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Chris Hoffman - Ecopsychology, Poetry, A Thriving Future
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On the Way

"Chris Hoffman voices an essential message for our time and he does so in a profound and beautiful way. 

I live in a demanding noisy world but suddenly found myself stopping and closing my eyes and going beyond the words to the truth that lies behind them. There are not many authors who silence me so that I make the time to dive below the surface of my life to see what mystery lies in the depths. Relish this sumptuous meal but eat slowly dear friend for it is full of the finest ingredients."

– John Brierley, author of the Camino Guides: Practical and Mystical Manuals for the Modern Day Pilgrim

   

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Reviews

Chris Hoffman voices an essential message for our time and he does so in a profound and beautiful way. A messenger calling for change in a strident manner can quickly lose his audience and with it the potential for transformation of heart and mind. But here we have the voice of a sensitive who uses the language of poetry to inveigle us to see our selves and our world in a different way. The essence of this sublime collection of poems is that we are not separate from our world and what we sow upon it is what we will inevitably reap. This is not a new message but it is evident we have not been listening.

I live in a demanding noisy world but suddenly found myself stopping and closing my eyes and going beyond the words to the truth that lies behind them. There are not many authors who silence me so that I make the time to dive below the surface of my life to see what mystery lies in the depths. This is a rare and precious skill and I invite you to take just one of these poems and allow it to speak to you in the silence of your own heart. You might start with ‘Why We Need Wilderness' which in a mere 3 stanzas gives a wonderful flavour of what is to follow.

The main courses are equally delicious and varied. ‘Sketches From A Pilgrimage’ is a 10-page treatise on the journey of life itself where we are introduced to the idea that the earth itself is one giant mindfulness Zendo of which we are an integral part. The notion that the way to Santiago is a journey to our own tomb leaves us with the wonderful mystery of what lies over the horizon when we reach the end of the world. Relish this sumptuous meal but eat slowly dear friend for it is full of the finest ingredients.

– John Brierley author of the Camino Guides: Practical and Mystical Manuals for the Modern Day Pilgrim



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Sample Poems

The Lake at the Pass

(Arapahoe Pass, CO)

 

A long sweeping curve of the trail above treeline,
the scree slope notched just wide enough for the path,
rivulets far below braid through green cushions of willow;
on either side, jagged peaks comb the soft clouds.

The hike to the pass cleans the lungs with fresh air.
The cold and clear lake delights the light with its ripples.
All the way down, the mystery deepens:
how every step of the path leads precisely to now.

 

What If You Were Given

another day,
if an angel at your deathbed were to say,
“Here.  Take.  Spend it as you wish.”

Breakfast would be especially delicious,
your mouth watering at the chewy
textured landscape of the toasted bagel,
the inexplicable dark savor of the coffee.

And even if you were to stub your toe
that day, you’d be grateful to have a toe to stub.

To what episodes of your life story
would you return; where would you insert
a sliver or two of extra time?
What precious moments would you extend?

What would you do
that you have not already done?

And for whom would you give
some of your precious minutes
to turn and say at last:
I forgive you.  I love you.  Thank you.

What if that extra day
were just today?


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