Michael Harding

 I use some columns here to discuss what bits of craft I use to write. It's all about story and story is all about one sentence after another. So here I delve into the sentences, and the images, and it may all sound a bit mad, but then that's the storytellers craft. Whether you're into writing or reading or none of those, I still. hope you like it and enjoy the way I reveal how a column gets written every week for The Irish Times. Thanks for being here.

Why would I say that religion still matters to me. Why do I cling to religious faith. I've thought about these questions today. and happily I came up with some answers.Find the door to the room where he lives. Find where the Presence that is beyond you is waiting for you. Religion is the boat, and it offers a passage way towards Transcendence for the mind.Is it delusional or true or real. Who knows. But I'm my experience it brings me peace. And it feels very very human and natural. 

I have a new book coming out in October. I was in Dublin recording the audio this week. And I was so busy with all those worldly things that I needed some quiet time. So did I find a convent door? No. It found me. Sometimes life happens. Things unfold. It's very reassuring.

I'm in Clane on Saturday August 31 in the Suaimhneas Centre. Here's what they publicity people say -Michael will come and speak to us about his life and work and all things faith, prayer and spirituality from his broad perspective.The event will commence in The Suaimhneas Centre, Main Street, Clane at 10.30am and BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.So I thought I'd do a very quiet and slightly shorter reflection today, on the eve of the talk and maybe on Sunday I'll post a further report about how it went and what I talked about.

Well you could say it's a profound conversation. But to. me it's just about reality. What do I think reality is. How do I describe it. Maybe with scientific language. And maybe with mythic or poetic language. Maybe the latter gets to the core. One way or another I love the beauty of mystical thinking, and love sharing it with you. 

The piano accordion started it all. Got it in the car boot sale. Then I couldn't stop myself relating the story of what happened when I was cleaning it a few days ago and eventually I got to say a few words about the Assumption of Mary, a feast that falls on August 15 and which I love so much I go on about it at full throttle. Enjoy.

Last of the summer readings. Here' I'm reflecting on a visit to my father's grave, and the terror of life without phone. I'm thinking of crickets and ticks, of Graveyards and high crosses and of course I'm thinking of you. Thanks for being here. 

Continuing my summer mood of stories I Egan this with praise for my old friend Julia. Then I went on to talk about Tolstoy and Edna, and in the end talked of my own journey as a writer. Well that was all a surprise. And I hope you enjoy. Also have a super august holiday this weekend. 

The golf balls come at the end of the podcast, a story I spoke about in the Irish Times column recently. The rest is all my own enthusiasm for that mysterious word, called Grace, and how we experience it.