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When you take the time to draw on your listening-imagination, you will begin to hear this gentle voice at the heart of your life.

John O’Donohue

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This Gentle Voice

Topic: Self-Cultivation & Health

When you take the time to draw on your listening-imagination, you will begin to hear this gentle voice at the heart of your life. It is deeper and surer than all the other voices of disappointment, unease, self-criticism and bleakness.

All holiness is about learning to hear the voice of your own soul. It is always there and the more deeply you learn to listen, the greater surprises and discoveries that will unfold.

To enter into the gentleness of your own soul changes the tone and quality of your life. Your life is no longer consumed by hunger for the next event, experience or achievement. You learn to come down from the treadmill and walk on the earth. You gain a new respect for yourself and others and you learn to see how wonderfully precious this one life is. You begin to see through the enchanting veils of illusion that you had taken for reality. You no longer squander yourself on things and situations that deplete your essence. You know now that your true source is not outside you. Your soul is your true source and a new energy and passion awakens in you.

John O’Donohue

John O'Donohue, born on January 1, 1956, in County Clare, Ireland, was a poet and author recognized for his contemplative approach to spirituality and nature. His early years, surrounded by the stark beauty of the Irish landscape, had a profound impact on his life's work. He studied at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, where he completed his Ph.D. focusing on the philosophy of Hegel. O'Donohue was fluent in Irish, a skill that connected him deeply with his cultural roots and the literary heritage of his homeland.

After his ordination and time spent serving as a priest, O'Donohue shifted his focus to writing and public speaking. His works, including "Anam Cara" and "Beauty," reflect his commitment to revealing the interplay between the spiritual and the tangible. O'Donohue's philosophical background informed his writing, allowing him to present complex ideas with clarity. His books, examining the nuances of human relationships and the natural world, garnered attention for their depth and insight.

O'Donohue passed away on January 4, 2008. His contributions to the fields of philosophy, spirituality, and literature remain valued for their introspection and wisdom. His understanding of Celtic traditions and his perspective on the human experience continue to be appreciated by readers looking for substance and reflection in their contemplative pursuits.

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(1956-2008) Celtic Spirituality

O’Donohue, John. Beauty : The Invisible Embrace. New York, Perennial, 2005.

John O’Donohue


Theme: Being in Self

About This John O’Donohue Quotation [Commentary]

John O’Donohue’s reflection, “When you take the time to draw on your listening-imagination, you will begin to hear this gentle voice at the heart of your life,” invites us into a deeper relationship with our inner world. This gentle voice is a steady presence, offering guidance more reliable than the transient voices of doubt, anxiety, and self-criticism. By engaging our listening-imagination, we attune to this inner wisdom, leading us toward a more authentic and meaningful existence.

O’Donohue emphasizes that holiness is found in learning to hear the voice of our own soul. This process of deep listening is transformative, revealing insights and fostering personal growth. The soul’s voice, always present yet often obscured by external noise, holds the key to understanding our true selves. As we cultivate the ability to listen deeply, we open ourselves to the sacred dimensions of our being, aligning closely with the theme of “Being in Self.”

Entering into the gentleness of our own soul, as O’Donohue suggests, fundamentally alters our lives. It liberates us from the pursuit of external achievements and allows us to appreciate the simple beauty of existence. This shift fosters a newfound respect for ourselves and others, enhancing our ability to see life’s true essence. By recognizing that our true source of strength and inspiration lies within, we live with greater authenticity and passion. Embracing the voice of our soul reminds us that our deepest fulfillment comes from within, enriching our journey of being in self.

Additional Quotes From John O’Donohue

Excerpts from his books: Divine Beauty (Europe) / Beauty: The Invisible Embrace (US):

“When our eyes are graced with wonder, the world reveals its wonders to us. There are people who see only dullness in the world and that is because their eyes have already been dulled. So much depends on how we look at things. The quality of our looking determines what we come to see.”

―John O’Donohue, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace.

“The human soul is hungry for beauty; we seek it everywhere – in landscape, music, art, clothes, furniture, gardening, companionship, love, religion and in ourselves. No one would desire not to be beautiful. When we experience the Beautiful, there is a sense of homecoming. Some of our most wonderful memories are of beautiful places where we felt immediately at home. We feel most alive in the presence of the Beautiful for it meets the needs of our soul.”

―John O’Donohue, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace.