March 14, 2007:
Composing Bliss
Poetry As Meditation
The creation of any kind of art can be as much a form of meditation as
a vehicle for self-expression. Energetically splashing colors of paint
onto a canvas can be like casting the weight of the world off your
shoulders, while raising your voice to hit the high notes of a song can
inspire you to release your fears so you can reach new heights in your
own life. And then there is the act of meditation that can take place
when you create poetry. Sculpting your thoughts and emotions into a
poem can take you on a journey into your inner universe where your
conscious mind is momentarily cast adrift.
Like other forms of meditation, writing poetry requires that you stay
fully present during the process, rather than focusing on any outcome.
In doing so, you release any inhibitions or ideas of "what needs to
happen," so that your thoughts can flow freely through you. When you
write poetry, you are able to see the reflections of your innermost
self imprinted on a page.
If you'd like to experience poetry as a meditation practice, you might
want to try this exercise: Set aside twenty minutes where you can be
alone in a quiet space. You may want to look at poems other people have
written to see if there is a style of poetry you would like to try. You
can also try writing in freeform. The structure of the poem will then
organically reveal itself to you. When you are ready, sit down with pen
and paper and let the words flow. Don't think about what you are going
to say next, and don't worry about spelling, grammar, or logic.
Instead, be as descriptive, visually precise, rhythmic, or lyrical as
you want to be. When you feel complete, put the pen down, and read over
what you've written. Appreciate this work of art you have created. You
may even find that thoughts and emotions you had repressed before are
now making themselves known so you can process and release them.
Writing poetry as a form of meditation lets you slow down your mind
long enough! for you to get out of your own way, so that your soul can
freely express its deepest yearnings.