Introduction

Remember when life felt magical? When every day seemed to hold some discovery, some fascination to unfold? Where did that feeling go? Why are we left with this creeping sense that something's...missing? In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, we rush past details that once would have stopped us in our tracks. We've got bills to pay, emails to answer, places to be. No time for nonsense like stargazing or believing in magic anymore, right? Except maybe life feels kinda flat without those little bursts of awe and delight. Focusing only on productivity and rationality, we have become disconnected from the magic that exists all around us. We have become disenchanted! But what if enchantment is a choice? What if wonder still lurks around every corner, waiting for our attention to reveal it? What if we could reawaken that childlike awe for the world? 

In her lyrical memoir Enchantment, Katherine May shares how she rekindled her own sense of fascination and meaning. Through deepening her connection to nature, engaging in rituals and reflection, and above all, paying reverent attention, May shows us how to fall in love with the world once more. 

To reconnect with life's magic, May looked inward through nature's four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. Let's start with earth, since that's where May began.

Summary

Children see mystery in shadows, a universe in afternoons, and stones as treasures. While us adults have forgotten how to perceive magic in the mundane. But enchantment waits patiently to be roused. Katherine May showed that rituals, knowledge, and attention resuscitate wonder. Engaging earth, water, fire and air kindles an inner glow that illuminates the world. Rediscover magic hidden in plain sight. Disenchantment dissolves when you notice nature's subtle magic, cast over every stone, leaf and star.

Embrace the Nourishing Energy of Earth

For almost all of us, life's become just one long slog. May knew this grind all too well. Parenting and working through the pandemic was no picnic. She needed a little magic. So, she started taking daily walks to a stone circle in a nearby field. The circle itself wasn't ancient or mystical - it was public art installed recently. But still, the rhythm of walking it soothed May's soul. The simple ritual of the walk began to feel meaningful....