John Brehm

John Brehm, a poet and author of The Dharma of Poetry, discusses how poetry can deepen spiritual practice and evoke joy. He explores themes of erotic humor and vulnerability in his work. Alongside him, Henry Shukman emphasizes the importance of finding beauty in neglected spaces and shares how poetry can condense profound emotions into compact forms. They reflect on the interplay of spontaneity and revision in writing, while also considering poetry's social role in restoring moral sensibility and fostering community.

This bonus conversation features John Brehm, an insightful poet exploring the spiritual dimensions of poetry, and Henry Shukman, known for his lyrical examinations of presence and landscape. They delve into how erotic poetry can evoke the sacred and discuss the profound impact of psychedelics on their artistic expressions. Brehm critiques aggressive analysis, advocating for an appreciative approach to poetry. Both share their love for the overlooked, drawing parallels between their poetic journeys and the spiritual awakening found in everyday life.

In this engaging dialogue, Henry Shukman, a British poet and Zen teacher, and John Brehm, an American poet, explore how poetry intersects with spirituality. They share their journeys into poetry, discussing the transformative power of words and the sacred moments they evoke. The conversation dives into how poetry can illuminate the ordinary, offer solace during difficult times, and act as a bridge to higher inspiration. They also perform several of their poems, revealing the emotional depth that nature, grief, and connection to the sacred bring to their work.