Maui author shares a journey towards self-realization.Bob Pedersen, Maui author, photographer, poet and artist, believes that inside each of us is an interior garden awaiting the seeds of awareness to be planted and cultivated. In his book, Seeds of Awareness: A Journey Towards Self-Realization, Pedersen invites us collectively to share the experience of entering this garden and “bring about a peaceful harmony in ourselves and to this planet.” First published in 1998, this book is well on its way to becoming a Maui classic.
When asked, “What are the seeds of awareness?” Pedersen speaks, naturally enough, as a gardener. “Consider the concept of a seed. It must open, be watered, nurtured and finally grow into expression. These seeds in us must be awakened and expanded to universal meaning. That is how the book took form. I always wanted to write the Great American Novel, but this poetry came in while I was taking pictures, and then they combined and stimulated each other, which gave greater depth to each one.”
Pedersen explains the movement one often feels in reading Seeds of Awareness. “My book describes a process leading us towards a greater universal and spiritual awakening. My words are simple and rather abstract, but they contain a spiritual purity that unfolds into many layers as they are traveled through. They are words existing as a vehicle for stimulation and growth, as the most profound truth resonates from within, not imposed from outside.”
“Each phrase and image has been created to be pondered and meditated on, allowing simplicity to blossom and become abundant,” Pedersen explained in the book’s Introduction. He speaks of truth and embracing it. “Miracles,” he said, “happen when we become aware of life’s meaning, remember our eternal ties and transcend our differences.”
Even the glossary at the back of Pedersen’s book is fascinating. Key words from his poetic contemplations are given with parallel translations in English, Kanji, Romaji and Sanskrit, together with his own symbolic impressions, to bring out subtle shades of meaning. Simply browsing the list, you soon connect the ancient aura of these words with the poetry and photography and realize how all the elements of the book harmonize.
The book’s purpose is not mysterious. “It is to teach and fill hearts with warm awakening to an awareness of oneself and the world we are journeying through,” explained Pedersen. “By searching beyond that which we directly perceive, we are brought to the boundaries of our own existence and to our connectedness to each other.” He encourages every reader to co-create and personalize this book: he left blank pages on which to write or sketch your thoughts while meditating.
Seeds of Awareness is the culmination of Pedersen’s own inner and outer searching that covered 14 countries more than ten years prior to is publication. Pedersen loves to tell of his travels “from New York City to the Far East, to India, Thailand, Laos and then to Hawai‘i, where the creative forces came together. After three months in Hana spent camping and meditating, the book idea jelled.”
The photographs he captured in different locales and cultures around the world turn out to record not only his travels, but also his unique inner vision. “A life force blended together and the Universal Truths shared by all of life’s creations became apparent,” he said. Such vision enables him to foresee a time of “greater understanding of human nature and the potential we all hold for a life of greater significance.” He hopes that all schools of thought are someday brought into one arena, allowing us the opportunity to find the threads of common truth vitalizing our shared journey.
One of the best aspects of this inspiring book is its enduring appeal, which persists even after many readings, as new revelations continue appearing. The attractiveness of the book makes you want to give it to all of your book-loving friends.
When asked about his personal experience in writing Seeds of Awareness, Pedersen answered, “I tried to capture the essence of each subject and to communicate both its uniqueness and its likeness to all the beauty and blessings which bind us. The most touching thing has been to see people’s reaction to the book, to hear it has made a difference in their lives, and that their children love it as well.”
Currently Pedersen indulges his love of the ocean by working on the snorkel tour boat Maui Magic. He has been involved with the Maui Writers Conference for many years as well as Toastmasters. When asked about his next project, he reported, “A six-month hike along the Appalachian Trail should hopefully produce future books.”
Obviously, his journey continues, no doubt to his readers’ delight.
Seeds of Awareness: A Journey Towards Self-Realization is available for purchase at Upcountry Legends in Makawao, The Hana Hotel Spa Boutique and Borders Books & Music in Kahului.
For more information, go to AwareArt.com