Learn how poetry can help your brain handle stress, process feelings, and spark insight.
Summary: This episode of The Science of Happiness is part of our series Using Art As Medicine. We explore poetry, one of the oldest artforms, powers our brains, calms our nervous systems, and reduces anxiety by opening doors into our psyche. Whether you're reading or writing it, elements like rhythm, metaphor and rhyme improve memory, cognition and even self-esteem.
This episode is made possible through the generous support of the John Templeton Foundation.
How To Do This Practice:
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Find Your Moment: Notice the time of day when you feel closest to yourself. It might be early morning before the world wakes up, or another quiet pocket of time when your thoughts are unfiltered and your heart is open.
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Set the Scene: Create an atmosphere that supports you. Play music that matches your mood or inspires imagination. Let it be soft and inviting, not distracting, just enough to signal to your body that this is a sacred moment.
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Choose Your Tools: Use what feels natural. Journal, laptop, scrap paper, napkin, the format doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re ready to begin.
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Write Without Interruption: Set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes. Let your pen or fingers move freely. Don’t stop, don’t edit, and don’t worry about making sense, just see what comes.
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Welcome the Unsaid: Allow what’s hidden, half-formed, or surprising to emerge.
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Let It Be What It Is: When the timer ends, pause. Don’t rush to interpret or fix your words. You’ve just made contact with something real, let that be enough.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
YRSA DALEY-WARD is an award-winning poet and author. Her debut novel, The Catch, comes out June 3rd.
Learn more about Yrsa here: https://yrsadaleyward.squarespace.com/
Pre-order her book here: https://tinyurl.com/yanw6bb5
DR. SUSAN MAGSAMEN is a Professor of Neurology at John Hopkins, and author of the New York Times bestseller, Your Brain On Art: How the Arts Transform Us.
Learn more about Dr. Magsamen here: https://tinyurl.com/33v8m5md
Read Dr. Magsamen’s book here: https://tinyurl.com/426k87f2
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
Using Art As Medicine Series: https://tinyurl.com/k3mneupx
How Art Heals Us: https://tinyurl.com/yc77fkzu
How Awe Helps You Navigate Life’s Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/2466rnm4
Related Happiness Breaks:
How To Awaken Your Creative Energy: https://tinyurl.com/4fknd8ev
Making Space For You: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv
A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y
Tell us about your experience with poetry. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.
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Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/y9r9dyzd
