WILLIAM SIMPSON From The Path – Verses on the Mystic Journey by William W. Simpson Aimed at those seeking inspiration, encouragement and spiritual renewal, this non-denominational, accessible poetry presents a compassionate awareness of our modern life with its pollution and homelessness, while revealing an underlying goodness that blossoms into an eloquent modern love affair with Spirit. The book also includes a bonus chapter entitled "First Steps" - a collection of practical techniques for growth and transformation including detailed instructions on: Practicing The Presence, Affirmations, Meditation, Chanting Om, Watching The Breath, Sitting In The Stillness, Love, Giving All Actions To God and Practicing "The Last Day". 120 pages 6” x 9” Paperback ISBN: 1-58961-345-7 $11.99 Order and Contact Information: bill@consciouslivingfoundation.org http://www.consciouslivingfoundation.org/book-FromThePath.htm 818/502-9096 Author is happy to autograph your copy upon request. Payment may be made by check or credit card. (This document also contains Reviews, some example Poems and a Biography of the author.) Reviews: “I am not big on poetry, and "spiritual" or religious poetry often comes off to me as silly, sentimental, and sappy. Imagine my surprise when I read From the Path: Verses on the Mystic Journey, a wonderful and moving collection of poetry and verse with a mystical bent by author William W. Simpson. The poems hold no allegiance to any particular religious path, and therefore are highly accessible and truly inspiring for anyone who seeks to know more about themselves, their connection to the world around them, and their sense of unity with the Divine. “Simpson …has a gift with words and delights the senses with descriptions of emotions and feelings not easily captured in phrases. Many of the poems speak of an intimate relationship with a Higher Force, while others seem to ache for just such an experience, proving that Simpson understands that the path to enlightenment is ongoing - and sometimes one step forward - two steps back! “The poems' topics run the gamut from love, living in the Now, gratitude, the "body electric," relationships with nature, the mystical world we live in, and anything that touches upon the search for human understanding and the quest for oneness with God. I was entranced and enchanted by some, moved to tears by others, and smiled in recognition at others still, that reminded me of my own clumsy humanity standing before the greatness of the life force that created me. “The language is stunning, with simply gorgeous descriptive phrases that evoke feeling, wonder and a dreamy atmosphere that makes this a wonderful book to read when in solitude. I truly loved all the poems, each one created its own unique image and emotion within me. “I am not big on poetry, but I think From the Path is more than just a book of poems. It is a way of thinking and being that comes from the connection we have with language and the power of words to move us into places our intellect often fears going - deep within the heart of things. That's where the real stuff lives, both dark and light and this book recognizes that truth. The end of the book offers a section with tips of "First Steps" for those who truly seek to grow spiritually on their path, but those steps pale in comparison with the sheer joyful wisdom, wonder, warmth and wild beauty of the poems themselves. Consider it food for the hungry spirit." Rev. Marie Jones BookIdeas.com “From the Path is a spiritual bullet that will penetrate your soul with excitement for the written word. The book offers 66 poems filled with inspiration about yesterday, today and tomorrow as well as faith, love and beliefs. This is an appealing book of wisdom and would make a wonderful gift or tool for your own soul searching.” Sherry Russell Midwest Book Review “… full of philosophy, lessons of life as well as moments of spiritual awakening and consciousness. As I read these jewels of verse, I would find myself reading silent prayers. I would turn the page and find myself gazing into the heavens at the wonders of God’s creations. On the next page, I would find myself reminiscing about moments of my life that were long forgotten. I found myself caught up in each page, spiritually moved with the written testimony represented in the words of Mr. Simpson. ”Though "From The Path - Verses on the Mystic Journey" chronicles the conscious journey of William Simpson, you will find a bit of yourself in each verse. If you consider yourself a spiritually inclined person, you will enjoy each and every page of this book. I believe you will enjoy Mr. Simpson's "Path" just as much as I.” Review by Robert Denson III Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press “For me, the best poetry stirs my soul; it awakens my spirit through its clarity and simplicity. Its purpose is clean, pointing me towards greater understanding of who I am in this world, or, even better, towards comprehension of the divine that indwells both this world and me. It is this comprehension, this movement towards the divine, that enables each of us to make this world better as we work for justice and an "acting-out" of the divine's attributes. ”William Simpson, spiritual master of the Conscious Living Foundation has provided this vein for me, in his recent book, From the Path: Verses on the Mystic Journey. The poems in this book are food for the soul, providing both inlet and outlet for contemporary journeying with the divine.” Jeremy Hoover Hoover Reviews “The themes in these pieces range from light hearted examinations of everyday objects and situations through instructional pieces and personal experiences during meditation, to deep insight into the self, God, and into the world around us. On their own merit, these pieces are beautiful, insightful, and inspirational…unique and powerful.” Tami Brady Co-Dean: School of Religion and Spirituality, Suite University Some of the Poems: The Dance - The gentle zephyr brushes against the willow branch, It drifts in waltzing motion to the thrill. The ocean tide rolls and slides onto the shore, Glistening in its reflected joy. The cloud imperceptibly transforms its multi-dimensional halo of light, Entrancing the souls of children and dreamers. The motherly dove fluttering to build her spring nest, Cooing the mysterious music of birth. The throbbing heart of the expectant lover, Hovering in eager longing for the appearance of her delayed beloved. The elderly woman, body worn and consumed by years of toil Shuffles toward Bethlehem embodied in her tousled bed. The scuttling frantic thoughts of a fearful youth trapped in turmoil, Ensnared outside his reason and wisdom, running away from his self respect. All these tremulous waves of expanding motion, Whirling, trembling, wandering, writhing, drifting All shadows of Your intricate weaving dance, Lightly moving to the music of ecstasy. As The New Day Dawns - As the new day dawns The mist slowly evaporates. Blending into the morning sun In an intimate fleeting embrace. The blossoming flowers dip and pray Opening to new joy, new life. So this day opens for me. I begin anew. Each breath a new existence Freshly carved and shaped by My willingness to share it with You. As the blossom of my heart Gently awakens and turns Toward the entrancing gleam of Your radiating presence, Every goodness awaits me. I am new again. I am healed and refreshed again. I am united with your persistent love again I am glorified and redeemed again. I am Your newborn child. Affliction And Indifference - Everywhere on this blue-green planet Life is teeming with Labor and play, Affliction and indifference. Somewhere in a trash-littered alley Cracked concrete and wet cardboard providing a pillow, Lies a brother wearing the dull threadbare coat of despair. If my joy in Thee does not include Comforting and care for him To what end is my joy known? Somewhere in a small arid village Cracked sun-parched clay providing a pillow, A small sunken-eyed child is wearily starving to death. If my love-delight in Thee does not include Nurturing and protection for her To what end is my love known? Somewhere in a smoky shout-filled street Cracked upturned earth and shards of metal providing a pillow, Lies a torn soldier, eyes lost in the shock of death’s last tremor. If my tears of tender sympathy for Thee do not include Consolation and practical succor for him To what end is my sympathy known? Everywhere on this blue-green planet Life is teeming with Labor and play, Affliction and indifference. Author Biography: William Simpson is a lecturer, teacher and writer on the practical aspects of the spiritual life. He is the Founder of The Conscious Living Foundation, an organization created to encourage and support living with greater awareness and joy. In addition to directing that organization, Mr. Simpson teaches several classes and workshops including "The Fundamentals of Conscious Living" series. In addition to “From The Path: Verses on The Mystic Journey” he is currently working on his second book, a practical guide entitled "Stepping Out of The Whirlwind: A Beginner’s Manual For A Conscious Life”. He is the author of several audio recordings including “Affirmations That Work”, “Quotations And Affirmations” and “Practicing Affirmations – A Practical Guide”. In addition, he is the narrator on several other audio books published by The Conscious Living Foundation including “As A Man Thinketh” by James Allen, “The Game Of Life” by Florence Scovel Shinn and “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. Mr. Simpson was born in 1945 in Evansville Indiana. He was educated in Missouri and Minnesota and received a Bachelors Degree in Music Composition in the 1960s. After playing in rock and roll bands for several years, he worked in the Los Angeles County Welfare Department providing help to families with children in need. In the 1970's he went to law school and later on, received his law degree in Los Angeles. After working as a civil litigation attorney in Los Angeles for 13 years, he retired from law and founded and managed several businesses including two in the field of computer software development. Having been raised in the Christian church since he was 5, he began his own personal spiritual search in the 1960s through reading and practicing the principles and traditions of various religions including Chan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. He began his meditational practices within the Zen tradition. In 1975, he began practicing Kriya Yoga meditation, a form of Raja Yoga offered by Paramahansa Yogananda and Self Realization Fellowship and has continued practicing in that tradition since then. At approximately the same time he became a vegetarian. In addition to his other responsibilities, he has been a choir director for nearly 30 years and has composed two symphonies and several hundred songs. He is happily married and has 4 children and 1 grandchild.