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Transformation of being begins exactly where one is. This is, for most of us, at home. We are acted upon by objects familiar to us, influenced in unfelt ways, and moved toward a destiny proper to a responsible being. Dwelling is complemented by journeying. To live in a home is to journey on the path that leads through the home to a world beyond. A householder becomes a traveler. A traveler is a seeker after new impressions, fresh impressions of a reality that beckons. Opening to the commonplace-what stands in front of us on the daily round-we are open to the call to respond to our role as mediator between heaven and earth. Everyday Spirits is a book about self-perception.
"Appelbaum is creating a whole arena of inquiry by bringing serious and beautiful metaphysical ideas into relationship with everyday life and things. In its quiet way, it is a pioneering work, potentially quite important. The freshness and combination of philosophy and poetry make it original, bold, and gentle." — Jacob Needleman
"This is a book of remarkable tenderness and depth. It explores through the usually unnoticed features of everyday life the core of human existence. Eloquent and wise, this is a work of excellence that is a pleasure to read.
"While most books are 10 percent original insight spread through 90 percent of other stuff, this book is more than 90 percent fresh illumination. The brilliance of such originality glows. It reads beautifully, like a poetic narrative, a gentle meditation, an inviting reverie." — Robert Ginsberg, The Pennsylvania State University
Preface
Introduction
Part One Sindbad
1. Lullaby
2. The Blink
3. The Gift
4. Grip
5. Vows
6. Jack Frost
7. Daffodils
Part Two Eumaeus
8. Houseguests
9. Keys
10. The Kitchen Fire
11. The Wash
12. Money
13. Craft
14. New Year's Eve/The Feast
Part Three Siddhartha
15. The Hunter
16. Rivers/Ferries
17. Rope
18. Shadows
19. The Desert
20. Measure
21. The Bowl
Part Four Lao Tzu
22. Ink
23. The Laugh
24. Ladders
25. Wild Geese
26. The Frontier Guard
27. Wind
28. The Toast