O’Donohue had an ability to exquisitely explain mysterious and philosophical concepts (that I’ve tried to foggily contemplate) in a poetic but still accessible way. He gives well-crafted words and explanations to things I could not find words for myself. One might think this book is about visual beauty, and it is in some ways, but it is more comprehensively a book about life and the human experience. He reminds readers of the deeper layers of goodness and beauty that underlie creation and life. It was an enlightening and lovely read. I would most definitely recommend it if you are looking for some accessible, generally faith-based philosophy...or even if you aren’t.

John O Donohue is excellent in his eloquent use of language to discover and ruminate on a myriad of subjects on the human condition and what it truly means, "to be here" Through a compilation of essays he dives into the marvel and might of beauty and the ways we meet and interact with such a "sacred" thing. I love anything by this author!

O’Donohue’s vantage point is magical. His take on beauty is all encompassing and asks you to explore beauty from so many perspectives.

This book was recommended by a friend, but I could not get into it. The chapter on color resonated well with me. But the rest of it I will try again at a later date.

Exquisite - especially the final prayer for divine Beauty.

Some of his sentences are clearly written by a poet. Some good stuff here, but as an overall book it was a little scattered...

A second reading is in order. I recommend listening on the Audible app. The book will be a staple on long car rides.

Going through the hours, a 24-hour prayer. The thresholds, the long-held secrets, an empty heart ready to be filled. The stillness of love holds me steady.

John O’Donohue is a beautiful poet. This book is more philosophical than his others, yet still feels like a salve for the soul. Settle in and take nibbles at a time of this book, there is so much beauty to sit with.

Timeless poetics about the act and awareness of beauty from an internal and external perspective

Another reviewer wrote, “a book to linger over.” Exactly!

So many words to say so little. This might have worked for a magazine article. Some passages were so ludicrous that it seemed as though the author was either trying to make the reader scream in pain or he was laughing thinking nobody still would be reading this. No, I do not imagine "what trauma it must be for a room when the color of its paint is changed." (p. 105). Really. He wrote that. And Harper Collins published it. Imagine.

Gorgeous, inspiring, thought provoking, moving. I feel like these words aren't enough to describe John O'Donohue's writing and thoughts. Enjoy.

“What you encounter, recognize or discover depends to a large degree on the quality of your approach. Many of the ancient cultures practiced careful rituals of approach. An encounter of depth and spirit was preceded by careful preparation.

When we approach with reverence, great things decide to approach us. Our real life comes to the surface and its light awakens the concealed beauty in things. When we walk on the earth with reverence, beauty will decide to trust us. The rushed heart and arrogant mind lack the gentleness and patience to enter that embrace.”

The beauty of the true ideal is its hospitality towards woundedness, weakness, failure and fall-back. Yet so many people are infected with the virus of perfection. They cannot rest; they allow themselves no ease until they come close to the cleansed domain of perfection. This false notion of perfection does damage and puts their lives under great strain. It is a wonderful day in a life when one is finally able to stand before the long, deep mirror of one's own reflection and view oneself with appreciation, acceptance, and forgiveness. On that day one breaks through the falsity of images and expectations which have blinded one's spirit. One can only learn to see who one is when one learns to view oneself with the most intimate and forgiving compassion.”

“Grace is the permanent climate of divine kindness; the perennial infusion of springtime into the winter of bleakness.”

“The earth is our origin and destination. The ancient rhythms of the earth have insinuated themselves into the rhythms of the human heart. The earth is not outside us; it is within: the clay from where the tree of the body grows. When we emerge from our offices, rooms and houses, we enter our natural element. We are children of the earth: people to whom the outdoors is home. Nothing can separate us from the vigour and vibrancy of this inheritance. In contrast to our frenetic, saturated lives, the earth offers a calming stillness. Movement and growth in nature takes time. The patience of nature enjoys the ease of trust and hope. There is something in our clay nature that needs to continually experience this ancient, outer ease of the world. It helps us remember who we are and why we are here.”

― John O'Donohue, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace