Seeker's Circle Club

Every now and then, I remind myself how important it is to give my mind a break from technical books and heavy study. To lose myself in a story, to let my imagination wander beyond the here and now. Recently, I felt the pull to do just that—and The Alchemist immediately came to mind. I had loved it so much years ago, and I wondered how it would feel to revisit it now, after so many new chapters in my own life. As expected, I was transported all over again. Reading it a second time, I found it just as inspiring—maybe even more. The Alchemist is a story about dreams, synchronicities, trust, and the beauty that unfolds when we have the courage to follow our hearts. It reminds us that when we align with our deepest desires, life itself conspires to guide us toward our destiny. It’s a simple story, yet so full of wisdom. About The Alchemist  Written by Paulo Coelho and first published in 1988, The Alchemist tells the story of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who dreams of a hidden treasure buried near the Egyptian pyramids. Trusting in his dream, he sets off on a journey filled with signs, omens, challenges, and inner revelations. Along the way, Santiago meets a king, an Englishman, a beautiful desert woman named Fatima, and the mysterious Alchemist himself—all of whom teach him lessons about faith, destiny, love, and the Soul of the World. At its core, The Alchemist reminds us that the true treasure often lies not at the destination, but within the journey itself—and within us. Key Themes:  • Following your dreams • Trusting intuition and omens • Perseverance through challenges • The unity of all creation • Love as a guiding force • Inner transformation Reflection Questions for Book club discussions: 1. What is Santiago's recurring dream, and how does it set the stage for his journey? 2. How do the characters Melchizedek and the Alchemist help Santiago on his quest? 3. What are the challenges Santiago faces as he travels to Egypt? 4. What is the significance of the Soul of the World in the story? 5. How does Santiago's love for Fatima influence his decisions? 6. What lessons does Santiago learn from the crystal merchant and the Englishman? 7. How does the Alchemist convince Santiago to return to his homeland despite being close to the treasure? 8. What is the symbolic meaning of the final scene where Santiago finds treasure? 9. How does the novella explore the concept of omens and listening to signs? 10. In what ways does The Alchemist challenge the idea of material wealth being the ultimate treasure? Have you read The Alchemist before? Was it different for you reading it now compared to earlier in your life? I would love to hear your reflections, favorite quotes, and the treasures you uncovered in this story!

I’ll be honest—I don’t remember every detail of Surviving Picasso, but I do remember that I enjoyed it, and mostly because I love anything Anthony Hopkins does. Even without recalling every scene, his portrayal of Picasso left a strong impression—compelling, layered, and as always, remarkable. Hopkins has a way of fully inhabiting every character he plays, and this role was no exception. I’m writing this post not so much to break down the film, but to celebrate the genre it belongs to: biographical films about famous artists, which I truly love. There's something about witnessing the intersection of genius and chaos, passion and pain, that always captures my attention. These films often offer more than just a history lesson—they open windows into the minds and hearts of those who created beauty, while often struggling deeply in their personal lives. Surviving Picasso, directed by James Ivory, explores the relationship between Françoise Gilot, a young, gifted artist, and Pablo Picasso, the iconic and deeply complicated painter. The film focuses less on Picasso's paintings (they couldn’t show his most famous works for legal reasons) and more on the emotional landscape of his relationship with Gilot—her sacrifices, her struggle for independence, and her eventual decision to walk away from his consuming presence. This film is a quiet tribute to the courage it takes to love a genius, and even more so, the courage it takes to leave one. What the Film is About Set in post-war France, Surviving Picasso follows Françoise Gilot as she enters into a passionate and ultimately painful relationship with Pablo Picasso. As his muse and lover, she experiences both the brilliance of his mind and the controlling, possessive nature of his personality. The story is told primarily through her perspective, focusing on her personal and artistic journey, and how she finds her own voice despite Picasso’s overwhelming influence. Themes in Surviving Picasso • Art and Ego – The thin line between genius and self-absorption • Feminine Independence – Gilot’s struggle to be seen as more than just a muse • Love and Power – The imbalance that can exist in relationships involving fame and influence • Emotional Cost of Greatness – The toll of living beside someone so consumed by their art • Breaking Free – The courage to walk away from both love and legacy Questions for Reflection & Movie Club Discussion 1. How did the film portray the emotional toll of Picasso’s personality on his lovers? 2. Do you think Françoise Gilot made the right decision in leaving Picasso? Why or why not?Since the film couldn’t show Picasso’s most famous artworks, did that impact the story for you? 3. Would you describe Picasso as a romantic hero, a genius, or a selfish user of women—or some complex mix of all? 4. How does the film show the tension between Gilot’s need for independence and her deep love for Picasso? Even if I can’t remember every frame, Surviving Picasso is worth watching—especially if you love artist biopics, layered characters, and quiet reflections on what it means to live beside a creative force. Have you seen it? What stayed with you? Let’s talk about love, art, and the high cost of genius. Where to watch : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117791/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

"Joy and sorrow are inseparable... together they come, and when one sits alone with you... remember that the other is asleep upon your bed." I had never heard of Kahlil Gibran until 2022, when I traveled to Lebanon. One of the most memorable parts of that trip was a day visit to his home near the Sacred Valley in northern Lebanon. Walking through the spaces he once lived and created in—years after his passing—felt incredibly special and intimate. It was a day filled with inspiration, peace, and profound connection. I even brought home a small reproduction of one of his paintings that now rests near my altar. Every time I see it, it moves something deep inside me, taking me right back to that joyful day. Kahlil Gibran’s beginnings were humble. Born in 1883 in the mountain village of Bsharri, Lebanon, he was shaped by the beauty of nature, the spiritual traditions of Maronite Christianity, and ancient Middle Eastern wisdom. At age 12, he emigrated to Boston with his family, bridging two worlds—the mysticism of the East and the intellectual freedom of the West. Although English was not his first language, he fell in love with its expressive beauty, blending it with his artistic soul to write simple yet deeply emotional truths. His life itself feels like a mirror of the Venture Beyond ethos we celebrate here at Seekers Circle: crossing boundaries, embracing duality, living between worlds, and creating bridges of wisdom and love. When The Prophet was published in 1923, Gibran was about 40 years old. He considered it his life’s great masterpiece. The book wasn’t an instant success, but over time, it became one of the most translated and beloved spiritual works of all time—passed hand to hand by those whose hearts it touched. Today, as I revisit The Prophet, I feel the same awe. His writing—so rich with longing, beauty, and soulful depth—uplifts me still. His reflections on love, sorrow, joy, and the journey of life are timeless. One of my favorite lines: "Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." Or this one, speaking to the interconnectedness of all things: "All things in creation exist within you, and all things in you exist in creation. There is no border between you and the closest things, and no distance between you and the farthest things. All exist within you." It’s hard to pick a favorite passage because each section is a meditation in itself. His prose feels like a prayer—gentle, sorrowful at times, but always luminous. About The Prophet A series of poetic sermons shared by a wise man named Almustafa, The Prophet explores life’s most profound themes: love, joy and sorrow, work, freedom, pain, friendship, and death. Each chapter distills universal truths into language that speaks to the soul. It reminds us that no experience stands alone; all emotions and seasons of life are sacred parts of our journey. Key Themes: • Love and vulnerability • Joy and sorrow as companions • Work as love made visible • Freedom through responsibility • Unity with the greater whole Reflection Questions for Book Club Circle: • Which passage or theme resonated most deeply with you? • How does Gibran’s view of joy and sorrow shift your own understanding of life's seasons? • What does it mean to you that “all things exist within you”? • Where in your life are you being called to embrace both beauty and pain as sacred? As I write this, I can still feel the warmth and wonder of that trip.I feel compelled to share some of the photos I took that day in 2022 at Gibran’s home—pictures that captured not just a beautiful place, but a feeling I carry in my heart. I hope you enjoy them. They certainly bring back very special memories for me. With love and remembrance, Daniela. I bought this tiny reproduction of one of his scketches and it’s been in my reading nook ever since.