Writer in world influential list with religious leaders and Oprah

A Glastonbury author has been ranked alongside the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and the Pope as one of the most spiritually influential living people.

Dr William Bloom has been listed in the Watkins list, compiled by London's oldest spiritual bookshop and magazine.

He came in at number 98 on the list, which was topped by the writer Eckhart Tolle at number one, the Dalai Lama at number two and Dr Wayne Dyer at number three.

The list also puts Oprah Winfrey at number eight, and the Pope at number 34.

"Time Magazine publishes an annual list of the 100 people who most influence the world and Forbes publishes several lists including a Celebrity 100 list.

"The lists of lists of people, just keep going and going and the Watkins Review believe that an important list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People is long overdue," said a spokesman for Watkins Books.

"Lists of influential people contribute to the discourse and issues that each person represents, and the Watkins Review hopes that our list will nurture the debates surrounding contemporary spirituality."

A resident of Glastonbury for over thirty years, Dr Bloom is co-founder and director of the Foundation for Holistic Spirituality and Spiritual Companions. His books include the best-selling 'The Endorphin Effect' and he is considered by many to be Britain's leading mind-body-spirit educator.

Originally a novelist, Dr Bloom started writing non-fiction after living for two years amongst the Saharan Berbers in southern Morocco and then completing a doctorate and teaching at the London School of Economics.

He now specialises in psychology, mysticism and healthcare.

A governor of St. Dunstan's School, trustee of the Glastonbury Abbey Retreat House and a founding shareholder of the Glastonbury Assembly Rooms, William Bloom has lived in Glastonbury since 1976.

Born in London, William first visited Glastonbury in 1971, accompanying Arabella Churchill to Worthy Farm where preparations were taking place for the second Glastonbury Festival featuring the first pyramid stage.

Dr Bloom has just completed his 27th book 'The Power of Modern Spirituality' which will be published later this year.

Speaking after receiving the honour, he said: "I am surprised and honoured.

"On the other hand, people who are truly spiritual are often humble and never seen."

Source: http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/glastonburyfestival/Writer-world-influential-list-religious-leaders-Oprah/article-3336534-detail/article.html

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