How Poetry Helps You Slow Down and Savor Life
“All poems begin by saying the same thing,” says Brian Leithauser in his book, Rhyme’s Rooms: The Architecture of Poetry, “The first message it sends you is Slow down. It asks to be read less hurriedly than you typically read.” In the fast-paced world we live in today, the ability and willingness to find stillness and reflection can be a superpower. Because of poetry’s contemplative nature, it can be an invaluable tool for helping us connect with mindfulness, intuition, and gratitude. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways in which poetry can help you slow down and savor life’s quiet moments.
4 ways poetry helps you slow down and savor life
Poetry teaches us that the little things matter.
In a poem, every word, detail, and punctuation mark matters. Poets are precise and intentional in the way they phrase and structure a poem, and this precision invites us to take our time digesting the poem’s many layers of meaning. Plus, the content of a poem often focuses on the little details, many poets drawing connections between the ordinary and the profound.
Related reading: Hidden Meanings: The Power & Precision of Erasure Poetry
Poetry ignites the imagination.
The best poems often include rich, vivid imagery that ignites the reader’s imagination. By activating our imagination, readers and writers of poetry can reconnect with a sense of hope and childlike awe. These pleasant emotional states can put us in the right mindset to slow down and notice the small moments of magic in our daily lives, ultimately making the world seem a more welcoming and wonderful place.
Learn more: 5 tips on building vivid imagery in a poem.
Poems can act as mantras.
Rhythm, pace, and cadence are important elements of any poem. Some poems are meant to be read at a slow, meditative pace, and the very act of reading these poems can be similar to reciting a mantra, helping us center ourselves and acclimate to a mindfulness practice. Plus, you can even use specific snippets and lines that stand out to you (e.g. “Still I rise” or “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”) as mantras, repeating them to yourself for grounding and inspiration.
Poetry can help you process and reflect on your life.
Poetry often explores life’s biggest and most fundamental questions—things like who am I?, what is my purpose?, and how do I deal with grief? Reading or writing poems that touch on your personal experiences can help you identify and feel your emotions more deeply, find solace in times of suffering, and remember your shared humanity.
Need help articulating your feelings? Try these 6 sensitive writing prompts for navigating big emotions.
Let poetry be your source of stillness in the rush of daily life
Reading, writing, and listening to poetry can help you notice the beauty in mundanity, connect with your inner voice, and find a sense of inner peace that keeps you going in the chaos of daily life. We hope this article gave you some starting points for using poetry as a source of calm. To explore more ways that poetry can help better your life, try these 4 poetry prompts to improve your mental wellbeing.
