The world can seem like a dark place now. As the days have become shorter, and sunshine is a rarity, it can get darker in your mind too. Looking at the world poetically can show you beauty through the clouds and create space to focus on yourself.
Poetry is something that can often be seen as unattainable, or something embarrassing. However –although they probably wouldn’t call it art or poetry – several people write poetry in their notes app or a well-hidden diary. I believe poetry can be prevalent in everyone’s lives, even when it’s not as noticeable. You don’t have to be the next Wordsworth to call yourself a poet.
Being a poet is a way of thinking, it's:
- Noticing that small flower in between the tiles on the sidewalk and remembering it throughout the day as a sign to keep hope.
- Rushing to your notes app to jot down your feelings that turned up unannounced.
- Calling a friend to talk through this crazy thing that happened and explaining this with the utmost detail of your experience.
Learning this way of thinking can come naturally, it can come after reading different quotes of poetry, or even by looking at authentic and simple photographs on your Pinterest home page. This can give you something to ground yourself with or to lift yourself up. And, most often, this is a reflection of your mental and emotional state; a great way to check in on how you are feeling, and when everything becomes too much: write it out.
Personally, I’m inspired by nature. I find reassurance in the leaf fluttering down. The soft rain gently touching my cheeks makes me feel real, yet vulnerable. And after a difficult day, when I look up, the moon and stars give me hope and tell me that everything will turn out okay. I once read a quote that said ‘Even the worst days have beautiful sunsets’ meaning the hard times can still have a lovely ending. And nature just keeps on going, the natural rhythm is not disturbed by the thoughts overflowing in your head, or the heavy emotions you are experiencing – this could be something that makes you feel small, but for me, it keeps me going.
Slow and quiet morning walks make me feel like me. No music or talking, just the birds starting to chirp as the morning sun is finding the courage to make an entrance. When my nose is turning cold as I’m breathing in the fresh and chilly air. When the world doesn’t seem so heavy.
When everything does seem heavy, I pull out a little notebook or my notes app and I write, to get it all out of my head and into the world. I have no intention to share these poems and stories though, only to look at it from an outside perspective. Poetry can make you feel at home. And who knows, by indulging in the art of poetry you might even encourage someone to do the same.
I hope to inspire you to find your safe haven and to notice the little things that make you feel a sense of belonging and encourage you to keep going. In other words, hopefully, you find your ‘poet’s mindset’.
