Keeping topical with International Women's Day I've decided to parade some poetry I'm proud of in attempt to champion HUMAN (not just female) creativity and emotionality! I feel that in my particular society and context, it is somewhat frowned upon or seen as weak / inferior to reveal your emotions. Well I am here to say it's not! AND as a woman who is particularly emotionally turbulent (and aware and proud) I felt a duty to spread the message that it's OKAY to feel how you feel, whenever you feel it – thus I've discussed why writing poetry is good for you as emotional management! NO ONE should feel ashamed to be themselves in fear of being discriminated.
Whether you're woman or man, emotional management is key in today's world in order to prevent things festering, keep your reactions in check and 'grow,' in a time where we are more disconnected to our true 'selves' than ever. Poetry – a harmless way to mirror the mind, don't you think?
The Bench of Disappointment, written Jan.10.2017
I've been writing a heck of a lot this 2017 and I love it! Mainly journalling (to observe my lifestyle, behaviour, responses and emotions etc.), reviewing book take-outs (especially F*ck It , Do What You Love by John Parkin) and content for me old blog! Parkin's been subconsciously nudging me to hop on my hobby wagon more regularly. This one's inspired by the beauty of London and its pockets of personality, written on a lunch-time walk:
Why Writing Poetry is Good For You:
-It's a therapeutic, calm way to express and identify emotions.
-It's good for roaming your conscience and poems end up being little windows into your soul like a literary Pinterest (GOSH, deep Alix!). This is a useful tool for self-learning, because holding it all in the mad space of the mind is TRICKYYY.
-There's no criteria (unless you're commissioned obvs), but there is a great deal of conceptual, metaphorical and semantical thinking. I use it to explore the initial seedling that sprouts in my mind and run with it, no barriers. It can often bring up forgotten memories and invite you to entertain a feeling again...which in turn after processing, could make tomorrow better!
-It's a physical release and extension of your mind. It's made tangible because you can actually see and hold it...a mildly phenomenological experience where the senses meet objects. A mind and body connection.
-It's art. It's unique. It came from you. And bloody hell, who knows who could find it and love it! Share yourself with the world, you lush person, you!
-It marks a point in time. And freezing time is quite special nowadays in our hectic (digitally-incessant) lives. It was evidence you dedicated a moment or two to the words and yourself, and what mindset you were in. Then you went off on your merry way for time to continue scurrying away on its hamster wheel.
-It's good for roaming your conscience and poems end up being little windows into your soul like a literary Pinterest (GOSH, deep Alix!). This is a useful tool for self-learning, because holding it all in the mad space of the mind is TRICKYYY.
-There's no criteria (unless you're commissioned obvs), but there is a great deal of conceptual, metaphorical and semantical thinking. I use it to explore the initial seedling that sprouts in my mind and run with it, no barriers. It can often bring up forgotten memories and invite you to entertain a feeling again...which in turn after processing, could make tomorrow better!
-It's a physical release and extension of your mind. It's made tangible because you can actually see and hold it...a mildly phenomenological experience where the senses meet objects. A mind and body connection.
-It's art. It's unique. It came from you. And bloody hell, who knows who could find it and love it! Share yourself with the world, you lush person, you!
-It marks a point in time. And freezing time is quite special nowadays in our hectic (digitally-incessant) lives. It was evidence you dedicated a moment or two to the words and yourself, and what mindset you were in. Then you went off on your merry way for time to continue scurrying away on its hamster wheel.
-You may notice your INSANE talent for words, have a realisation you've got hidden depths and quit your job to become Mariah Carey's next songwriter. BOOM – life choice corrected!
My Conclusion:
After putting the final lines to paper, I cried. It was a conclusive release, like a signing off of a memory; the bench won't ask for my attention again. I realised after, that my poem marked a loaded period in my life via an object metaphor, making it easier to detach from and leave in the past.
Try writing some? Don't set a time, a limit or choose a subject. Wait until you're out and about and something catches your eye or reminds you of the familiar. My main rule: DON'T EDIT. It's beautiful raw and will help your future self to understand YOU, when you were TRULY present.
:)
Be proud of who you are.
Be proud of who you are.
