Ken Shigematsu on how living in Vancouver shapes his writing, where his books fit in the spiritual growth subgenre and his newest book
How does living in Vancouver shape your writing?
As I walk down a favourite street or take in the ocean and mountains, I often experience a heightened awareness of God’s presence. Sometimes, the words of Simone Weil come to mind: "The beauty of the world is Christ’s tender smile coming to us through matter."
Among all the books on spiritual growth, where do yours fit?
I used to work in the high-pressure corporate world of Tokyo with demanding hours, and now I serve as a pastor of a multisite urban church. I write especially for people who feel busy, driven and pressured to achieve. Many people want a meaningful relationship with God, but struggle to find space for it. My books aim to offer practical, accessible ways to cultivate a rich, nourishing life with God in the midst of a full life.
Tell us about your newest book.
Now I Become Myself: How Deep Grace Heals Our Shame and Restores Our True Self (Zondervan, 2023) explores how shame – often operating beneath our conscious awareness – shapes our lives. It can cause us to shrink or strive and "go big" as we attempt to validate ourselves. I point to spiritual practices that open us more deeply to God’s love, which ultimately heals our shame. These include growing our capacity to receive love through others, embracing our limits, and becoming attentive to beauty as a way of encountering God’s grace.