Searching for the Waters of Antiquity

by Shirley Ann Ryan

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0975419609
• ISBN13: 9780975419601
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Soul Moments Publishing
• Length: 115 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.8" x 0.5" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

One of the first truly unique books of the year!

Genre: Inspirational Title: SEARCHING FOR THE WATERS OF ANTIQUITY Author: Shirley Ryan One of the first truly unique books of the year! The book promises a story for children eight to eighty and the author has fulfilled that promise. At first glance the story is naive and childlike, however upon further inspection the reader realizes that the message is as deep and mysterious as life itself. Subtitled: A Follow-along Meditation Process, it is indeed just that- encompassed in a delightful tale. Our hero, Tag is a tiny turtle on a mission- the search for the waters of antiquity, which can also be interpreted as a search for the spiritual center, the place of ONE. Readers travel through the garden of life with little Tag as if being guided on their own meditation into the spiritual core of SELF. This three- part story explores every conceivable human emotion-love, fear, understanding, tolerance, wisdom and fear. His personal guide, Ms. Crane is another fascinating creature who assists him on his journey. Tag asks her the questions in all of our minds and hearts drawing the reader further and further into the story. Simplistic but serene illustrations throughout provide the reader with a fascinating story of their own and the book provides a peaceful sanctuary that can be visited time and again. Simply flip through the pages, one illustration after another and feel the calming influence descend over you. Author Shirley Ryan is the president of Working Together, a business specializing in Executive and Personal coaching. She is also a behavioral specialist and therapist in northern California. Searching for the Waters of Antiquity is a charming yet fascinating book for the entire family. The book is presented in gift giving, coffee table format and it is definitely a book that you would want to share with friends and family. Highly recommended by Allbooks Reviews. Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews.

A do-it-yourself manual of meditation techniques

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.

a beautiful, peaceful read that will inspire you to open your soul and quiet your mind

"Searching for the Waters of Antiquity" is a beautiful, peaceful read that will inspire you to open your soul and quiet your mind. Through the life of Tag, a turtle searching for his path, readers will experience the peace that comes from looking within. Tag sets out on his journey and is postponed by a stop in the backyard garden of the great creatures and their furry friends. Tag is given treats and is allowed to live happily and content in this bit of paradise. But soon the elders come to visit and he is reminded to keep searching for his path as it leads to the Ceremony of Change. He searches, leaving the security of that place, taking risk and eventually being rewarded for it. The story is simple, yet so very deep. One must follow their own path on this journey of life. Letting go of what we think we know in order to learn again is the way to develop the soul. This is what life is for; everyone has a ceremony of change awaiting them. The book reads like a story but in effect it is a guided meditation. The illustrations accompany the text and compliment the tale as well as the message. It is a peaceful journey to read this book and one you will take over and over again, helping yourself to follow your own path and find your own garden of knowledge, with flowing waters of antiquity to soothe you. "Searching for the Waters of Antiquity" can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Every reader will identify with Tag and may or may not come to realize that he represents the self. What matters is that Tag realizes his life journey and is a guide for all who read about him. Shirley Ryan has given readers a gift through her words and her paintings. This title is sure to become a cherished guide for all who pick it up.

A Feast for Eyes, Mind and Soul

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.

"Tag, You're It"

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.