Let’s Splurge with Words
Not expecting applause
There are so many people working in the world in service to others whose names we will never know: scientists, artists, poets, humanitarians, physicians, firefighters, ambulance drivers, cleaners – the list is endless. And yes, some get paid to do their work and some do not. Regardless, so many do it wholeheartedly because they want to help not because they are looking for applause.
I’m thinking of poets tonight. With the exception of the top sellers, a poet and writer’s life and body of work are seldom acknowledged, in the broader world. And if you only write to get recognition, you will soon quit. Thankfully, so many wonderful poets and writers keep on writing, one word at a time, and we are the beneficiaries.
As some of you know, I think it’s important to splurge with our words while people we admire are still alive. Let’s not save our best words until after they are gone.
Tonight, I want to recognize and give applause to my poet friend Janice Falls. Some of you, like me, follow her poetry blog
Click for Heart Poems
Janice goes quietly about her writing life: reading, writing and helping others through poetry. (that is just part of what she goes through her life doing:-)) She faithfully stewards her weekly poetry blog, which is amazing, and many of my favourite poems have originally come from her site. And yes, she has poems published, but this week, coincidentally her birthday week, she received a lovely surprise and I want to cheer her on and congratulate her. Her essay, “Poetry As Medicine,” was selected for publication in Braided Way. If you are interested, in the power of poetry, I invite you to read it. Here’s the link
Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, writes: “You can get a lot done in the world if you don’t care who gets the credit.” This is a powerful statement when you stop and take the time to consider all the implications. I consider Janice one of those people.
Speaking of Rachel Remen, I attended a live webinar with her last week and the most important message I took away was what she calls, “generous listening:” “The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention… A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words.” It also means listening where we stop our own chatter about what we like and don’t like, or what we think the problem is. We simply accept and listen more with our hearts than with our heads.
Notes
1:) May we all fling our kind and loving and appreciative words out into the world and make someone’s day.
2:) Photos: Gabriola Island and the sketch is Patricia Ryan Madson from her series on Improv Wisdom
3:) May you have a lovely week with lots of opportunities to notice and to listen. So many thanks for stopping by. Warmly, Trudy
Thank you Trudy.
And always, thank you, Pat. Warm greetings, Trudy
Thank you Trudy for sharing Janice’s ode to poetry. As you know, Janice’s blog has greatly enriched my life during the pandemic, and I wish to acknowledge the labour of love that goes into such a thoughtful and reliable production. I truly appreciate the tremendous gift you both offer at a time where the internet is so saturated that it can be easy to forget the humans behind such carefully curated content.
Dear Emma: How eloquently you write and how I appreciate you taking the time to do so. You too are a great inspiration to me. Your love, devotion, and creativity to your Forest Bathing studio https://www.bloomingcaravan.ca/forestbathingstudio and the people who participate exceed all expectations. You are a hidden gem on the world wide web. I appreciate you. May you continue your good work, in whatever form, for decades to come. Warmest wishes, Trudy
Oh my goodness Trudy, I’m momentarily without words! What a surprise to be honoured in this way – a deep bow of gratitude to you. You have always been a cheerleader of my work, generous with your appreciations and of course a dear friend. much love to you, Janice
You are welcome dear Janice. Just telling the truth. Enjoy these moments. Three cheers. Trudy
Good morning, Trudy!
Another lovely post. Happy Birthday to Janice.
Started telling people that I love them and what they mean to me, it feels good. Recently asked someone for their attention and they got upset – told me they must keep in motion all the time, I cannot imagen how exhausting that must be, at least for me
Thanks for your lovely note Kathryn. We are steeped in busyness in our culture. It’s not easy to slow down and stop rushing. That is one thing we learn how to do from illness. And then we get better and forget again. What a beautiful practice to let people know that you love them. May you have so, so many joyful moments. Warmly, Trudy
I noticed your suggestions about two wonderfull poets and I listened to my heart telling me to read the poetry:-) Thank you so much, Trudy! I really do appreciate your weekly posts:-)
Love
Sabine
Thank you so much Sabine for your kind words. It is always a pleasure to hear from you. Enjoy this beautiful season in Germany. Warmly, Trudy