Albert Flynn DeSilver on Writing as a Path to Awakening
Albert Flynn DeSilver is a well known poet, memoirist, novelist, and one of the foremost teachers of writing as a spiritual path. In this recent interview, he shares insight into how the seemingly paradoxical practices of meditation (which involves dropping thoughts) and writing (which involves solidifying thoughts) are actually quite complimentary. And, in case anyone thinks that to be a spiritual writer you must only write about sunsets, God, and geese, we asked Albert to speak about finding divinity in the quotidian moments—eating donuts, for example—and how we may awaken through writing about such experiences.
Enjoy the full video interview below, or scroll down to stream or download the audio.
Stream audio below. To download, click here.
About the Authors
Albert Flynn DeSilver is an internationally published poet, writer, speaker, and workshop leader. His latest book is Writing as a Path to Awakening (based on his popular workshops by the same name) and will be released September 1st from Sounds True. Albert served as Marin County, California’s very first Poet Laureate from 2008-2010. His work has appeared in more than 100 literary journals worldwide including ZYZZYVA, New American Writing, Hanging Loose, Jubilat, Exquisite Corpse, Jacket (Australia), Poetry Kanto (Japan), Van Gogh’s Ear (France), and many others. He is also the author of the memoir Beamish Boy, which Kirkus reviews called “a beautifully written memoir poignant and inspirational. . ..” Albert received a BFA from the University of Colorado and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. Albert is also a speaker and trainer who has taught writing workshops at the Esalen Institute, the Omega Institute, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and literary conferences nationally. He lives in Northern California. // www.albertflynndesilver.com
Travis Newbill (Good Highland Prankster) is a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, an MFA student in the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, and a student of Ikebana under Alexandra Shenpen, Sensei. Singer-songwriter, poet/writer, and fan of the band Phish, Travis resides in Boulder, CO with his partner Heather. // TravisNewbill.com
