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Throughout the pages of Enlightenment, author Edwin Freeman presents the reader with a host of poetic pieces drawn straight from the pages of everyday life. Touching on everything from love to hate to life to death to the perpetual search for true happiness, Enlightenment expounds on the various thoughts, feelings, and experiences with which we are all more than familiar. As such, it serves as a moving self-help guide for those who continue to struggle with the typical challenges of everyday living.
Freeman backs many of his pieces with biblical scripture, lending a strong spiritual undercurrent to the volume. Furthermore, he supplements his reflections with pointed reminders of the importance of discovering one's true power, which lies deep within each of us. In so doing, Freeman seeks to inspire readers to strive to overcome the various problems endemic to modern society in an effort to experience the lasting love and contentment that the Creator has reserved for us all. The journey is certainly not an easy one to make, but, as Freeman seeks to remind us, the destination is well worth the troubled effort.
Equally uplifting and eye-opening, Enlightenment is a subtly powerful poetic collection. An encouraging read.
Wendy Paulson
Apex Reviews
KLunjuL9
Posted March 18, 2011
Enlightenment: An Inward Journey Through Life's Rough Terrain by Edwin Freeman, is a quick read, yet will help one on the path to "Enlightenment". Freeman presents the fact that enlightenment is not simply a sole ideal principle of Buddhism, but a way to open up the eyes, mind, body and soul to walking on a path of positivity. Enlightenment blends traditional free verse style poetry with Biblical verses to present the theme that everything is governed by a higher power, and that one should simply take the time to listen to their inner voice. Freeman's book deals with themes that everyone has faced including death, suffering, peace, hate, love, justice, and more. In his writing style he manages to transcend the barriers of race, ethnicity, economic status and religion to present views and questions which are universal and not just fixed within a particular culture. At certain points Freeman uses a personal narrative style, such as in his poem "The Death of a Loved One", which gives the reader a glimpse of another side of his personality. The line which stands out most in this particular poem is "Life is but a mirror. You smile and you get a smile back." Life is indeed like a mirror, and Freeman relates that you can't change destiny, but you can most certainly influence how you deal and react to it. In the end Enlightenment inspires readers to think on a level of 'can do', not 'can't do' in terms of what one chooses to pursue in life. Freeman also stresses that in finding yourself and becoming motivated to find your purpose in life, it simply can not be done without following the Creator. Although all verses at the poem's conclusion come from the Christian Bible, those of other religions whether it be Judaism, Islam or the religion of Buddhism can still connect. Enlightenment is a great, thought-provoking book that will inspire and motivate the reader, while at the same time forcing the reader to open their eyes and really think about life.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Enlightenment: An Inward Journey Through Life's Rough Terrain, by Edwin Freeman, is a quick, yet inspirational read that helps condition the mind into thinking positive thoughts. The author uses verses from the Bible to supplement his poetry, the use of which adds a spiritual dimension tAo this self-help compilation. Enlightenment is unique in that it conveys its message of self-help through poetry.
Edwin Freeman's mastery of words is on full display as he portrays themes such as death, suffering, peace, hate, love, justice, and more. More than anything else, Freeman addresses common dilemmas faced by contemporary society and the importance of finding one's self. He states, "The mission in life is to reach within to our unlimited source of power that the Creator has deposited with each and every one of us."
Underlying his poetry are pertinent questions that plague the world today. For example, his first poem titled "Why?" hammers away at the negativity in the world. "Why do we hate? Why do people try to live other people's lives? Why do people fear change?" Selfishness and greed have become almost a defining element of modern society. While Freeman addresses the problems that plague us as humans, he presses the point that truth is impossible to find without a belief in the divinity of the Creator.
The "Learn in Life" selection by Freeman is particularly captivating because of the rhythm of the piece. While Freeman is preaching to his audience, it doesn't feel as such. It is soothing and pleasing to the ear. Immerse yourself into the first few lines, and embrace the cadence:
In life we must learn to change and grow
In life we must learn to Love and let go
In life we must learn to strive for the best
In life we must learn that everyday is a test
Ultimately, Freeman's poetry provides the opportunity for today's world to do some soul searching and see if it can't awaken the inner spirit of good. Freeman uses the verse, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his Love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us," to demonstrate that within us resides a spirit so pristine and powerful that by awakening it, we will transform evil into good.
Overall, Freeman's knack with words is commendable. His writings truly seem to be inspired, and will succeed in inspiring others. This is a great, thought-provoking read that promises to touch the hearts of all who are open to its truths.
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