In Part 1 I introduced my best friends, music and nature, to you. Then, I explained how they always help me treat symptoms of depression when they come up. In this post, I am so excited to introduce you to my other best friend, poetry, which is my favorite form of art therapy.
Poetry can be seen as word art with its colorful language, patterns, and rhythms that keep the mind curious and engaged. Below is one short poem that I memorized. I repeat it when I need a reminder of how to make a choice.
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” in The Essential Rumi
Writing poetry is also a way to release stored up emotions. Below is a poem I wrote to help myself move forward when I felt discouraged.
Shine Your Light
by Bobbi Rudin
Do you wait until all is well outside
to remember your ever-shining light inside?
Once, someone may have told you to hide.
But that is not your God. Do not abide.
Gently deny that is the truth. Step out again,
and again, and again. Let inspiration rise.
Ah, there is your smile, don’t let it wane,
or the joy that illuminates your eyes
with Love’s ever-present ray ending all pain.
Now, you have discovered life’s greatest prize.
Check out The Institute for Poetic Medicine to get started using therapeutic poetry exercises.
“Big dreams. Small Steps.”