Favorite Inspirational Quotes

from Moby Dick

For as this appalling ocean surrounds the verdant land, so in the soul of man there lies one insular Tahiti, full of peace and joy, but encompassed by all the horrors of the half-lived life.

Herman Melville

It took me some time after reading Dyer’s essay to become comfortable with this quote. Dyer equates the soul, the “one insular Tahiti”, and this quote to an experience where he visited the chapel of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. It is best to read his book to learn more of the experience.

The half-lived life he equates with the “trappings and the structures of the outer world.” I think what he is saying is don’t listen to all the “shoulds” and supposed strictures of society. Listen to your heart, your Tahiti, and follow it to your bliss. In your Tahiti is where peace and joy lie.

You don’t want to reach the end of your life and realize you have not lived, that you have not experienced what was here for you to experience in this time and space. Life is to be lived to the fullest expression of your heart that you are able.

What calls you? Is there not even some small way that you can work toward what your heart seeks? Look into your heart. “Be all that you can be.”

Tags: journaling