Take a moment to reflect on the sacredness of being. Completion (from Brainstorms) I’ve been trying all day to find the perfect words to convey the ending to this story, the period at the end of the sentence, the chime that signifies completion. I turn to my usual tricks: meditation, my journal, a walk in the sticks. But my head’s not in it anymore. I’ve already started moving on to what the next moment will bring. The deadline at the end of May, the things I want to do today. It’s hard to stop the flow of life, the urge to move from one thing to the next without taking time to rest. So I will force myself to pause if only for a moment, because something inside of me knows that it is in the space of silence that new worlds are formed. I wrote this poem four years ago, around the time I completed Brainstorms and began the process of getting it ready for publication. It’s been on my mind all week as I sit with the first physical copy of my second poetry collection, which I received in the mail on Monday night. I wasn’t expecting it that day and hadn’t checked the mail. That evening, I was sitting on the sofa with my son, half watching football with him and half following up on emails. When I saw the notification that the book had been delivered, I squealed with delight and ran out the door and down the block to the mailboxes even though it was 10:00pm and I was in my pajamas. My son asked what was going on. I could barely speak as I opened the package and saw the book for the first time. I handed it over to him. “Wow! That’s cool,” he acknowledged, then handed the book back to me and turned his attention back to the football game. I’ve had the book by my side all week, like a newborn baby I don’t want to let out of my sight. A few people have seen it, but not many. I’m going to keep it that way for now. As excited as I am to share this collection, I am savoring this space between creation and release. Stay tuned for details next week. In the meantime, I have two online events in the next week. I’d love for you to join me for one or both. Both will be recorded if you can’t attend live. Be sure to register to receive the replays. With love, Jennifer
Poetry Share with Dr. Dan Siegel
Friday, October 9 @3pm Central Time
I will join Dan Siegel and poets Nico Cary and Orlando Villaraga on Dan's weekly PEPP gathering. These weekly talks explore the science of the mind, the practice of presence, and the practical applications of Interpersonal Neurobiology to constructively deal with uncertainty and cultivate resilience in our inner and relational lives. Dan is dedicating the entire episode to poetry and I will have a chance to share poems from my new book and to be in conversation with three of my favorite human beings. Learn more and register here.
Poetry Timeout
Sunday, October 11 @7pm Central Time
Join me on the Sunday before the new moon for an hour-long, online performance. I will read poems, share stories, and sing songs to invite reflection on the theme Within My Illusions. Consider this hour a timeout from the day-to-day and a chance to explore the fullness of life. Learn more and register here.