May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As you may or may not know, poetry can be very healing especially for those who are mentally ill. As Anne Sexton stated-- "Poetry led me by the hand out of madness."Mental illness can also be a source of brilliance and creativity. Edgar Allan Poe reminds of this in his quote about himself -- "Men have called me mad but the question is not yet settled, whether madness is or is not the loftiest intelligence". Many poets' writing has been shaped by their mental illness. Let us honor those pioneers --Sylvia Plath, Lord Byron, Edgar Allan Poe, John Keats and Emily Dickinson. Don't forget to remember those who are suffering and honor them with your time and effort this month!
Here is a video from Yashi Brown, a poet and mental health advocate educating and helping to break the stigma of mental illness.
🌿 A Poetic Pause: Honoring National Wellness Month August is National Wellness Month, a time to slow down, breathe deeply, and care for ourselves with greater intention. Wellness isn’t just green smoothies and yoga mats. It’s boundaries. It’s breath. It’s healing. It’s poetry. ✍🏾 Why Poetry Is a Wellness Practice Poetry gives us space to reflect, release, and reconnect. When life feels noisy or overwhelming, writing a poem can help us listen inward. In the words of Audre Lorde, “Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity.” This August, I invite you to incorporate poetry into your wellness practice. Whether you're journaling your feelings, describing a sunrise, or writing your own affirmations, each line can be a form of self-care. Wellness-related poetry "Love After Love" by Derek Walcott "A Blessing for One Who is Exhausted" by John O'Donohue "Heavy" by Mary Oliver 🌱 Try This: A Wellness Writing Prompt Use this prompt to start...
Kimberly A. Collins, a poet, writer, mother, and English professor wrote Remember My Name , a poem that's been used by Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) observances for over 2 decades. As you read these words the hope is that we will never forget the names of the lives of those lost to domestic violence or the victims that by the grace of God are still with us. We should always remember to continue to heal through our shared connections and experiences. See below to read Remember My Name . Remember My Name When you remember my walk upon this earth Look not into my steps with pity. When you taste the tears of my journey Notice how they fill my footprints Not my spirit For that remains with me. My story must be told Must remain in conscious memory So my daughters won’t cry my tears Or follow my tortured legacy. Lovin’ is a tricky thing If it doesn’t come from a healthy place, If Lovin’ Doesn’t FIRST practice on self it will act like a stray bu...
🌲 July Joy: Celebrating National Parks Through Poetry July isn’t just about fireworks and summer sun; it’s also National Park and Recreation Month , a time to pause, step outside, and experience nature in all its glory. Whether you’re hiking through a state forest, pausing by a still lake, or simply sitting under the shade of a tree in your neighborhood park, nature offers endless inspiration, and poetry helps us capture that wonder. 🍃 Why Nature and Poetry Go Hand in Hand Nature is a poem already in motion. It speaks in the language of birdcalls, rustling leaves, wildflowers, and sunsets. Writing poetry about nature allows us to reflect, connect, and find peace in the world around us. This month, I invite you to let the outdoors awaken your creative spirit. ✍🏾 Tips for Writing Nature Poetry: Inspired by Writer's Relief's guide , here are a few ways to get started: Observe closely : What do you hear, smell, and feel? Go beyond just “trees” or “sky”, what textures,...
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