The Enchanted Life: Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday

Dr. Sharon Blackie writes a book that many psychologists would not encourage most to believe and that is the power of mythology, fairy tales, and magic. She describes her connection to nature and how she creates her own enchantment within life over years she has practiced.What interested me in this book was the title and I was very interested in a doctor who as a scientist also believes in magic. I know from experience these kind of doctors are hard to come by. As someone who does believe that we create our own magic or enchantment in our lives, I sometimes lose belief and or doubt in magic in life. So I was at the time of reading this looking for some hope and something relight that spark that anything is possible.As I continued to read the book Dr. Blackie made some interesting points about fairy tales and the ones you relate to or see yourself as. That in particular really made me think of why I think do or things about myself. But for the most part, the book did not really teach me anything new or help me to see myself in a better way, which is more what I need. I feel like we read about her finding her own contentment in nature and relationships but not really explaining how to find that happiness for yourself. I just needed more from the book.I do think Dr. Blackie has some interesting points and I think I would have a couple of questions if we ever met. Even though I was not satisfied with the knowledge I received from this book I would read another by her.

The beginning almost half of this book bored me stupid. It seemed preachy and were things I’d heard before. I carried it around for months trying to read it. One day, with workmen in the house and enforced time to be sedentary, I bit into the mythic imagination part of the book. That second half is much more engaging! I looked up many of the references on myth and on gardening . It was a worthwhile book after all!

This book is so wonderful. Inspiring, informative, but most of all, enchanting. I could have gobbled it up in a few sittings, but I wanted to make it last. It gives me hope and also peace. Thank you so much, Ms. Blackie!

I find it to be a bit boring and annoying, and I am trying to decide if it's something I want to finish. Life is short and there is only so much time to finish a book I am not enjoying.

As soon as I finished this book, I went back to the beginning and started again, as it is so rich and multi-layered. I particularly enjoyed the interweaving of the truths learned through her own rich life experience with her interviews with other outliers in this same space. It is a book ten years ahead of it's time- people may judge it for being 'fringe' now, but it is a clarion call for what is needed in our souls and our societies. May the world catch up with Dr. Blackie as soon as possible- our survival and our sanity depends upon it.

Finding your place in what is around you, embracing the wonder of the mundane and remembering to have fun, play, and use your imagination are key components to Sharon Blackies Enchanted Life. When we stop moving and pay attention to what is right in front of us we can find connection and contentment with life. Its not about more things, or a different place, or more action its about looking around and finding the beauty all around you, opening up to out of the box ideas, and using our imagination.One of the saddest things I read in this book was how children today are losing their imagination, due to electronics, lack of unstructured playtime and spending time outside. What happens when the youngest among us can't use their imagination? What happens to art, to music, to creativity? Or even to corporations, without an imagination many of them wouldn't have gotten started, it was someone with a vision who started that organization and it is people with innovative ideas that will keep it moving.During this time of quarantine this is the best book to reimagine what life could look like, what will happen once the bans are lifted, will you go back to the life you had; focused on work or will you make changes, will you embrace creativity, play, time with family, nature, walks moving slower? It seems to me Mother Nature is telling us we need to slow down, remember what is important and it isn't work work work.

I got this audio to listen to while I travel and am seriously thinking of purchasing the softcover addition.. it's a great book to help you realize how much you've lost touch with the natural world and how to re-enchant yourself with the love of living a beautiful life

Sharon Blackie is a wealth of wisdom. Her writing and what she offers in her books is beyond compare.

I like philosophical but I found this difficult to read. A 3 for me might be a 5 for you though. Felt more like a book I would have to read for school.