Photo: Bernard Chandler
Decoding myth and archetype to tell the story of our times in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama & on YouTube

Diana's new non-fiction book 'Coherent Self, Coherent World: A new synthesis of Myth, Metaphysics & Bohm's Implicate Order' from 'O' Books, DUE OUT 27TH SEPTEMBER, now available for pre-order on Amazon and other sites: 

"​This wide-ranging book is an important contribution to reorienting our culture towards the neglected inner dimension that gives rise to coherence and meaning and constitutes  our deeper being. The author shows how we can experience coherence by accessing this deep self, drawing not only on David Bohm’s fundamental ideas about the implicate and explicate orders and on dialogue, but also on her extensive knowledge of art, Arthurian myth, the Grail and archetypes of transformation. Our journey towards wholeness also involves recognizing and integrating the shadow and our woundedness, not only individually but also collectively as we evolve towards a wisdom that unites intuitive insights with rational analysis. This is a bold and inspiring vision for our time."
 --David Lorimer, Programme Director, Scientific and Medical Network; Editor, Paradigm Explorer

"Diana Durham writes with a particular crystalline clarity suffusing both her poetry and prose: it is her essential expression. At the same time, her philosophical cast of mind reaches the highest level as a result of her many years of training and inner work. She is truly in touch with Sophia: and at a time when the Feminine has never been more important in its embodiment on the planet, we would do well to hear what she has to say."
--Jay Ramsay, author, Monuments, Kingdom of the Edge and over 30 books of poetry and prose, founder, Chrysalis Poetry

Credo

I believe we have access to a source of insight unique to each one of us that can inspire and guide what we do. I believe that this source flows like a stream, continually clear and refreshed.

Streams emerge from underground springs and rain water that falls on the land around. Ultimately, they are fed by the whole interconnected system of Earth’s water and weather. I believe our flow of insight arises similarly from a wide and deep weave of cultural and inner life, and constitutes a vital aspect of who we are.

If we ignore our inner promptings, we grow confused. We give weight to the opinions and viewpoints of others and downgrade our own. At the same time, we over emphasize the impact that our upbringing and surroundings have on us, while underestimating - or overlooking - our own power to shape our lives.   

Myths and archetypes from folklore and sacred writings, often called the wisdom traditions, encode this understanding. They also teach us that we are systemically connected to the world we live in - and explain it is important to stay attuned to the wise inner source because the way we experience ourselves affects how we impact the world. That is why they are called the wisdom traditions!

My work as a writer is to share and explore these truths and their implications.
For I also believe the leading edge of human experience lies now in mastering the forces of our own consciousness.

Understanding ourselves and how we create frees up imagination, and allows us to evolve ideas that play out in harmony with others and with the ecology of our beautiful planet home.

'The Curve of the Land' --
​Diana's debut novel

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Out now from Skylight Press, UK and on Amazon USA and UK and this website.
See Books/CDs for details, or click below for sample chapter.

Essay: Ancient Stones, Ritual Space & the Curve of the Land


      When we feel disconnected from the land, we feel unhappy - even if we don’t consciously realize it. When we hear about the toll our presence is taking on the earth - the pollution of its air, soil and waters, the extinction of species - we cannot bear it. So we often do one of several things: deny it, cover our ears, protest and/or try to live more sustainably by recycling, reducing our carbon footprint and buying local or organic produce. But even if we make these attempts, we wonder if they aren’t all too little, too late.....

Between Two Worlds: 50 sonnets

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 'Between Two Worlds' from Chrysalis Poetry.
Each one of these booklets is handmade, and uses a layer
of vellum to symbolize the 'mists' between the worlds, or the veil Perceval must pierce to complete  the quest. 
See books/CDs for details.                            






Here's one of the sonnets:


Light Play in the Grey Limbed Woods
written for Jay Ramsay

And shall I catch glimpses of you, between
the light play of cathedral trees, unseen
ancient living forces in those grey limbed
woods, their fabric faded some but not dimmed
bowers where words and sweet flowers have bloomed
in and out of here and there, so thickly
woven, it does not matter which country,
which pastoral scene or high-ceilinged room -
this is a space where time is changed, is what
I mean, where a charge like strong light distorts
the air, we catch openings, word play there
and listening intently we can hear 
voices echoing far off in the leaves,
as if it is now, as if they are these.



 
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The Chalice Well, Chalice Well Gardens, Glastonbury Photo: Jonathan Guilbert
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Derrynaflan Chalice, 9th Century
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European Union