John Siddique
John Siddique (born July 1964) is best known as a spiritual teacher, poet, and author. He is the founder of Authentic Living, through which he aims to encourage people from all walks of life awaken to what he calls their "true naturalness". Siddique is not aligned with any particular religion, philosophy, or tradition. Known for his authenticity, humour, and "feet on the ground" wisdom, his work has quietly reached millions of people. He has to date published eight books. His teachings and writings have featured in "Time Magazine", "The Guardian", "Granta", on CNN and the BBC. "The Times  of India" calls him "Rebellious by nature, pure at heart." "The Spectator" magazine describes him as "A stellar British poet." "New York Times" correspondent Bina Shah says Siddique is "One of the best poets of our generation." Scottish Poet Laureate Jackie Kay speaks of Siddique's writing as being "A brilliant balancing act." Siddique is the Honorary Fellow in Creative Writing at Leicester University. He is the former Laureate of the British city of Canterbury, and British Council Poet in Residence at California State University, Los Angeles. Over the years he has held a number of roles with the Royal  Literary Fund (RLF), including being the RLF Fellow at York St. John University. Alongside his spiritual work, he is a commissioning editor for the Royal Literary Fund's WritersMosaic initiative. Born in the United Kingdom, Siddique initially had a difficult early life and rebelled against school and society. He later attended Manchester University as a mature student, gaining a master's degree in Literature. His study of meditation, yoga, and inner healing began at the age of fourteen, at first from books, then in the deep practical study of the great religions and practices, before setting all labels aside after  a series of profound shifts in consciousness, which included a near-death experience in 2014. Personal life. The young Siddique immersed himself in the world of books through his local library. Before becoming a writer he drifted through various jobs such as being a roadie, a pipe-welder, and landscape gardener. He first began writing in 1991 after reading James Joyce's "Ulysses" and discovering the poetry of e.e. cummings, Walt Whitman, and D. H. Lawrence. Siddique has stated in interviews that he regards his true countries of birth to be "literature and language". Published works. Non-Fiction Poetry Short  stories For children Selected anthologies Prizes, awards and honours Residencies