Steve Taylor's September Newsletter

Published: Tue, 09/01/15

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Dear Friends,

Apologies for the lack of a newsletter in August! I originally intended this newsletter to go out at the end of the month, but didn't have time to write it.

By the time you read this, I will be in Brazil. I’ve been invited to speak at an International Transpersonal Psychology conference in Salvador. I’ll be giving the first lecture of the conference, and a workshop the following day. I’ll be there for five days - a long way to go for a short trip, but I’m sure it will be a great experience. I’m thinking of it as a reward at the end of the school summer holidays! It’s been wonderful spending the last 6 weeks with my kids - but I have to admit that I am feeling a little tired…

Hopefully you received the message I sent out recently about Not I, Not other than I, the book of Russel Williams’ life story and teachings which I’ve edited. It turned out very well, and has had a great reaction so far. I think it’s one of those rare books that can transmit deep wisdom and presence, so that the reader attains a glimpse of enlightenment as they read.
A couple of weeks my friends Georgi and Bart recorded some videos of Russel speaking - the first time he has ever appeared on video, after more than 60 years as a spiritual teacher. You can see one of the videos here…

Events

September is a busy month for me! Soon after I return from Brazil, I’m off to the Mind. Body, Spirit festival in Birmingham. On Sunday September 13th, I’m doing a workshop/talk there, based on The Calm Center. Further details here:

Also, let me remind you of my one day workshop in London, on Saturday October 24th, organised by Alternatives.

I also have a presentation at the British Transpersonal Section conference in Scarborough from 18-20th September. If you’re interested in Transpersonal Psychology (spiritual psychology) and live in the UK, I recommend that you come along, even just for the Saturday, when most of the lectures are taking place. It’s a wonderful event. If you’re interested in coming along, send me an e-mail.
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New Spiritual Reflection

Let me end this newsletter with a spiritual reflection. I wrote this for Russel Williams, because it was based on something he said during one of his talks - and in addition, nobody embodies softness more than him!

Be Soft (for Russel Williams)

Don’t build a hard, solid self 
full of fixed ideas and firm beliefs.

Be soft 
so that you don’t create friction, or clash with the world
but accept and absorb your experience with ease.

Be soft
so that disappointments and insults don’t bruise you
but bounce harmlessly away
after your softness has absorbed their force.

Be soft 
so that thoughts and emotions can’t attach themselves to you 
and ideas don’t turn to rigid theories which can’t be contradicted
and animosity never lingers long enough to form a grudge
and pain passes away before turning to trauma.

Be soft
so that you can bend with the wind, without breaking
and become moist with the rain, without flooding.

Be soft
so that you can pass through the world without leaving damage
only the lightest of trails which will dissolve like a cloud
and become part of the air which everyone breathes.
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All best wishes, Steve