Deep Life Reflections: Friday Five
Issue 43 - The Journey
Welcome to Issue 43 of Deep Life Reflections. A special welcome to our new readers. This week, we go on a quest for treasure within the pages of one of the most celebrated books of all time, revisit the enduring legacy of the iconic Man of Steel, and contemplate the art of honing and trusting our intuition. Join me as we explore this week’s Friday Five.
But before we get started, I have a quick announcement: Deep Life Reflections will take a short break for the next three weeks. We will resume our shared journey of discovery and reflections on Friday, January 5.
1. What I’m Reading
The Alchemist. By Paulo Coelho.
Last summer, I read The Pilgrimage and wrote about it in Issue 19 of Deep Life Reflections. This was Paulo Coelho’s first book, published in 1987. A year later, he wrote The Alchemist, a companion to his first work and his most celebrated. With 65 million copies sold, The Alchemist is the world’s 16th best-selling book. Yet, much like alchemy itself, the book needed a touch of magic to become the force it is today.
When the book was first published in Coelho’s native Brazil 35 years ago, no one noticed. A bookseller in the north-east corner of the country told Coelho that only one person bought a copy in the first week of its release. Six months passed before the second sale—to the same individual. Then one day, Bill Clinton was photographed leaving the White House with a copy. He wasn’t the only famous person talking about the book. It became a global phenomenon.
With its simple language and structure, The Alchemist draws readers in. We meet Santiago, a young Spanish shepherd, who dreams of treasure at the Great Pyramids of Giza. We journey with him to North Africa and then into the Egyptian desert, and his encounter with the titular alchemist. The story of Santiago is the story of everyone. We are all pursuing our own dreams, following a journey to our own treasure. Coelho’s writing blends classic storytelling, elements of fantasy, and spiritual introspection that speaks to readers of all backgrounds. There is much wisdom in the book, such as the reminder that “life is generous to those who pursue their destiny.”
Above all, I think The Alchemist is a book about hope and connectedness. Coelho has talked about how his heart and soul are everyone’s heart and soul, and that one person’s quest is the quest of all humanity. As the alchemist himself says, “No matter what they do, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally they don’t know it.” It’s a message that encourages us to continue seeking our treasures—however we may define them—for the greater good.
2. What I’m Watching
Superman (1978). Directed by Richard Donner.
Superman, the 1978 version with Christopher Reeve, is perhaps the most nostalgic film from my childhood. Superman was the first character I experienced at the cinema—a magical world where the flicker of images on a big screen could light a child’s imagination, making anything seem possible.
The character of Superman, created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, made his debut in 1938 in Action Comics #1. The well-known story begins with scientist Jor-El, who sends his infant son, Kal-El, to Earth moments before their home planet of Krypton is destroyed. On Earth, Kal-El becomes Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter, who would eventually reveal his extraordinary abilities and emerge as Superman, the iconic hero dedicated to truth and justice. As a slice of pure, feel-good entertainment, the 1978 Superman remains unrivalled. Even the special effects hold up well today, enhancing the storytelling. The film also has what I consider John Williams’ greatest film score, accompanied by one of cinema’s greatest openings. (Take five minutes to enjoy this again!)
The enduring appeal of Superman lies in its timeless lessons, which can be appreciated more as an adult. Superman embodies many qualities, all of which are deeply human, instilled in him by his Kryptonian father, Jor-El, and his Earth father, Jonathan Kent. Despite his superhuman abilities, Superman is taught to value humility and humanity. Jor-El’s instruction to his son to “serve the good of all” acknowledges a belief in humanity’s potential for greatness and a capacity for good, which he entrusts to his son to nurture.
Superman also symbolises hope and the triumph over adversity. The real-life story of Christopher Reeve, who showed immense resilience and courage after a tragic accident left him paralysed from the shoulders down, parallels the fortitude of the on-screen hero he so famously portrayed. Superman’s journey is also about self-discovery and the power of self-belief. Even with his great powers, he is constantly challenged, reflecting the human condition. As one of my favourite writers, Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote, “We are not born to solve the problems of the universe, but find out what we have to do.”
In this sense, Superman is just as human as all of us. He transcends the boundary between myth and humanity. He reflects our highest aspirations—to rise above our perceived limitations and fears, and to aspire to our own brand of heroism. It’s not about being super in the fantastic sense, but realising our true strength lies in our capacity for compassion, resilience, and hope.
3. What I’m Contemplating
How often do we intuitively know something, only to second-guess ourselves? Reflecting on the journeys of both Santiago and Superman, as well as in our own lives, listening to and trusting our quiet inner voice is critical to our growth. That voice knows what it is we need to do and the actions that need to be taken. We need to trust it. Often, we dismiss it because we let our analytical mind take over, convincing ourselves out of our initial impulses. “I couldn’t possibly do that,” we tell ourselves, and in doing so, we argue for our limitations, and inevitably, they manifest.
Trusting your intuition helps dismantle the barriers to growth and wisdom. If your intuition nudges you to slow down or to take more time for yourself, honour it. If you’re reminded of a habit that needs attention, pay heed. Taking action based on the messages from your intuition often leads to positive experiences and a greater sense of fulfillment.
Trust your intuition more on the journey of life.
4. A Quote to note
“When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to realise the good things that happen in their lives every day the sun rises.”
- The Alchemist
5. A Question for you
Can you recall a moment when following your intuition led to an unexpected and positive outcome?
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Thanks for reading and being part of the Deep Life Journey community. Have a great weekend.
James