I hope you are well. I’d like to begin this newsletter by asking your help. I’m just about to bring out a new book of poetry. The last book of poetry I published was The Clear Light in 2020. I have written a lot of poems since then and have collected some of them (about 75) into a new volume. All being well, the book should be available in a month or so. (Hopefully I’ll be able to share the news of its publication in my next newsletter!)

The only thing is, I haven’t finalised the title yet. I always title my poetry books after an individual poem, and I have a few possibilities. I can’t reach a decision though, so perhaps you can tell me which one you prefer. These are the options: 

The Formless Source 

The Uncreated World 

Beyond Mind 

Winter Turns to Spring 

Back to Stillness 

Truth and Beauty 

Journey to the Present 

Space and Spirit 

Please let me know which one of those you think sounds like the best title. You can just respond to this email, or write to me [email protected]

The Superconscious

Recently I’ve led some courses and workshops on poetry and spirituality. There’s such a strong connection between them. I’ve found that when we do meditations and other spiritual practices, and cultivate a state if presence and harmony, creativity flows very easily and naturally. People who have never written poetry before create beautiful haikus and other poems. Almost everyone comes up with a few beautiful lines. 

Spiritual awakening is essentially an opening of awareness, which includes opening to creative inspiration too. Ideas and insights flow through from wider aspects of our being. I think this is because meditation (and spirituality in general) connects with the ‘superconscious’ – the higher levels of our mind, where inspiration flows. I’ve just written a blog article about the idea of the superconscious mind here.

Spiritual Retreat in Mallorca 

with Steve and Serge 

Next spring (March 1-8, 2026) I am holding a week long spiritual retreat in Mallorca, Spain, with my great friend Serge Beddington-Behrens. The retreat is entitled 'The Great Adventure of Awakening.' It takes place at the beautiful retreat centre, La Serrania, in the heart of the stillness of the Mallorcan countryside. It will include meditation, spiritual talks and other spiritual exercises, therapeutic sessions, music, poetry and abundant relaxation. For further details, and information on how to book, see here

The cost of the retreat is E1500 (approx £1300), which includes accommodation and all food. Initially you need to pay a deposit of £500.

Or if you have any enquiries about booking the retreat, please email me at [email protected] . If you're interested it's important to let us know shortly, as we need a number of confirmations and deposits to book the retreat centre. 

                     The Leap Audio Book

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I recently recorded the audiobook of The Leap. It has now officially been released. 

In the UK, it’s available here

In the US, it’s available here

                           Talk in Leeds 

On 23rd October I'm doing a talk in Leeds, based on my last book Time Expansion Experiences. There is no charge, but a suggested donation of £3. See details below:

Poem

Here is the poem that concludes my upcoming book. It sums up my attitude to life. 

The Difficult Customer 

Don’t be a difficult customer 

who rejects the first table he’s offered 

who complains that the service is slow 

and drives the waiters to distraction 

changing orders and sending back food. 

Don’t be a dissatisfied customer 

who glares enviously at other diners 

convinced he’s made wrong choices 

that their meals are superior to his 

that their conversations are more entertaining 

and so forgets to taste his own food 

and ignores his own companions. 

Don’t be a difficult customer 

who examines his bill as if it’s a legal document 

sure that he’s been overcharged 

and leaves the restaurant feeling cheated. 

Don’t be a difficult customer - 

be grateful for all that life offers 

and be gracious to those who serve you. 

Relax and savour your food 

relishing every flavour and texture. 

Cherish the company of your friends 

sending waves of goodwill to the other guests 

so the whole restaurant glows with joy. 

Then as you leave the restaurant 

you’ll feel warm-hearted and content 

knowing that your life has been rich and full. 

All best wishes and blessings Steve