Poetry can express, release and transmute hardship. Poets often write for their own catharsis, but then when we receive poetry we may experience healing vicariously if we take the words to heart. A poem may become a map for us to follow towards renewal, or it may be a comfort when we feel accompanied by the poet who has given words to our pain. We might even feel the release of an inner knot of constriction if the poem gives us permission to accept something about ourselves or our life that we might have judged as wrong.

On this day of poetry and mindfulness we’ll sit with a carefully selected collection of poetry for healing. We’ll also do a guided imagery journey to bring the potential of healing alive in a way unique to each of us. Expect a friendly gathering and introduction at the start, followed by practice and companionable silence throughout the middle sections of the day and then sharing and reflecting in the final session.