Welcome to Episode one of "For the Love of Art," a breath out in your substack or inbox where you can consciously consume poetry and ponder your life.
Ponder? EP I don’t have time to ponder *spits out the word and its bitter taste*
Well, I’ll have you know that means you should ponder twice as long, and perhaps under a nice tree.
I noticed this week that I am consuming a lot. Like nom nom nom on so much information and advertising and the world is terrible messages (thanks social media).
And I wanted a break. To dip my toes in artistry without feeling like I go from consuming to consumed in one breath.
So, I want to share my favourite pieces from this week.
These verses, penned by visionary poets, are more than words to me; they are windows to self-discovery, mirrors into connection, opportunities to embrace the unknown, and pathways to understanding the world and ourselves.
I would love to know how you feel, which ones spoke to you & if you feel to explore the pieces through the questions at the end!
To be alive: not just the carcass
But the spark.
That's crudely put, but…
If we're not supposed to dance,
Why all this music?
- Gregory Orr
What came up for you ask you read this? “Why all this music?” indeed. Tell me about what makes your soul sing? What feels like “music” to you?
What forms of creativity or expression make you feel truly alive, and how can you incorporate more of them into your life?
When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
—Mary Oliver
“I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world”
What puts you on autopilot? What sucks you in?
Mary Oliver asks, "When it's over, have you truly lived?" How can you infuse more amazement and intention into your life?
my body
writes into your flesh
the poem
you make of me.
Touching you I catch midnight
as moon fires set in my throat
I love you flesh into blossom
I made you
and take you made
into me.
From Recreation - Audre Lorde
I’m obsessed with this. It makes me feel all kinds of wonders. It makes me long for intimacy and romanticising everything in my life.
Audre Lorde's sensuous poem speaks of love, connection, and the interplay between two souls. How does this resonate with your experiences of love and intimacy? What passion and desire is caught in your throat?
And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to blossom.
Anais Nin
Does this fill you with hope? Relief? Knowing that you can let go, and let bloom?
Anais Nin's poignant reflection on blossoming and growth prompts you to ponder: Are there aspects of your life where you've been staying in a tight bud? What might happen if you take the risk to blossom?
As you immerse yourself in these poems, remember that the beauty of art lies not only in the words themselves but in the personal interpretations they evoke. Allow these verses to be your companions on a journey of self-discovery, and let the questions they raise be your guides. Enjoy the exploration, the introspection, and the magic of "For the Love of Art."
Oh I really, really love this and so look forward to this series. I love that you are interpreting and asking questions on each one.
They actually all spoke to me (great selection)
Though I particularly love this one today
And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to blossom.
Anais Nin
As this year is all about vitality for me. I plan to truly challenge identities I’ve created for myself
(Example- I don’t exercise, I don’t do yoga. I don’t have time to meditate. Manifestation is too fluffy. I’m too tired/ I’m not a morning person) etc and to really invite in a new identity and change the course of my life
Love these! What resonated the most was Mary Oliver’s not wanting to just be a visitor. I want to have fully participated in my life! And that’s what’s partly motivated me to be here on Substack to be honest. With people and content of substance and participation! Not just consumption. X