Poetry of Presence II - by Phyllis Cole-Dai & Ruby Wilson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This follow-up volume to the immensely popular Poetry of Presence presents a feast of mindfulness poems. The poems are skillfully crafted and highly accessible. Its authors speak from a rich variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and life-paths. Most are contemporary or recent poets.

Many of the poems delve into relational or social mindfulness, exploring "the tough stuff" of living among others with presence. These poems invite us to face relational challenges without turning away from them. They encourage us to seek equanimity, and to address challenges with compassion, hope, courage, and humility.

Review Quotes

A beautiful collection of poetry that sings like music. It opens the heart and invites mindful, loving awareness into the rhythm of every part of life.

-Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart

Poetry of Presence is a gift to the soul. Each poem in this cherished collection is a meditation unto itself, a portal into the mystery of sacred awareness.

-Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Trusting the Gold

A book to be savored-set on a bedside table, read in the kitchen, carried in a purse or briefcase ... one poem at a time, let loose in our hearts and minds."

-Christina Baldwin, author of The Seven Whispers and Storycatcher

These mindfulness poems help us wake up to the suffering of people who are different from us. That's a long process-I'll be waking up until the moment I die. But once we start to wake up, we enter the conversation on human rights.

-Sister Helen Prejean, leading voice for death penalty abolition, author of Dead Man Walking and River of Fire

This extraordinary collection of poems affirms what we have in common as human beings, as well as what makes us unique. It invites us, even in the midst of struggle and heartache, to choose to be present in relationship with others,

offering radical acceptance, kindness, and courage."

-Rabbi Karyn Kedar, author of Amen: Seeking Presence with Prayer, Poetry, and Mindfulness Practice

Looking deeply at the lives they live and encounter, these poets honor so many people, moments, and things we often fail to notice or we turn away from. Thank you, poets, for opening our eyes and our hearts.

-Richard Brady, author of Walking the Teacher's Path with Mindfulness: Stories for Reflection and Action