People in Glasshouses, M R O’Donnell ( paperback March 2023)
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People in Glasshouses: An Exploration of Restoration and Transformation
Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter. It is a powerful lens through which one can view the world and themselves, and it has become increasingly important in the fields of restoration and transformation, particularly in the context of Palm Houses/Glasshouses and personal development. In his debut book, M.R. O’Donnell engages a deep dive into these themes.
The concept of restoration involves the preservation and renewal of something that has been lost or damaged. In the case of Palm Houses/Glasshouses, restoration is often necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the building and the health of the plants inside. Metaphysically speaking, restoration is about returning something to its original state of being, bringing it back to a state of wholeness and harmony. This is the difficult, complex and nuanced journey M.R. O’Donnell courageously undertakes.
In order to achieve restoration, it is necessary to first understand the fundamental nature of the thing being restored. This requires a metaphysical stance that goes beyond the surface level and delves deeper into the essence of the thing itself. By understanding the true nature of the Palm House/Glasshouse and the plants within it, one can better understand the root causes of any damage or deterioration and work to address them at their source. What about self? M.R. O’Donnell not only poses questions, but also answers. And, they are not always what one might expect.
Research has shown that taking a metaphysical stance in the restoration process can have a significant impact on the final outcome. For example, a study conducted by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew found that incorporating metaphysical principles into the restoration of the Palm House resulted in a more harmonious and sustainable structure, with plants that were healthier and more vibrant.
Transformation, on the other hand, is about changing something into a new form or state of being. In the context of Palm Houses/Glasshouses, transformation might involve redesigning the layout of the building or introducing new plant species. Metaphysically speaking, transformation is about tapping into the underlying potential and energy of a thing and using that to bring about change. Change in self and better understanding of self is surely something we should all strive for.
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