BC Poet Harold Rhenisch presents at Centre for Spiritual Living, Yaletown, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver, 10 a.m. February 7, 2016

The Centre for Spiritual Living in Yaletown will be hosting me at 10 a.m. on February 7 to talk about my most recent book of poetry – Two Minds. Here’s a spiritual review of the book, by Susan McCaslin. Fellowship begins at 9:30 a.m.

The book is a meditation on Sufic verse inspired by my travels on the northern Camino passage through Europe. The event includes opportunities to experience affirmative prayer and meditation, and takes place Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Centre’s weekly Intention Service held at the Cinematheque theatre at 1131 Howe Street.

“Last year we launched our series Inspired Word, which highlights authors whose work in some way touches on spirituality in whatever form it takes,” says Rev. Karin Wilson, Spiritual Director of CSL Yaletown. “Harold Rhenisch’s Two Minds provides us with a window on Eastern spiritual traditions that are often overlooked.”

I was introduced to Sufic verse by one of my literary mentors P.K. Page, who received the Governor General Award, and was awarded the Order of Canada for her poetry. My book of lyrical poetry, known as ghazals, arose from his transformative experience while walking the German portion of the Camino in 2008 and again in 2010 where I met Khezr, the Hidden Prophet also known as the Green Man of Sufism.

“This section of the Camino is quite different from the south,” I told Karin. “You’re going into these dark places and receiving unexpected guidance. What I experienced on that pilgrimage led directly to this book.” In truth, it changed my life.

I have published 12 full length books of poetry, edited the posthumous poetry of Robin Skelton, and won the Malahat Review Long Poem Prize as well as the CBC Literary Award for poetry and the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature for his book The Wolves of Evelyn.

“This event is designed to awaken and connect us to our ancient heart, which is universal and knows no boundaries,” Wilson says. “It’s often through literature that we get to access these truths. We’re very honoured to have Harold come and share his words and images with us.”

I’m thrilled to be going. I hope you can join us.

For more information, please contact Rev. Karin Wilson Ph: 778-877-2883 Email: <revkarin@telus.net>.