I must confess that when I became interested in reading as a teenager, more often than not, I skipped the prologue. Of course, patience was not one of my greatest virtues at that time. As I began to understand that writing was something really fascinating, and that reading was a wonderful way of finding out about other human beings and being able to experience the contrasts and beauty of this planet, something in me changed. It was then that I started to appreciate the work involved in relating a story or an event, whether it be short or long, or have anything to do with us or not. Finding the words that move others deeply, looking for someone to publish them, the discouragement that goes along with hearing the same thing over and over again, why you are writing, what is the purpose of it... Gradually, I began to appreciate each and every detail of a book, from the colour of the cover, to the depth of its words, and from their subtle ­correctness to the very author who interlaces each of the paragraphs in order to show us something that he or she has learnt, whether we like it or not.

If anyone had told me twenty years ago that one day Suzannne Powell would offer me the opportunity of writing a prologue and being part of one of her books, I would have merely considered it as a wild fantasy.

But, as you can see, even the least suspected fantasy can become true. Even the dreams that we deem highly improbable can be fulfilled. Why do we so often think “no”...!

Dare to be your Master is a fitting title. And what is more surprising, it is amazingly clear. However, take my advice; this book is to be read with heartfelt energy and devotion, because it is not exactly a simplistic approach to happiness.

It is an uncomplicated invitation to feel joyful. A celebration of who we are and our magnificent ability. A vote of confidence that we give ourselves; for once, and hopefully more and more from now on, opt to leave your mind behind, because when you read Suzanne’s words, you will not take long in remembering that the mind is only part of us, that in no way, shape or form does it define us, regardless of how much you have been led to think so, and that it never will.

I am sure that when you finish reading this book, you will ask yourself the same question I asked myself: how much longer are we going to waste time not being real people? People who accept the lessons they set themselves, who do not fear the consequences of being themselves, who withdraw from the dependence which generates victimisation, who recognise the illusion of fear. Is it not ridiculous that we dare not even pursue a dream or a life project?

Look around you, search carefully in your memory and you will discover just how many of those “grown-ups” who surround us declare that they stopped dreaming a long time ago or that you cannot expect any more from life and that life is just that. They even make us regard with shame the word “childish”. So many opportunities have passed us by, through not treasuring and appreciating our own experience, but simply following someone else who seems more perfect, more sublime, more advanced than ourselves.

In addition, paragraph by paragraph, Suzanne dares in many ways to expose parts of her own life, showing us how each and every human being can learn to master the inner self. We all have this right, and this magnificent ability. She opens the door on some of her personal experiences so that we may recognise ourselves in the same contradictory and difficult situations. She encourages us to abandon the delusion of the unattainable, and to engage a sense of humour in this school of learning called Life. Furthermore, I have a feeling that any reflection you may have on savouring her words will leave you quickly imbued. Her strategy is basic yet essential: stop trying and just do it.

The language of Suzanne’s book is calm and colloquial. Many of those who are drawn by splendour would not accept it as noteworthy quality; however, the intimacy of her expressions, those sentences composed from the heart, all reveal to us something very important: spirituality is not only compatible with simplicity but is marvellously suited to a good sense of humour.

Dare to be your Master is not an instructions manual on metaphysics, nor is it an exhaustive list of advice for the soul but embodies a generous sharing of much personal learning, which humbly invites us to become more aware. Those of you who know the writer will smile at the following words: “If I can, you can”.

Suzanne is a valuable travelling companion who constantly opens the doors which we never cease to close. I know how much care and good will have gone into the writing of this book. Believe me when I assure you that her words are full of both excitement and protection. You yourselves will sense it from the very first page and far from leaving you disappointed, each chapter will provide you with greater feeling. Surrender yourselves openly to these feelings, for all you are worth.

Finally, using the same words that the writer uses on numerous occasions, proceed to read with an open mind, an open heart and open hands. The time has come to nurture the master who lies dormant in the interior of each and every one of us.

Isabel Simón

Author of the book of short stories Algunos como yo

And coauthor of Desoladas

Founder of the literary creative
and critic blog, «Exdesoladas»

And cofounder of the Tertulia Literaria Café Ajenjo.

Madrid, August 2013