The Call: Discovering Why You Are Here

by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Following in the tradition of The Invitation and The Dance, The Call is based on an inspirational poem, exploring how to live well, and continue to live a life full of integrity, commitment, happiness and passion. The Call continues the inspiring work create by Oriah Mountain Dreamer in her previous best selling books The Invitation and The Dance. In The Call she takes her message to deeper levels which will appeal to both her long term followers and new readers alike. Each chapter of this book begins with a line from her new poem, and explores our ability to open up to the adventure of living.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Poetry, Philosophy, Personal Growth, Religion, Self Help

Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Oriah is first and foremost a story-teller, a lover of words and symbols and the stories that lift our spirits, open our hearts and offer us ways to see patterns and create meaning in our lives. The focus of her life and work has been an on-going inquiry into the Sacred Mystery. Her writing, teaching and personal journey all explore how we can each become the individual we are at the deepest level of being and how we can co-create meaning together in the world. Blending humor, insight and compassion for our human struggles Oriah encourages herself and others to be ruthlessly honest and infinitely kind toward our own strengths and our weaknesses.

Raised in a small community in Northern Ontario, Oriah’s family encouraged her to bring her questions and explorations to the Christian tradition they espoused. At home in the wilderness she was drawn to and at home in the ceremonies and earth-based teachings of the First People’s, eventually teaching and sharing what she learned. Her daily practice includes ceremonial prayer, yoga, meditation and writing. A graduate of Ryerson University’s social work program (Toronto) and a student of Philosophy at the University of Toronto she has facilitated groups, offered classes and counselled individuals for over thirty-five years. The mother of two grown sons, Oriah lives in Toronto, Canada.

Reviews

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The call’ is the moving and stunning conclusion to an epic trilogy that began with ‘the invitation’ and continued with ‘the dance’. This is a book that opens a window into your heart and which delves down into the very depths of ones soul, exploring what we know of ourselves through the eyes of other people thus handing us a mirror to look into. It helps the reader to explore who they are as an individual by understanding ultimately what it means to be human, by what makes us unique, distinctive and most singular as human beings. By letting go you are able to be honest with yourself and through courage find out much more than you would have thought possible, which will shock you, surprise you and touch your heart. This by far has to be one of the most truth-drawing books that I have ever encountered, where the author reaches out to you with her brave humanity as a poet and lover with such skin-and-bone honesty, that I found to be most personal. You are nourished by all the wisdom that she carries as you begin to learn so much about life and yourself in it, with such vision that gives light to the darkness. I found myself re-evaluating my actions and thoughts on life and on myself, which led to the most life changing consequences that all took place because of a decision that I had made since reading this remarkable book, hence I now certainly hope to be as proactive as I possibly can be. I was touched by how much of herself the author puts within her work, so as to give it more meaning and depth of feeling. Even the reader who feels most contented within their minds and who are sure of themselves and their futures, I do strongly urge that they read this book as it would certainly have an impact on any reader’s life. Self discovery is the most challenging subject matter to discuss as an author and writer but also to read, and to those who take the first few steps to reading this will undoubtedly be greatly rewarded and will find much enjoyment as well from such breathtaking writing. This is a book that will find a special place within your heart.

[Lisa P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Lots of little truths jumped out at me and the synchronicities I saw between Oriah's life and my own were uncanny.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, quality self-introspection with suggested meditations. Love everything by this author.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have needed to read The Call a second time because I didn't remember reading it the first time until I opened the book. The Call did not disappoint the second time around, and, in fact, seems to get better . . . as I age. There are so many insights that I decided to write them in my journal in hopes of retaining the message(s). More than anything, the book holds space for liminality while we're in between moving through the physical reality and the reality that the Divine calls us to be.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure what kept me to the end of the book. I have not walked away with any piece of vital information, but rather, a giant shrug with my hands up looking at the expansive sky. She is an interesting person to listen to, but not edifying other than by trying very hard, herself, to do life differently and see things differently with God leading the way, so inspiring at least.

[Devika Koppikar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not that impressed with this book. The first two chapters seemed to be about the author going on a retreat and putting herself at the brink of starvation and exhaustion. I read this during an overseas trip, and this really wasn’t what I wanted to read about it. I did not finish it.

[Angie Millgate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one that I read over and over.

[Nancy Hughes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this book at all

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago I read and loved Oriah's The Invitation and eagerly moved on to starting to read The Call, but quickly became bored and didn't finish it. This time around, I am in a very different place and I resonated deeply with The Call, savoring all her words and wisdom. The Call is an important book but not an easy one to read and connect with. The deep wisdom Oriah shares runs contrary to everything our culture demands of us: the primary theme running through this book is to connect deeply with one's essence and let all action arise from being in the present moment rather than from a drive to be "doing" things. This echos exactly where I am in my life right not -- realizing that the "doing" mode I have been in for so long is no longer working for me -- and thus Oriah's words spoke right to my core. This book will resonate if you feel receptive to the idea of living more in the present moment and letting go of cultural expectations around "doing" and being productive all the time.

[Mary K · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author indicates in the beginning of this book that there are really no new insights she can share, but that each of us have our own stories and experiences, and by the latter true statement, I’m prepared to hear hers. The problem is that even her experiences or stories aren’t all that unique, nor are her insights. It’s certainly not a terrible book and for those who don’t read a lot of spirituality, it will probably rate an additional star. But there was nothing new - or freshly presented - here for me.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've owned a copy of this book for a while and I decided to finally read it has part of my Lenten journey. I really appreciated this book because Oriah really focuses on the reality that we are human and we're going to do human things while walking our path. What this book doesn't offer is easy answers which might turn people off. If you're looking for Oriah to tell you what you're call is then you're going to be disappointed. Only we can determine what our call is and only we can discern what we want to do with our call.

[WR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a spiritual person but was taken by the poem, The Invitation, which a colleague had sent tocme, and decided to listen to this audiobook (and also plan to read The Dance). Helps me in my mindfulness journey.

[Marianne Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I really appreciated the gentle way Oriah weaves in her personal stories with lessons and things to think about. It's a book I have underlined a lot, and one I will return to as a gift for self exploration, sacred healing, and awakening my consciousness.

[Lauren Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

My expectations to find my purpose wasn't fulfilled as expected but granted me a deeper understanding of what needs to be done to truly find my purpose. It inspired me to even start writing my own story, to rest and let things be.
Excellent read. I love Oriah's books❤️

[Cheryl Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oriah's books are surely written from her heart. There are lots of good messages therein. I especially loved her first book, "The Invitation". Her books should be read slowly, taking time to absorb the contents & indeed meditating upon the teachings. What's meant to speak to you, will.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful in my efforts in be in the now and release all efforts at controlling what is not mine to control.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oriah has a way of putting all these thoughts and philosophies into a way that I get; easy to put into practice.

[Zlati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-opening book!

[Rita Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was given to me by an acquaintance named Apprentice at HEP

[Sally Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this when it was first published - and have enjoyed discovering it again

[Maria Iliffe-Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every page spoke to me. 😊🙏

[Boris Milevoj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meditacija in vadnica za življenje.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. I continued my journey with Oriah and felt a deep sense of peace.

[Holly Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retreat 2017

[Anna-maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this small but powerful book. Oriah models openness and dares to go beyond what we all think are our limitations. She takes us on her personal journey and shows us that commitment to self is critical to leading a healthy and happy life. One line in particular jumped off the page. It went something like this. Are you willing to break a promise to someone else in order to be true to yourself? Oriah is very real and honest with her humanity and teaches us how important it is to be real and honest with our own and with eachoher's. Thank you Oriah.

[pianogal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a thought provoking book. I liked some of the questions she ponders. I don't agree with all her mythology/theology, but she's still a fairly grounded, realistic person.

I do wish I'd read the trilogy in order tho. I think this is the third but I read it first. Oh well...

[k8beeZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oriah's stuff is just amazing. I liked this one a great deal!

[Sharon]

interesting, not what I was looking for.

[Marianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should remember that I'm not really fond of new age books. The chapter on Your Word was the only one that I actually read...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many interesting points to ponder, especially what is my word- listen.