Staying Power #158: "The Power of Poetry to Help Us Thrive"
What's shimmering in you?
In early December, Rafter
hosted the first-ever “small change EmpowHER Summit.” As one of the speakers for that virtual event, I was delighted to riff on “The Power of Poetry to Help Us Thrive.” It was a casual talk rather than a highly polished presentation.Today I’m sharing that riff with you. Maybe it will spark some “shimmering” around your true spot!
“Something will come out of you that shimmers. Some light. And wherever there's light, there's power. There's gratitude. There's hope. There's compassion . . . We underestimate what shimmers when it comes out of us. We find ways of dismissing it. But it’s already there, waiting.”
Thanks, Myrtle, for organizing such an inspiring summit and inviting me to “rub shoulders” with participants. I’m also grateful for your kindness in allowing me to make additional use of the video.
The Gentle Nudge
Join other Rafters this week . . .
WEDNESDAY: Creatives’ Coffee (Zoom, 4:00-5:30PM Central, at this link)
THURSDAY: Poetry Pick-Me-Up (Zoom, 12:00-1:00PM Central, at this link)
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You are most welcome Phyllis! And thank you for sharing the power of poetry!
Phyllis, I just enjoyed (with my eyes closed meaningfully) the discussion of the value of poetry you shared through Myrtle’s program. I particularly relished the mention of bridging the divide with your elderly father in his wheelchair, your tantalizing him through his interests with poems. As a former medical librarian, you caught my ear with mention of the healing powers of poetry. Such good stuff.
On a personal note, I am gettick a kick out of finding places to share my poetry - recently submitting one to our Green Mountain Club (outdoor rec enthusiasts) newsletter, our local AAUW newsletter. One of my creative highlights was collaborating on a response to modern art by pairing a poem of mine to an untitled work. This was by invitation from James Crews. I am excitedly waiting to hear whether he will be chosen as Vermont Poet Laureate, for which I nominated him.
And with all this shared, time for a cup of coffee. Best wishes to you and thanks for your inspiration, Berta