Here's a bit about me
I'm Albert
I am the founder of Writing as a Path to Awakening, which is about an embodied inter-connected approach to creativity and writing—helping us reignite the joy, fun, spontaneity, and wisdom in our practice and process of writing.
Writing as a Path to Awakening is a workshop and retreat series, interactive book project, and online course experience.
I am an American poet, memoirist, novelist, speaker, and workshop leader.
My work
Some fun facts...
- S.K.
"Of course, what truly stands out is Albert himself, his experience, his knowledge, his kindness. He is real and shows the reality behind commitment to writing---the joy, the hard work, the failures, and the importance of devotion, practice."
I have been practicing meditation for more than twenty years and am known for merging the art of creative writing with the evolutionary practice of mindfulness meditation.
My latest nonfiction book, Writing as a Path to Awakening (Sounds True, 2017) is based on my popular writing workshops by the same name. I also teach online writing classes, and workshops on how to write a memoir, how to finish a novel, and expert insights on how to get published and find a literary agent. I currently teach writing and mindfulness workshops at The Omega Institute, The Esalen Institute, Spirit Rock Meditation Center and literary conferences nationally. Depending on my schedule I work as a book doctor and memoir, poetry and novel writing coach.
One of the things I'm known for...
“Albert brings his wide-open poet’s heart to everything he does. In teaching meditation to teens and adults, he is playful, and creative — an excellent role model to all.”
—Cator Sachoy Executive Director Youth Yoga Dharma
“Albert DeSilver is an insightful meditation teacher, who engages his students through his caring attitude, creative applications of mindfulness, and sense of humor.”
— Heather Sundberg, Meditation Teacher Spirit Rock Meditation Center
"Albert Flynn DeSilver is a gem, a joy to work with, and puts together amazing workshops."
— Cheryl Strayed, Best Selling Author of WILD & Tiny Beautiful Things
“You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestation of your own blessings.”
—Elizabeth Gilbert, Best selling author of eat pray love & Big magic
“In this gentle, lucid, erudite and compassionate guide, [Writing as a Path to Awakening] Albert Flynn DeSilver offers the wisdom and warmth of a true friend who has walked the path.”
—Dani Shapiro, Best Selling Author of Slow Motion & Devotion
"Albert Flynn DeSilver is one of our poets, and we stand behind him..."
—Andrei Codrescu, NPR commentator and bestselling poet
“Albert DeSilver is a gift to everyone who has the good fortune to cross paths with him. He is a big deep spiritual brother, a friend, a loving husband, son and a role model for all of us who are looking for ways to more deeply understand and express who they are, what our purpose on this planet may be, and how our lives can serve others.”
—Garrett Lambert Master NLP Trainer, Hypnotherapist, & Peak Performance Coach
“Albert DeSilver brings a delight and sincerity to working with people. With the heart of a meditator and the imagination of an accomplished poet, he invokes inspiration in people that allows them to be themselves in his presence, inspiring them to enter deeply into their truth.”
—Jeffrey Szilagyi, L.Ac., Director Acupuncture of Marin
“Albert is a devoted, sincere and creative teacher. Fun, and inspiring to his students, Albert has a diverse & dynamic teaching background from the classroom to the meditation cushion to the wilderness...”
—Dave Talamo,
Wilderness Reflections
“Albert DeSilver is one of those amazing souls who understands the big picture of life. His gentle nature should not fool you, he is a peaceful warrior who is able to take his real life experiences and turn them into timeless wisdom. If everyone engrained the teachings Albert puts forth, this world would be a Heaven on Earth and we would all be prospering in success and love.”
—Rodger Ruge, Author of The Warrior’s Mantra Owner / Founder – Ready Force Inc.
“You don’t need to be a writer or meditator to take this workshop, you only need a sincere desire to explore your own heart and mind. Thank you for creating a safe and inviting space for me to explore my creativity!”
—M. F. Chicago, IL
“Albert is a creative, inspiring teacher, who uses the courage of his own experience to galvanize others to follow their own true paths as writers, artists and human beings….Albert’s “Writing as a Path to Awakening” workshop was very inspiring… Insightful and a perfect mix of meditation, introspection and infusion… Just what I needed for a creative [boost]. . . I have signed up for the November 6 class at Spirit Rock, too. It will be a great refresher…”
—R.D. (Photographer & Writer) Mill Valley, CA
“Writing as a Path to Awakening is exactly what I was looking for. It was a perfect blend of writing and meditation. You helped me feel free to write with no expectations. I am now finally going to write my memoir! I am forever grateful for your kindness, love and compassion!”
—C.S. Black Hills, South Dakota
“In my 27 years of coming to Omega workshops this has been one of the highlights. Albert Flynn DeSilver’s workshop sparked a daily movement of awakening through attention, stillness and awareness in such a wonderful flow. . .”
—V.K. Rhinebeck, N.Y.
“Writing As A Path to Awakening offered such rich opportunities for creative expression and spiritual recovery.”
—E.C. Scranton, PA.
“The generosity of spirit that Albert brought to every meditation, writing exercise and group sharing allowed a transformative bond to grow among the participants.”
—G.G. New Hampshire
- K.M.
"Albert's one-on-one coaching was a transformative experience for me. He shares his craft with an open heart and possesses deep wisdom and knowledge about writing. He really helped me find my voice as a writer."
My work has appeared in more than 100 literary journals worldwide including ZYZZYVA, New American Writing, Hanging Loose, Jubilat, Exquisite Corpse, Jacket (Australia), Poetry Kanto (Japan), Van Gogh’s Ear (France), and many others.
I am also the author of several books of poems and the memoir Beamish Boy, which Kirkus Reviews called “a beautifully written memoir... poignant and inspirational.”
I have taught as a California Poet in the Schools for more than a decade working with thousands of children throughout Northern California and beyond. I have also served as Marin County, California’s very first Poet Laureate.
I have shared the stage with U. S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan, Bestselling authors’ Maxine Hong Kingston, Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert, Legendary Beat poet Michael McClure, and many others.
I received a BFA in photography from the University of Colorado in 1991 and an MFA in New Genres from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1995.
More about me...
“Albert DeSilver brings a delight and sincerity to working with people. With the heart of a meditator and the imagination of an accomplished poet, he invokes inspiration in people that allows them to be themselves in his presence, inspiring them to enter deeply into their truth.”
—Jeffrey Szilagyi, L.Ac., Director Acupuncture of Marin
