholy, and I am in South Korea, in this dream-like landscape with Cherry Blossoms.
For me, these flowers capture the transient nature of happiness, and, at the same time, reassure us that happiness will come around again.
But a constant thread in my life is the joy of writing. When I write, my ink is the happiness that flows in my veins.
My idea is a personal one, and comes from my own personal experience of creating joy from writing.
My first book, "Johari's Window," is a romance novel with a dark side. I wrote it when I was "getting over" some difficult experiences in my life, and I was also aware that I was venturing toward the light, and better times ahead.
As I wrote the first chapter of "Johari's Window," I revisited one of the happiest times of my life, my early childhood in Wales, when I was surrounded by nature, and close to the ocean. I also "experienced again" my relationship with my late paternal grandmother, a wonderful, spiritual woman, and a bird-whisperer, who has been a constant enduring influence on me and my life.
The difficult part of "Johari's Window" was when I wrote through the pain I had experienced in my life, and, in a sense, in the process of writing, I had to relive these times, when, to be honest, life sometimes was a trial, and I did not know how I would see another day. These were times when I was emotionally withdrawn, and socially isolated, and to get through to another day was my only ambition. I was operating in survival mode, but survive to tell the tale, I did.
Once I had written out the darkest of chapters, I felt a sense of relief, and of being heard for the first time. I looked at my situation again with an objective eye, and I even felt proud of myself for hanging on through the bad times, and making the best of it. I felt empathy for myself, and began to cultivate a deeper knowledge of who I was and what I needed to be happy. I even forgave myself for the mistakes I had made.
Towards the end of "Johari's Window" the mood is more wistful than melancholy, and I am in South Korea, in this dream-like landscape with Cherry Blossoms.
For me, these flowers capture the transient nature of happiness, and, at the same time, reassure us that happiness will come around again.
But a constant thread in my life is the joy of writing. When I write, my ink is the happiness that flows in my veins.
Children's Books - How They Influence Your Child's Life Script, and Journey
This Children’s Book Week, Choose A Fairy Tale Story with a Positive Message!
Remember the fairy tales you were brought up on? You may be surprised, but reading “fairy tales” to children, can communicate powerful messages at a subliminal level, and help them decide what life is all about. All the influences a young mind has - their parents, teachers, caregivers, peers - significant others - and all kinds of media messages, go towards helping children create a life script.The child decides his/her life is likely to go a certain way, and begins to live out that script.
Think about your favorite fairy tale as a child, and it is likely that your favorite film will have a similar plot outline. As adults we tend to favor stories and movies which “show forth” a story-line that we “accept,” albeit at a deep, subconscious level.
Just for fun, I am taking some well-known fairy tales, and suggesting what the messages may be in each!
The Wizard of Oz.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Wherever you travel, you take yourself with you. Good always wins. Teamwork is important. There is nowhere better than home.
Little Red Riding Hood.
The forest is a dangerous place. Appearances are deceptive. You cannot trust people, who may not be who they seem to be.
Cinderella.
Patience and hard work are everything. People can be cruel. Family is not always a haven, and there is rivalry between siblings. Beauty will always be rewarded, and will win the day. Someday, a prince will rescue the beauty, and take her away from her misery. All she has to do is be kind, and wait.
Jack and The Beanstalk.
Courage is important. Family is important. Facing fear is important. The unknown is not as scary as we believe it to be.
The Three Little Pigs.
Life, like buildings, must have solid foundations. Choices need to be made carefully. Whenever you have a job to do, weigh up the the choices, and make a plan before you make a decision, or suffer the consequences.
“Snugs The Snow Bear” my debut children’s book, book one in a series. What messages does my book communicate to children?
There is nowhere like home. People and animals have different kinds of intelligences. It is important to stand up for what you believe in. Although there are baddies in the world, good always wins in the end. Know your origins, and yourself, and celebrate differences, and diversity. Be creative. Scientists and artists are cool! Loyalty is everything. Help comes from the unlikeliest of friends, and even, strangers. Teamwork works! Every person, every animal, in this world, belongs somewhere. Love is a beautiful emotion.
"Luna The Moon Pig" my newest children's book. People can be mean and cruel. Appreciate those who really love you. It's great to have adventures and make new friends, but sometimes, what we are searching for is nearer to home. Have courage. Believe in magical moments, and most of all, believe in yourself!
Remember the fairy tales you were brought up on? You may be surprised, but reading “fairy tales” to children, can communicate powerful messages at a subliminal level, and help them decide what life is all about. All the influences a young mind has - their parents, teachers, caregivers, peers - significant others - and all kinds of media messages, go towards helping children create a life script.The child decides his/her life is likely to go a certain way, and begins to live out that script.
Think about your favorite fairy tale as a child, and it is likely that your favorite film will have a similar plot outline. As adults we tend to favor stories and movies which “show forth” a story-line that we “accept,” albeit at a deep, subconscious level.
Just for fun, I am taking some well-known fairy tales, and suggesting what the messages may be in each!
The Wizard of Oz.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Wherever you travel, you take yourself with you. Good always wins. Teamwork is important. There is nowhere better than home.
Little Red Riding Hood.
The forest is a dangerous place. Appearances are deceptive. You cannot trust people, who may not be who they seem to be.
Cinderella.
Patience and hard work are everything. People can be cruel. Family is not always a haven, and there is rivalry between siblings. Beauty will always be rewarded, and will win the day. Someday, a prince will rescue the beauty, and take her away from her misery. All she has to do is be kind, and wait.
Jack and The Beanstalk.
Courage is important. Family is important. Facing fear is important. The unknown is not as scary as we believe it to be.
The Three Little Pigs.
Life, like buildings, must have solid foundations. Choices need to be made carefully. Whenever you have a job to do, weigh up the the choices, and make a plan before you make a decision, or suffer the consequences.
“Snugs The Snow Bear” my debut children’s book, book one in a series. What messages does my book communicate to children?
There is nowhere like home. People and animals have different kinds of intelligences. It is important to stand up for what you believe in. Although there are baddies in the world, good always wins in the end. Know your origins, and yourself, and celebrate differences, and diversity. Be creative. Scientists and artists are cool! Loyalty is everything. Help comes from the unlikeliest of friends, and even, strangers. Teamwork works! Every person, every animal, in this world, belongs somewhere. Love is a beautiful emotion.
"Luna The Moon Pig" my newest children's book. People can be mean and cruel. Appreciate those who really love you. It's great to have adventures and make new friends, but sometimes, what we are searching for is nearer to home. Have courage. Believe in magical moments, and most of all, believe in yourself!
The Mystery
There’s a pattern to everything you see,
a petal, a flower, a fruit, a tree,
what hand, what power, created it all,
from the tiniest insect to canyons’ walls.
When I survey the green of the fields,
majesty of mountains,
power of the sea,
what hand what power maketh me;
this is our mystery.
There’s a rhythm to all we experience,
as suns cast daylight on circumstance.
The moon casts reflections and colors our dreams;
nothing appears as it first may seem.
Animals’ instincts know before,
at one with land or sea or air,
shoe-shod we crawl, while sensing naught,
when earth is free, yet sold or bought.
There’s a pattern to everything you hear,
from the cry of a baby, a bell, tolling near.
This life is ours, and no-one knows
the beginning of days,
the last judgment call.
For Time itself, it holds the keys,
a circle, a spiral, infinity -
and if God made each creature,
why can I not see
who made my God - The Mystery?
Copyright Suzy Davies, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
a petal, a flower, a fruit, a tree,
what hand, what power, created it all,
from the tiniest insect to canyons’ walls.
When I survey the green of the fields,
majesty of mountains,
power of the sea,
what hand what power maketh me;
this is our mystery.
There’s a rhythm to all we experience,
as suns cast daylight on circumstance.
The moon casts reflections and colors our dreams;
nothing appears as it first may seem.
Animals’ instincts know before,
at one with land or sea or air,
shoe-shod we crawl, while sensing naught,
when earth is free, yet sold or bought.
There’s a pattern to everything you hear,
from the cry of a baby, a bell, tolling near.
This life is ours, and no-one knows
the beginning of days,
the last judgment call.
For Time itself, it holds the keys,
a circle, a spiral, infinity -
and if God made each creature,
why can I not see
who made my God - The Mystery?
Copyright Suzy Davies, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
Book News
"The Flamingos Who Painted The Sky," our new picture book is NOW fully available to bring in #Christmas #sunshine, #flamingo #sunsets, and #happiness #worldwide Illustrated by the talented Shirin Mass ...more
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