Henry Miller was a writer and artist who tested the boundaries of the literary world by incorporating mysticism, self-enquiry and philosophy into his work. Here are 7 Provocative Henry Miller Quotes That Will Ignite Your Soul
He was so controversial in fact, that in 1938 the American government banned one of his books for being in opposition to what was perceived to be moral at the time.
7 Provocative Henry Miller Quotes That Will Ignite Your Soul
1- One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
– Henry Miller
Our life journey can be shifted and altered at any time based on our perception, awareness and ability – or courage – to apply critical thinking to what it is we are experiencing. When we realise that we all have the power to shift the way we see things, a new level of empowerment is immediately uncovered.
2- The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.
-Henry Miller
Awareness is a powerful tool that allows us to be present and in the moment. When we slow down and allow ourselves to just BE then life in all of its messy and wondrous glory, has the chance to unfold right in front of our eyes.
3- Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end.
–Henry Miller
I have learnt that there is no running from the wounded parts of ourselves. No matter how hard we try to avoid them, those parts will show up eventually. This is why it is so important to practice self-enquiry. Self-enquiry means looking into the parts of who we are that we perceive as bad or negative – and integrating them. When we truly embrace the whole of who we are – we are free.
4- I made up my mind that I would hold onto nothing, that I would expect nothing.
-Henry Miller
One of the best ways to feel disappointed in life is to hold onto expectations. We do it all the time – with ourselves, other people, even the weather! But life has its own plan, and people have their own challenges and idiosyncrasies. When we choose to accept people as they are and allow life to be as it is, we cause ourselves a lot less pain and anguish.
5- If there is to be any peace it will come through being, not having.
-Henry Miller
Peace comes from acceptance of what IS. When we are in alignment with life and its messy ways, we have the opportunity to experience true, lasting peace. The pain is always in the resistance.
6- The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough of is love.
-Henry Miller
Love is something every single person needs and wants, yet at times we find it hard to give out freely. I believe the strongest, bravest people in the world are those who still choose to give love despite experiencing insurmountable pain. The world needs us all to give a little love now more than ever. The wonderful thing is that love is never-ending. You cannot run out of it.
7- Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music – the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.
– Henry Miller Quotes
There is a great big world out there, but so often we get caught in the mediocrity of our day to day world. Jobs, kids, bosses, neighbours – we live in a state of rinse and repeat only seeing a small version of what’s possible. Life is not meant to be this way. We are here to have an experience if we only allow ourselves that permission. This does not mean acquiring material possessions or living like a celebrity, in fact, you can live a life full of wonder quite simply.
It all comes down to embracing the world around you with wonder. It means taking the time to appreciate all that is, in every moment. The smile of a child, the smell of the ocean, music, books and art. Beauty is everywhere if you look for it.
I hope these quite have touched your heart, and if you have any favourite Henry Miller quotes, share it in the comments!