Preface

Copyright

The written material in this book may be reproduced freely, with the following conditions:

All credit for the content of this book, whether reproduced in whole or part, must be given to the author, Jason Remfrey. Any and all proceeds gained are to be used only to recoup expenses, with no profit taken. This material may be translated into other languages. The translation must be faithful to the original.

Published by:

ISBN:
978-1-0670247-0-3 (Pbk)
978-1-0670247-1-0 (PDF)

Sixth Edition

Acknowledgments

Original artwork by Gerard Coe
Back cover “Paua” artwork by Chris Brown
Cover photo “As I hear the Tui’s call” and other photography by Jason Remfrey

Introduction

From nearly 25 years of note taking, the quotations and phrases contained within these pages were not so much “thought up”, but rather inspired by interesting and often quirky everyday experiences.

Often with a spiritual hue, writing these down when the “light bulb” went on allowed this book to evolve into what it is now.

Quote

As sure as we learn by travelling the path of life,

As sure as we are supported and guided by those around us,

With a little help from above, we will discover that love, happiness, and joy, not only exists in the arms of another, but also within us, independent of anyone else.
Jason Remfrey

Sixth Edition

Dedication, Explanation

To all those who have helped shape this book into what it is now, with a café chat, a random meeting, or the perfect word heard from someone unknown, thank you so much. And to family, friends, and everyone who have been there and supported me throughout my journey, I am more than grateful.

If you find but a few words in this book that you can relate to, that you enjoy, or that you are reminded of on another day, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

A note, there are quite a few references to ‘God’ throughout this book, but I’m not at all religious, although I do know what it’s like (going back to the 90’s) to “have the blinkers on”, bordering on fanatical even, giving 110% to the spiritual way of life. Actually, it was quite good fun. But learning some valuable lessons after a life crisis or three helped me become a far better person, with more empathy than I had before, some compassion to go with it, and plenty of material to write scores of poems in the future.

I try to temper my enthusiasm, but I can’t help but share my thoughts and feelings of a Creator who I consider to be a good (and sometimes cheeky) friend, although it has taken me seemingly a lifetime before I could see Him (or Her) in that way. Previously, such a concept was both overawing and seemingly unreachable, to ever hope to become a reality.

So yes, I’m certainly not trying to convert anyone! Apologies if it comes across that way. Please, a flat white and a good chat any day 🙂

Sixth Edition

Authors note

by Jason Remfrey
Hutt Valley
New Zealand

Starting a spiritual journey, as people sometimes do in a variety of diverse and interesting ways, for me began in 1992. Learning about meditation, yoga, rituals and practises, eastern mystics, and more, even travelling to India on my own to meet my then guru. So many wonderful, meaningful memories.

In 1994, I left that behind and became involved in a teaching based in Auckland. With friends, I continued to learn and grow as a person, letting go of the negative aspects of my previous yoga.

From there, in 1998, alone one evening, with nothing but a backpack on my back and cassettes to take with me, I had an experience where I felt connected to God, became aware of who He was and His true loving nature, gaining the belief in a positive future that awaits us all, for everyone, without exception. From then, my world-view changed, and I gained a newfound optimism and sense of purpose.

What’s written in this book is inspired from my own spiritual journey, and even given all of my own flaws, imperfections, and limited life-experience, I remind myself, and am reminded, that I can learn something from anyone, that everyone has a story, and that everyone’s story is as important as the next. This book of quotations and inspirations is a part of my own.

Sixth Edition

On to the next section: https://jasonremfrey.com/writing/fuel/quotations/