Barry M. Andrews

As a minister for 30 years I have preached the gospel of Transcendentalism in Unitarian Universalist congregations on both coasts and in between. Retired from the ministry but not from life, I now have leisure to watch the seasons come in, to savor views of the Olympics and the Cascades, to hike in the forests of Bainbridge Island, and to ride the ferry to Seattle. At least once a year I make a pilgrimage to Concord and to Walden Pond, where the seeds of spirituality in America first took root and grew, nurtured by Emerson, Thoreau and the Transcendentalists. I've taught courses and written books about Transcendentalist spirituality and the major figures of the Transcendentalist movement: Emerson, Thoreau and Margaret Fuller. They were intellectuals, activists, and writers, but spiritual seekers most of all. In their lives and writings today's seekers of the Spiritual Left can find inspiration and guidance. I continue to write, teach, lecture and lead workshops on the Transcendentalists and Eastern religions not only because they continue to fascinate me and enrich my soul, but also because I am devoted to sharing their teachings with current and future spiritual fellow travelers. Visit my website at transcendentalistspirituality.com.