Touching the Flame: An Enquiry into Deep Desire

Mary Booker explores the origins, impact, constraints, and blossoming of desire in her own life, drawing on autobiographical writing, movement art, poetry, Buddhist practice, and dramatherapy skills. She considers questions such as if desire is for something other, if it always points to a deeper desire, if it always leads to suffering, if it is essential to life, and the relationship between desire and vulnerability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Triarchy Press

Mary Booker, in her captivating exploration of the intricate tapestry of desire, delves deeper into the roots and essence of this profound human emotion. Building upon her earlier inquiry into fear and vulnerability, as documented in her book "Nothing Special," Booker unveils a comprehensive guide that unravels the very nature of desire. Drawing upon her diverse talents as an autobiographical writer, movement artist, poet, Buddhist practitioner, and dramatherapy expert, she embarks on a profound journey to unravel the origins, consequences, limitations, and flourishing of desire within her own life.

Through her introspective writings, captivating movement art, poignant poetry, and profound insights drawn from Buddhist practices, Booker offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on desire. She delves into profound questions such as:

"If desire is for something other, does a sense of lack always accompany it?"
"Does one desire always point to a deeper desire?"
"Does desire always lead to suffering, as suggested in Buddhism?"
"Desire is highly motivating. How can we best access that energy?"
"Is desire by nature insatiable? Does it always seek more?"
"Is desire essential to life?"
"Why do illness and depression remove desire? Are they too absorbing?"
"What is the relationship between desire and vulnerability?"

In "Touching the Flame," Mary Booker showcases her poetic prowess by including 40 of her mesmerizing poems that delve into the depths of needs, desire, longing, Buddhism, Greco-Roman views, creativity, women's desire, and the captivating Sumerian myth of "The Descent of Inanna to the Great Below."

This captivating book serves as a profound exploration of the human psyche, offering valuable insights and wisdom that will resonate with readers seeking to understand the intricacies of desire and its profound impact on our lives.

Weight: 182g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913743680