Poetry may seem scary, but all it really asks of us is to slow down, be curious, and notice. It’s a lot like meditation! Here are seven mindful tips to help you discover the nurturing practice of reading poetry.
Poetry is a quiet sanctuary for the soul. Its rhythm and vivid images immerse us. By exploring the depths of poetry, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, connecting with the emotions, feelings, and underlying wisdom within the words. This exploration becomes a deep practice of mindfulness, developing peace, clarity, and a deeper appreciation of life’s complexities.
Reading poetry is not just an intellectual pursuit. We encounter poetry in our daily lives: during meditation retreats, in quotes and videos on social media, and sometimes in our daily interactions with others. So how is poetry different from other poems we read, and why does it deserve special consideration?
Poetry may seem scary, but what it really requires of you is to be curious, be present, and listen to your intuition. That way you can connect with the words on the page.
Poetry has a more difficult task than novels, which are generally structured linearly. Most poems compress meaning into various poetic structures, using tone and literary devices to express ideas and emotions. Paying attention to these details will help you better understand the poem and its multifaceted meanings. Sometimes the more abstract language of poetry also taps into our intuition and brings out our emotions in unique ways. Poetry also allows for ambiguity and uncertainty about its meaning, giving more space to each reader’s personal experience.
Poetry may seem scary, but what it really requires of you is to be curious, be present, and listen to your intuition. That way you can connect with the words on the page. Just as there is no right or wrong way to experience meditation, there is no right or wrong way to read or experience poetry.
A careful prompt to read poetry
When reading a poem, ask yourself the following questions to better understand the poem and how it affects you.
What mood does this poem evoke? What feelings arise in me? What does this poem describe?
These questions serve as an entry point to any poem. Checking your emotions is an easy way to become aware of how poetry affects us.
Then ask yourself the following questions:
What immediately stands out?
Or, as Allen Ginsberg used to say, “Notice what you notice.” You may notice repeated text patterns, specific descriptions of objects, or changes in tone or perspective. Just identify something specific that stands out to you.
Finally, ask yourself:
Who is speaking in this poem? Who or what is the poem addressed to? What questions do you have after you finish writing the poem?
Once completed, consider what these prompts reveal. Did you gain some understanding? Want to explore your beliefs? What else?
explore your experience
Having considered the tips that can help you understand the qualities of poetry more deeply, take a closer look at the following excerpts from poet Catherine Burnett’s “Critique of Pure Reason” from her collection “Solutions for the Body of Matter” and consider them. You can put it into practice. In space.
Inspired by the writings of philosopher Immanuel Kant, this poem helps you explore the existential. Burnett typically asks deep abstract questions about the mundane parts of our lives, with an intellectual curiosity about human existence, habits, and behavior. Burnett’s poems often invite a sense of inner dialogue and philosophical reflection. Considering the addressee of her poems begins a conversation about intimacy, self-awareness, and uncertainty. Let’s take a closer look at the excerpt of the poem.
As he snuggled next to her,
she couldn’t sleep. Maybe it’s because of my skin,
Or rain. It continued to rain.
she lay there trying to remember
How many thoughts she can have.
Was it 30,000 or 70,000? Per hour?
Or was it around 1 minute?
she heard from someone
heard from someone
Whatever it is, whoever hears that number,
By HVAC specialists.
Grab your notebook and pen or open your Word document and use the prompts to think about this poem.
What mood does this poem evoke? What feelings arise in me? What does this poem depict? What immediately stands out? Who is speaking in this poem? Who or what is the poem addressed to? What questions do you have after you finish writing a poem?
Meditation and poetry require us to use the same tools.
Slow down, observe our experiences with curiosity, connect our bodies and minds.
By carefully reading a poem, you can gain a deeper understanding of both the poem and your inner self. Approaching poetry with curiosity and mindfulness opens the door to deeper understanding and richer engagement. Next time you read a poem, use these tips to find what resonates with you.
