“A practice of gratitude is not about dismissing sadness, anger, fear, or confusion. Rather, it offers us the opportunity to see that we often experience multiple feelings at once; to welcome joy into the same places where we hold grief; to turn our attention to what is quietly growing and breathing day by day, which, to our possible surprise, includes ourselves.” – Kristin Lin, Editor, The On Being Project
No Explanation Needed
You don’t have to explain
how you know where to go or when
stillness brings discomfort.
You don’t have to explain
why sorrow comes and goes
tears visiting your eyes again.
You don’t have to explain
when it happened for the first time
why you feel a mountain sits upon you.
You don’t even have to explain
why it matters so much.
I never need more than just you
Just sit down
next to me, the weight
of your shoulder touching mine
We are unique and also the same. As I have reached out to write with others during this pandemic I continue to experience this. We are all coping. We all have emotions. We all need ways to empty out our overflowing thoughts. In my writing circles, I have noticed the fulfilling conversations, relief of writing it down and connections that bloom from shared writing spaces. I invite you to explore this for yourself. This isn’t about trying to create the perfect poem. You don’t need to be a poet or even call yourself a writer. This is about connecting as human beings.
My hope is that, by writing and reflecting together, we can learn from this unusual time, and face it with loving curiosity.
One of the delights of the writing circle is hearing what others share. This piece was written during one of our recent gatherings. I appreciate Jazz letting me share it here. It is about the connecting across borders. You can find her blog here, Steps and Pauses
Zooming
My thoughts hooking on others’
my words reflecting others’
Though we’re together briefly
these links extend beyond
Thoughts triggered together
expand, evolve ongoing
Four states, five women
writing together, catalysts
“I recently started writing with a group that Ali leads, Poetry Over Panic. I am not a creative writer and was wondering what I could bring to/get out of the group. I am surprised by where this takes my brain and my heart. Ali’s guidance and writing prompts are well thought out and insightful. Writing with Ali has become one of gems of my otherwise isolated life.” – Nancy
Lately I have been writing with people from all over the U.S. and beyond. It is always a source of joy and inspiration to hear what others share when they put words down on a page. We are unique and also the same. Writing together has been a habitual part of my life for many years. During this time, I have noticed the fulfilling conversations and reflections that bloom from shared writing spaces. I invite you to explore this for yourself. This isn’t about trying to create the perfect poem. It is about connecting as human beings.
One of the delights of writing in a group is hearing what others share. This piece was written during one of our recent gatherings. I appreciate Louise letting me share it here.
This Thread is not like a river.
By Louise Gallagher
Unlike the river this thread has the power to flow backwards. I can follow its course deep into the stories
I tell of how I got here.
Unlike the river, this thread is not bound by its banks. It can overflow, threading off into territories long
forgotten in time’s passing.
This thread runs free. It is constantly unravelling time forwards and backwards. Casing through time and
place into the here and now where all I need to find myself is this thread which I can never let go of for
this thread tells the story of my life woven through the exquisite tapestry of my world shimmering in the
exquisite poetry of the love story that is my life.
You can find Louise’s blog filled with heartfelt writing and artwork here – dareboldly.com
This is the time to boldly take time to care of yourself.
“I have learned things in the dark that I could never have learned in the light, things that have saved my life over and over again, so that there is really only one logical conclusion. I need darkness as much as I need light.” – Barbara Brown Taylor
When the lights went out, she welcomed the dark
warm on her skin like an old friend
as nourishment for her sadness
leaves rustled a serenade to slow her pulse
the refrigerator hummed along
a reminder of the ordinary evenings
breath slowed, the world kept turning and she let go.
“Poetry gives you permission to feel.” – James Autry
As the world shifts, I am looking for ways to give and create supportive community. With all the emotions swirling, we are faced with finding healthy ways to process them. Poetry provides powerful prompts for reflective writing and group inquiry provides a doorway into our own thinking.
My hope is that, by writing and reflecting together, we can learn from this unusual time, and face it with loving curiosity.
Tickets are available now for my new four session series. This small group will be limited to 6 participants to enable us to dive deeper into writing and sharing with each other.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 