THE DEEP DARK HOLE/THE FAINT GLIMMER OF HOPE by PAUL McLANEY

The essence of most practical philosophies is simplicity, be it Zen, “love they neighbour” or “be kind”.

Reducing complex ideas and emotions down to manageable levels can often be difficult, but the truth in simplicity is most often useful and memorable.

This small book by the prolific musician Paul McLaney is a beautifully presented example of big things distilled to their essence, notably the way to deal with -- and come out of -- emotional darkness.

Depression, self-doubt and even just plain old uncertainty affect all of us at some time, and to a greater or lesser degree.

McLaney's little book – and we emphasise it being little because it can fit easily in a carry-bag or purse – looks into that abyss when things are at their darkest.

By what appears to be a stereo speaker, the Deep Dark Hole leads you into exactly that, the place where you might be but seems like it isn't made of anything and has no bottom or top. It's that place where everything is oppressively awful and no solution is in sight.

But then in the final page the book asks what that hole's purpose could be?

And in a clever piece of structure and format you flip to other side and see the Faint Glimmer of Hope by looking back through the tiniest hole and start to read back in again.

That glimmer is the place for unasked questions, it shines on magical moments of mystery and is the light at the end of that long dark tunnel. It is a place of kindness (to others and yourself).

When talking about this wonderfully compact hardback, McLaney quoted Leonard Cohen: “There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.”

This book -- which is as tactile as it is thoughtful, optimistic and simple – is one of those cracks which lets the light of hope in to illuminate the darkest of places and times.

Published by The End in Auckland, this could be used as a survival manual or handy emotional tool at crucial moments.

But you could also, at any time, stop to consider each page as you would a Zen koan or a mystical poem.

Just slow down and meditate on the meaning of the simple words.

It is fitting that it not only comes from a musician – because the statistics about the mental well-being of musicians are extremely alarming – but that a portion of the profits goes directly to MusicHelps/AwhinaPuoro.

Buying this book will support them, but more importantly support you when times get tough.

And they do.

We know that and it's never the wrong time to admit it.

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THE DEEP DARK HOLE/THE FAINT GLIMMER OF HOPE by PAUL McLANEY. Published by The End.  $30

Available through retail outlets and JB Hi-Fi stores. 

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For information on MusicHelps/AwhinaPuoro which has a 24 hour support line go here