Poetry and the Rhythm of the Seasons

 Let the Rhythm of the Seasons Influence Your Poetry and Writing

Rhythm of the Seasons Beliefs
If we are aware of and open to the seasons’ rhythms they can lead us away from our stressful ways of thinking and our stressful, busy lives, and into a quiet internal awareness … that reflective place where our creative ideas originate.  Awareness of these rhythms can be reflected in our poetry and writing. I believe that if we become more aware of the seasonal flow we will make decisions in accordance with the seasons that will have profound and positive effects on our personal lives, our culture, and our ecological planet.

The Bodies of work of eco-psychology, archetypes, mindfulness, and creative arts in particular, poetry therapy,  guide my facilitations and foster a deep, sensuous language that finds expression in you and thus, your poems and writings.

Keeping the Seasons Close through Poetry and Writing
How do you let the Rhythm of the Seasons touch you in ways that allow you to slow down and get close to the season, so that the season changes your vision and lets your thoughts be influenced by what you see and feel?  How do you then accept what the seasons offer and express what is meaningful to you?

• STOP and go outdoors, or look out a window.
• The seasons communicate with you through all of your senses.  What do you see, hear, smell, feel?
• Notice how your vision is changing.  What are you aware of that you were not a moment ago?
• Your poetry and writing is a crucible for your soul’s expressions of these  seasonal sightings.

Poetic Forms
Workshops also harness the power of poetic forms, rhythms, and meters and, along with the Rhythms of the Seasons process will influence your writing.

The following examples of Rhythm of the Seasons Workshops are meant to provide you with ways to see with seasonal eyes and provide you with opportunities to write in a meaningful way.

Spring

The birds are still out of town,                       Workshop:  “Welcoming Change”
The branches still bare.
The earth is still colored brown.
I don’t care…..
There’s a vision that fills up my eyes
With wings making waves in warm skies
There’s a softness that writes on my skin
The announcement that spring’s coming in….
Judith Viorst

Spring is a time of potential, of blustery winds and rain, and of renewal.  We anticipate that what is invisible will become evident, and experience feelings of relief and joy as winter’s dormancy ends.  We find comfort in and rejoice with the renewal of plants and animals, and learn to flow with change of all sorts.

Summer

In the deadening June evening                       Workshop:  “Fiery Poems & Writings”
I draw a blossom near, and bending close
Search it as a woman searches
A loved one’s face.
Jane Kenyon

Summer is a season of light, of the variety of activities that the longer light-filled days allow, of feeling freer in dress and travel.  Perhaps this season shows a way to use the heat of the sun to fire-up the heat within you, resulting in a rich poem.

Fall

bird watching                                                             Workshop:  “Harvest & Celebrate”
after a stressful week,
that red tailed hawk has my wings    --JS

Fall is a time to appreciate the fruits of Summer’s labors.  We also grieve with the falling leaves which may remind us to let go of what we’ve lost.  We rejoice in the beauty of the landscape.  In Rhythm of the Seasons, learning to hold both the letting go and the beauty will enrich your writing.

Winter

Let the fire now                                  Workshop:  “Enhancing Your Winter Energy”
put on its red hat
and sing to us. – M. Oliver

Winter provides the opportunity to “go inside” to a slower, more reflective pace, where we create an internal light to replace the less amount of sunshine.  Using winter qualities, one thing Rhythm of the Seasons offers is to feel comfortable with dormancy and trust that what matters will return.

Your poetry and writing will reflect beauty, wild, solitude, magnificence, delight, struggle, rugged challenges, and all of the other qualities that you personally encounter in the seasons.

But most important your poems and writings will reflect meaning!

Calendar of Events

* Poetry & Rhythm of the Seasons Workshops:
   Fall Harvest:  Taking Stock

“I was surprised about my peacefulness in listening to words and the
freedom I felt in writing my own words.”… D. Workshop attendee



* Calm, Compassion & the Inner Critic Workshop:
   Managing your anxiety as the internal critical voices arise during your creative project.  This workshop will give you an understanding and step-by step plan to overcome the anxiety associated with creating.

 *  For More Information About My Workshops or Services, Please Call Me at (919) 605-3722 or Use the “Please Contact Me!” form found on each page.