The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life

Jaouad describes how, moving so often growing up, she learned to make friends fast but wasn’t as well-versed in sustaining these friendships. Additionally, when she went into cancer treatment at the young age of 22, she rejected the idea of a support group, not wanting to accept the identity of a cancer patient. Both of these decisions led her to feel increasingly isolated and lonely when she was in treatment, and it was reading John Green’s book, The Fault in Our Stars, that changed her perception on the need for love and deep connection.

Jaouad went on to make a friend in treatment, Anjali, a patient with the same diagnosis, same course of treatment, and same childhood stories of being an immigrant. The friendship grew into a particularly close and intense one, and while Anjali eventually passed away, Jaouad asserts that the relationship was “one of the most harrowingly beautiful and meaningful experiences of [her] life” (118). They did not share a romantic love; Jaouad asserts that this story is about a more all-encompassing definition of love which involves truly seeing and showing up for another human being. 

Armed with a lesson on the radical power of this kind of life, Jaouad went on to seek out stories and experiences of this from all the different people she met in the months that followed. She reasserts the power of love and connection, and invites the reader to engage with the essays and prompts that follow that are aimed at helping the reader find greater depths and heights of love.

“Letters from Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on the common Western experience of self-hatred, which she theorizes stems from a capitalistic society that places undue value on the productivity of an individual. She describes how she battles the resultant shame and sense of lack this often leads to in herself by writing daily letters of love to herself. She invites the reader to try one for themselves in a voice that is compassionate and affectionate.

“Darling, I Am Here For You” by Elizabeth Lesser

Elizabeth Lesser reflects on how, very often, people’s attempts at helping their loved ones who are experiencing illness can come across as overbearing. She reflects on how the greatest gift or way to help can sometimes be just presence, referencing the Vietnamese Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings. She invites the reader to write about a time when they either experienced or extended the gift of presence.

“Blessings” by Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples reflects on the importance of acknowledging the blessings in one’s life even during a tough time, and invites the reader to write about the ones in their own life.

“Doing Her Very Best” by Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham traces the life and death of Brittany Murphy, the actress made famous by the movie Clueless who eventually succumbed to substance dependency, dying of an overdose in 2009. Dunham reflects on her own journey in Hollywood and wishes she could talk to Murphy, tell her that she understood the starlet’s struggles and challenges. Dunham invites the reader to reflect on, and write about, a public figure that has fascinated them from afar.

“The Shape of Goodbye” by LaTonya Yvette

LaTonya Yvette reflects on how difficult goodbyes are, and how the manner in which a goodbye is said is important. She also reflects on how goodbyes make room for new beginnings, and asks the reader to write about a goodbye they wish they had said or need to say.

“Listening” by Esther Perel

Esther Perel reflects on the importance of listening attentively in a relationship, and how it can shape both what is said and how it is received in a conversation. She invites the reader to write about a time when they felt like they were being truly listened to, and how it made them feel.

“I Dwell in Possibility” by Rhonda Willers

Rhonda Willers describes how she once asked a young boy what his favorite color was, only to have him respond that he loved them all, even the ones he hadn’t encountered yet. Willers reflects on the joy that possibility can bring and invites the reader to write about some unknown possibilities that they anticipate in their lives which excite them.

“The Human Mycelium” by Fernando Murillo

Fernando Murillo recounts being released from prison in 2020 after 24 years of incarceration. After not having been able to see trees up close while he was in prison, he recalls staring at them in awe, further struck by the wonder of the mycelium, “that underground fungal network that sustains and enhances life” (136). Learning anew in his freedom, Murillo strives towards being part of a human mycelium that seeks out growth and hope. He asks the reader to reflect on who and what make up their personal human mycelium.

“The Gift Giver” by Beth Kephart

Beth Kephart recalls how her mother excelled at gift giving, and remembers fondly a stuffed Humpty Dumpty that her mother crafted for her. She invites the reader to write about a meaningful gift that defined their relationship with the gift-giver.

“Letter to a Stranger” by Jennifer Leventhal

Jennifer Leventhal writes a letter to a mother she once met in the waiting room of a hospital where they were both with their respective children, who were in cancer treatment. Leventhal handed the mother an extra sandwich for her son, realizing that they didn’t have the kind of resources Leventhal herself did to purchase a pricey sandwich, let alone the cancer treatment they were there for. Leventhal invites the reader to write a similar letter to a stranger, imaginary or otherwise.