Poetry isn’t as popular as fiction tends to be. Most people associate poetry with something they had to study at school to pass some exam. However, the truth is that poetry invites us into the present moment, offering a path to stillness, reflection and emotional clarity.
William Wordsworth once wrote: “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings:it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.” How true is that? Poets have used poems to bring beauty to life in written form and to use this powerful tool to write about important things in history or tell their stories differently.
The Connection Between Poetry & Mindfulness
Exactly how do poetry and mindfulness overlap? When we read poetry, we must slow down, notice details and stay present. To understand poetry, it takes a deliberate act of slowing down to understand what is being shared with us. This is especially true with older poetry when style and form were still the order of the day. To be mindful, we also slow down, notice details and are present. Reading and writing poetry can be a gentle gateway into mindfulness for those who struggle with more traditional practices like meditation.
The Mindful Nature of Poetry
This is how poetry can help with mindfulness. Poetry encourages observation because poets naturally notice textures, emotions and subtleties – all acts of mindfulness. An example is nature poetry, which focuses intensely on small, overlooked details. By reading nature poetry, we also do this, which means we are mindful.
The Power of the Pause
When you read poetry, you slow down because each line carries weight. There is a calming rhythm in reading sonnets (like Shakespeare’s) or haikus (short, Japanese-style poems).If you’ve never experienced how calming a sonnet can be, listen on YouTube, where well- known actors recite many poems and prose from famous writers.
Sensory Engagement
Poetry is also great at appealing to our senses and grounding us in the present—mindfulness in practice. Poets employ imagery, metaphors, and sound devices to accomplish that. When we read these poems, we come back to the present moment.
Writing Poetry as a Mindful Practice
Free writing for Flow
Using this technique, where you freely write your thoughts, is incredibly liberating. It also brings the aspect of mindfulness, “to observe without attachment,” into play. In fact, during the Modernist movement in literature, “stream of consciousness”, a form of freeform writing, became huge as poets experimented with alternative forms to break from tradition. If you want to try it, use this prompt: “Describe your environment using only sensory details.”
Poetic Forms that Promote Stillness
Haikus, Acrostic poems and Cinquains are all poetic forms you can employ to become still. Haiku’s focus is on nature and the present moment. Acrostic poems and Cinquains are more structured forms where you must choose words intentionally to create poems that convey your feelings on a subject.
Breath and Rhythm
Poems usually have some kind of rhythm; when you can sync your breath with your writing, it can create a meditative rhythm. For instance, you can write a poem where each new line begins after a deep inhale.
Poetry as a Tool for Emotional Grounding
Externalising Thoughts and Emotions
When we read and write poetry, it can help to put distance between us and our emotions, thereby fostering clarity. For instance, using this prompt: “If your current mood were weather, what would it be? Write a poem about it”, can become a powerful way to get your emotions out of your system and help you distance yourself from them. This is especially true for those who tend to live in their heads. For me, it has been extremely helpful to use poetry to talk about my anxiety, depression and other challenging emotions that aren’t always supported in society.
Reframing and Reflection
When we write poetry, we want to ensure we create a good piece of work (especially if we share it
with the world). Therefore, revisiting and revising a poem becomes a tool for reflection and deeper understanding. Often, our rough drafts can reveal hidden emotions or thoughts.
Simple Poetry Practices for Everyday Mindfulness
You can employ simple practices if you want to incorporate poetry into your daily life. You can practise:
- Morning Poetry Journalling: start the day with a three-line poem describing your mood.
- Mindful Walk, Poetic Eye: go for a short walk and jot down observations in poetic form.
- “One Word” Meditation: choose one word (like stillness or hope) and write a short poem exploring its meaning.
Conclusion
While some may see poetry as outdated and old- fashioned, the truth is that it is a powerful tool
for those of us who desire a healthy mental state because poetry teaches us to slow down, notice the world around us, and find meaning in simple moments. If you’d like to give it a whirl, you can try this: Take five minutes today. Write a three- line poem about something ordinary. Watch how extraordinary it becomes.
Originally published in Bossbabes Magazine here.