Publisher's Synopsis
Eaglequest takes its readers on an inner journey, using a combination of metaphors and imagery, bringing to the surface the inner well of happiness that lies within each of us. The book truly is "an experience." It describes and nurtures what is known as "the hero within," an inner, joyful force that is waiting for its chance to rise to the surface (hero is a male noun but is meant to be interchangeable with heroine while reading). Eaglequest came from the knowledge of some of the world's great traditions who utilize inner guidance. It presents a compelling way of approaching life and an intriguing framework within which to explore and tap into the deepest, most profound and joyful aspects of the inner self. The book acts as a guide for a direct and immediate personal experience of greater fulfillment. The underlying message of the book is: There is more to life than what is commonly experienced. Everyone, regardless of his or her past, or present life circumstances, has the potential to feel at peace, and to bring more rapture into life than ever imagined. Eaglequest introduces the reader to his or her own "hero within," then guides and nurtures this hero to full maturity. The chosen metaphors and images have been used for thousands of years by ancient shamans as well as more recent seekers of truth, enable readers to associate their own humanness with far less abstraction than is usually possible. The language of symbols, images, and metaphors is the most basic way that we all learn. A symbol is a device by which a message is carried effectively to the subconscious part of the mind. Symbols and metaphors are extremely powerful because the language of the subconscious mind is composed of symbols and pictures. Since the subconscious mind is primitive and childlike, the symbols used to communicate with it should be chosen accordingly. Just as young children learn more easily in a relaxed, intriguing atmosphere through play and stories, so the childlike part of the mind thrives when appropriate methods (or book, in this case) are used to impress upon it whatever the conscious mind wishes it to understand. Metaphors and images represent a universal language that speaks the right side of the brain, the creative source of inner joy and strength within all people. Another way of putting it is that imagery is the mind thinking in pictures, a type of thinking known as intuition. As the educator Caleb Gattegno put it, "Without intuition we would not be able to think of anything new." Since many people are stuck in a spiral of negativity and unhappiness, created in part by their own analytical mind, they need something new to get them out. Imagery, and the use of metaphors, is the quickest, most direct escape there is out of this loop. This book assists readers to feel their own inner strength through an intriguing inner journey that touches and guides them in a basic way. The three powerful metaphors of this book consist of a fire, symbolizing inner guidance; a pine tree, symbolizing the inner self; and an eagle, symbolizing the hero within. These three dynamic metaphors function together in creating a fully self-actualized person.
