Publisher's Synopsis
How can I free myself from depression? Could I be brave enough to fully open my heart?
Queer identity, self-esteem, love stories and family relationships, there is a lot to unscramble for a person in their twenties and early thirties. Clem is young, smart and freshly graduated. Yet, instead of starting a career, they yearn to understand the meaning of life. And to be free from their unrelenting suffering. In an attempt to seek the truth, Clem relinquishes most of their possessions and starts a lonely quest, the travel that will change their life. They undertake both a profound inner journey and a trip around the world. This book is largely autobiographical. Through 42 poems, Clem shares some contemplations from this journey. For example, in the poems Shaky and Longing by the Sea, Clem expresses how they felt as they jumped into the unknown. In Vulnerability and Rivers and Stars, Clem shares about being willing to let go of blinders and barriers. The poems Refuge and The Three Jewels are a testimony of the developing commitment of the author to the Buddhist path. Through their aimless wanderings, Clem finds their teachers in the mountains, in the seas and in interesting people met along the way. During moments of retreats and deep introspection, they finally get a glimpse of their worthiness. Does the word "warrior" sound harsh? What is the point of proclaiming oneself as a warrior when one's deepest aspiration is to find inner peace? Eventually it makes sense. To live with an open heart that never shuts down, even in difficult situations, one needs an ample amount of courage. Warrior at Heart boils down to looking for the light within, and forgiving oneself and others. It is a story of hope, love and courage.Some of the Shambhala teachings that are being contemplated in a poetic form are the ones on basic goodness, bravery, gentleness, confidence and the genuine heart of sadness.
Some of the Buddhist teachings that are weaved through the poems are the Four Noble Truths, taking refuge, emptiness, impermanence, relative and ultimate reality, the bodhisattva ideal, our kind mothers and spiritual friends.
Clem uses their own experiences, their imagination and the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings to inspire their poetry writing. They illustrate by doing simple doodling while connecting deeply with the heart. Each poem comes with its drawing. Warrior at Heart is the first book written and illustrated by Clem.
Clem hopes their poems and illustrations will stimulate you to become a gentle warrior, or galvanise your existing warriorship!
