A few weeks ago, I found myself trying to explain what I write about to someone and failing miserably. (There is a reason I’m a writer, not a speaker.) I realized that part of the confusion was coming from the word, enchantment. What exactly is enchantment? What does it mean to live an enchanted life?
While I’m sure there are a lot of different definitions, I would like to take a moment to explain what enchantment means to me and why it is such an important aspect of personal happiness. In fantasy literature, an enchantment is a spell or bit of magic cast on a person that alters their perspective. The physical reality around the person does not change but the way the person perceives the world around them changes.
You have probably heard it said that true happiness comes from within. When we experience a more enchanted outlook, we aren’t focused on trying to change the world around us or our place in the world. We focus, instead, on changing our own perceptions. It is only through changing our outlook that we can truly learn to be happy.
When we live a more enchanted life, we realize that we always have a choice. We can let our reality control our perceptions, in which case we are at the whim of the moods, the fads, the weather, the push-and-pull of everything around us, to dictate what we want and how we feel. OR, we can let our perceptions control our reality, in which case we are lead by our own inner light, our own contentment, our own spark of happiness. True enchantment is being in touch with our own inner light and letting that deeper truth be the filter through which we choose to participate in the world around us.
(Source: The Encyclopedia of Fantasy, Clute and Grant: Enchantment)
October 20, 2016 at 10:03 am
Love this post! First, I can really relate to “being a writer, not a speaker!” I have never been one to give a good “elevator speech” about my writing, either. But I really love the idea of an “enchanted outlook.” I’m also a fantasy enthusiast. Enchantment is a great perspective to bring to life, because it involves curiosity, playfulness, and including things in your life that make you feel alive.
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October 20, 2016 at 10:54 am
I’m glad you liked it- it’s such a fun topic to write about. I think I have actually felt more vibrant since I started writing about enchantment; fantasy can’t not make you happy, in my opinion.
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October 20, 2016 at 7:25 pm
For real. There’s something in fantasy for everyone. We’re coming up on Halloween, for crying out loud (in the U.S. at least)…although some believe not all of Halloween is a fantasy…but therein lies the delight of enchantment because some of us may feel that the border between fantasy and reality can be blurry 😉
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November 3, 2016 at 12:02 pm
enchantment, brings a smile, naturally to the lips as I say the word aloud. lovely explanation. a lighthearted exploration of life…
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November 3, 2016 at 12:24 pm
Thanks. It certainly puts a smile on my face.
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November 10, 2016 at 10:11 am
If there’s one thing this neurotic, shrink-wrapped, consumption-obsessed world needs, it’s enchantment.
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November 10, 2016 at 10:50 am
Haha soooo true. Thanks.
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November 19, 2016 at 3:57 pm
Love this! During my time at graduate school to get my Master of Divinity, we talked about Christianity as a way of having an “enchanted outlook” on the world. I love the ties between fantasy and reality here! Looking forward to reading more!
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November 19, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Thank you- and thank you for pointing that out as well. Where I grew up, I was taught that enchantment or “magic” had nothing to do with faith, but to me, the I can’t picture faith without it. It is that inner light that keeps our spirits vibrant and our hearts full of hope.
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November 22, 2016 at 9:49 pm
I’m glad you discussed enchantment. It’s nothing something we (I) think about much, and I don’t really look for it. You’ve given me some things to think about, and a new perspective. Thanks for that. 🙂
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November 22, 2016 at 10:07 pm
You are welcome. It is a perspective that has enriched my life and I hope it will enrich yours as well.
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December 8, 2016 at 3:23 am
I love that you write about enchantment as a change in perception. This world offers us so much with which we can be enchanted. Lately I’ve had a hard time allowing myself to be enchanted by the things I have always loved. Your post is a reminder that no matter what the reality may be there’s always room for enchantment.
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December 8, 2016 at 10:22 am
I’ve been having a hard time too lately. I think it is times like these when doing so is the hardest, but when it is the most important as well.
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January 14, 2017 at 5:26 am
Thank you. For me this felt a little like coming home. Ever since I decided to see the world through my eyes and not that of the media (or society in general) my life has been enchanted. It’s hard work and there is resistant from those around me (not those nearest and dearest, thankfully) that I face from time to time but my life is happier and much easier. My perception is my guide and I trust it.
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January 14, 2017 at 12:22 pm
I’m glad it resonated with you. Thanks for stopping by!
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January 15, 2017 at 7:50 pm
Beautiful post, and if you don’t know how to speak it, you certainly know how to write it 😀
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January 15, 2017 at 8:45 pm
Thank you! I’m always glad when the concept resonates with people, whether spoken or written.
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March 25, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Anyone that is depending on magic spells and so called powers from within NEED deliverance this is demonic and whoever is involved in enchantment, divination, encantation, candle magic, yoga and witchcraft, etc. needs spiritual deliverance. Your souls are in jeopardy, read your bibles before it’s too late!!!
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March 29, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Just for the record because I have been asked this before, I do use the word magic as a metaphor for happiness, not in a spiritual sense. However, I know that I have readers of all faiths and encourage finding life’s enchantment in whichever way is the most meaningful to them.
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May 1, 2017 at 11:57 pm
Such an enchanting piece of literature. Hope to see more of your writing in the near future. Thank you so much for the follow at Gastradamus. Your thoughts are needed. Our new short story is called infant rice and if you comment and share you thoughts. Than I would be more than happy to promote your blog. Hope to see your enchanting words at my blog.
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May 2, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Thank you very much! I will be sure to check out your new story.
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May 2, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Can’t wait to hear what you think
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June 24, 2017 at 1:52 pm
I just like saying the word enchantment. It has a magic about it all its own!
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June 27, 2017 at 3:38 pm
I agree! 😉
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June 28, 2017 at 2:26 am
Hello, I nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award at https://valuesimplicity.wordpress.com/2017/06/24/simply-beautiful-morning/ Blessings-Onyx.Natasha
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June 28, 2017 at 2:44 am
I’m so sorry, I gave you the wrong address to the nomination page, here is the correct address for the nomination!
https://valuesimplicity.wordpress.com/2017/06/28/my-answers-to-mystery-blogger-questions-my-award-nominees/
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