I have been thinking about this question, what is a poem? We all know of course that there is not only one type of poem, but many, depending on the poet’s taste and style. I have realized that writing poems has become a spiritual practice and habit of mine, even though inspiration and ideas come and go. That is how it is. Other than that, my poems are unique in the way that I have found them in my own heart. There is also a certain style I have come to develop.
I would say that my poems in general are contemplative poems. With that I mean that they often are short pieces meant to stir a silent, yet heartfelt reaction in the reader. Very often they are quite personal, yet I also try to make them universal enough and open, so they may carry meaning for someone else as well. I guess, one of the reasons to write poems, yet not the main reason, is the hope that what carried meaning and hope to my heart may become meaningful for another individual too.
In addition to creating an emotional and heartfelt experience I hope my poems can be meaningful on more of a soul level as well. I find inspiration in Jungian ideas and thinking, in particular shadow work. dreams, arcetypes and individuation, so I hope some of my poems carry a deeper message often pointing toward the possibility of growth into wholeness as well.
As I decided after being at a retreat last year, I have not been posting poems or even other texts on this blog too often. I guess in order to get readers you should be posting regularly, yet I have not felt that to be my way. I realize that when I post to get likes or thumbs ups more than just to share what has been very helpful or important to me, the true fire and joy of it all often evaporates. So, I rather continue to post iregularly, if that is what it means being true to my own heart’s inspiration.
I hope, of course, that some of my poems and writing can find other people’s hearts as well, bring them some light and help them recognize their own longing soul. Maybe they can experience an ease of the loneliness on this often dark and lonely road of life toward individuation and wholeness.
A lot of my poems on this blog has been in the English language, even though my mother tongue is Norwegian. I do enjoy writing in my own language as well, particularly in New Norwegian, nynorsk, which is a particular style of Norwegian where the words often sound beautiful and may even at times more poetic. New Norwegian goes well with my particular contemplative style too. I guess I also must really accept the fact that English is not my mother tongue, and I may never reach the level of vocabulary and finesse I could hope for in English. We will see, what the future brings. For now, I hope that the ones that find this blog may find poems and texts that speak not only to minds, but hearts and soul, the deepest level, where we need to be seen and recognized. I also do believe reading a poem can be just as much a spiritual practice as writing it.
I pray that what will grow in our hearts is a trust in life, in Love, in creation and in particular also a trust in and acceptance of ourselves. I know that is very much what I need, and do think this need is quite common among my fellow wanderers. If my contemplative poems can carry a silent message and give you and others a soul felt pause in their day, an important goal for me has been reached. Yet, I will continue to remind myself that I write for and to myself first and foremost, always. For my own good and growth I need to put my heart out in writing poetry, so I can really find my own heart and soul too, and hopefully become a more and more authentic carrier of the soul gifted to me.
Peace and light to you, my friend 🦋
PS! I would love to hear from some of you out there, especially to know more about how you relate to poems, and what poems mean to you. Maybe you write poetry too? Please feel free to share about it here.
A Contemplative Life 