Project Awaken
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Every generation has its prophets, poets, and sages. Men and women with an innate and unique gift to sense, comprehend, and express the deepest and most profound Truths about life and reality. These peoples gifts are used to bless and awaken humanity to the principles and experiences that enable us to walk in true abundance and tranquility. In our day, Paulo Coelho, author of the mega-blockbuster “The Alchemist” has risen to be one of the most influential and yet one of the least public of these sages. Paulo’s beloved parable has sold more than 65 million copies, and translated into 80 languages, more than any other book by a living author. Numerous celebrities like Julia Roberts, Madonna, Will Smith, Pharrell and President Clinton have all called The Alchemist their favorite book.
Last month, I too decided to take time to read through The Alchemist and was instantly swept away by the clarity and poignancy of the truths that are communicated. The simple story of one boys search for meaning and purpose spoke with precision to my soul and taught me the lessons that I have always known deep within but had rarely ever consciously embraced. Within a week I had finished the book and was at the bookstore picking up copies of Paulo’s other books, such as The Witch of Portobello and his newest release Adultery. All of his books are easy to read and even easier to comprehend, and the simplicity of the parables Paulo creates has a way of wrapping the reader into the story and carrying us along as Paulo teaches us the wisdom of the ages. His teachings aren’t unique and they certainly aren’t new, but the way he expresses them with such clarity helps the truths to cut us to our core and change the way we exist in the world.
Despite Paulo’s monumental success as a writer, he does not make a lot of public appearances. But next Sunday on the Oprah Winfrey Network, Paulo will sit down with Oprah Winfrey for the first of a two part show to discuss his life, work, and wisdom on the Emmy award-winning show Super Soul Sunday. Oprah visits with Paulo from his home in the picturesque city of Geneva, Switzerland, discussing how his colorful and rebellious upbringing influenced the man he is today, and how following his heart’s desire has positioned him as one of the most successful authors in the world. In his first ever interview on American television, Paulo tells Oprah about the process of writing “The Alchemist,” and how the story of the shepherd boy pursuing his treasure is a universal metaphor for life.
Project: Awaken has formed a new relationship with our good friends at OWN and super excited to be able to share an exclusive sneak-peak of Oprah’s historic interview with Paulo. In the following clip, Paulo discusses the importance of courage and the language of the Universe. I am sure that this little nugget of wisdom will be enough to whet your appetite for what is to come next week on Super Soul Sunday!
Paulo Coelho is certainly one of the most insightful spiritual voices in our age and I am so looking forward to reading his new book Adultery and to seeing his full, two-part interview on Super Soul Sunday! The two-part season premiere of “Super Soul Sunday,” featuring international bestselling author Paulo Coelho, airs Sunday, September 7 and 14 at 11 a.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
Next Sunday we will be doing a LIVE chat on Twitter during the premier of Super Soul Sunday on OWN, talking about the interview and our own personal “Ah-ha!” moments! We hope you’ll join us at @awakenproject
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