The Art of Our Thoughts

 

7/12/2021- The Art of our Thoughts

When having open discussions about literature and its different genres, there seems to be a definitive line of love or hate for poetry. A majority of arguments that side with disliking the art usually realm from a generalized perspective and categorizing all poetry as one thing, for example describing it as “depressing”. Being able to analytically dissect a poem in itself is a craft that takes time, effort, and an open mind. But oftentimes, the idea of reading or writing poetry makes people uncomfortable because of how easily the craft can become personal whether it be your own work, or someone else’s. 

Since the pandemic, so many people in my life (including myself) yearned to find a new hobby and have also struggled navigating their mental health. More often than not when I tell people they should try writing poetry, the first thing that they say is, “I would never know what to write about” or “writing is boring”. From a stance of validation I understand what it's like to experience writer's block, boredom, and lack motivation. But the beauty I believe that exists in writing is that any work can be turned into art. 

Within the last year, a majority of my writing has stemmed from allowing myself to verbally and physically release my thoughts through having conversations with myself alone or even on paper. Utilizing writing as an outlet to not only heal through trauma, but to relearn my love for writing has been an immensely validating experience. Oftentimes that is exactly what makes people uncomfortable about writing and reading poetry. It forces us to communicate ideas in so many ways that they aren't used to.  

Practicing this does not have to come from any specific realm or perspective. Visually verbalizing our life’s questions can be immensely powerful even if it is allowing yourself to contemplate and understand the existence of time, or why people like pickles. But it can also help you understand new parts of yourself, and have a better understanding of others and the world around you. 

Starting new hobbies are hard, just as beginning tasks we put off to the side. As I always say, the first step is always the hardest. But giving yourself some time to experience new art expands our ability for educational and emotional intake. As I said before, any writing can be turned into art. The best way to start this is to simply allow yourself to “word vomit” on the paper. This simply means, to write every work that comes to your mind. 

Allowing myself to do this at times where I needed to unwind has sparked a sense of calming when things are crazy. And let me tell you, by doing this, I have found some healing poetry gold. There is nothing cooler than working out your thoughts into an art that may help others. 

Often times, we avoid writing because of the fears of what follows if we share it, especially writing stuff such as this. But allowing casual vulnerability can open a new realm of understanding of yourself. So today take that step, write out the recurring randomness that flows through your brain. It may take you somewhere.:) 

XX-

T

“Questioning Knowing”

Questioning Knowing                   

I’ve always questioned what it meant,

    to know..

But I think because when I knew,

        that I knew,

                I  Felt  Wrong..

Because she was so beautiful,

And he was so handsome.

    both perfectly crafted into helping 

    me know:

        who I really am..

We live in a world where we have to make choices,

    but I couldn’t,

                and I can’t. 

I hate that I questioned what I knew

    when I was thirteen,

Now being 21 accepting that

 to know is to love me

                and 

                    her

                        and 

                            him.

Because to know,

    is to love.

And there is no greater love than

        knowing yourself.

XX- TR

The First Time Series- “To be Alive”

 The First Time Series- “To be Alive”

Oranges, purples, blues, and pinks kissed the top of the     canyon's edge. 

Drops of tiny pebbles send echos through the space,

Trying to compete with the wind’s whispers.

Over hanging trees sway in response to the whistles’         words: 

    this is what it means to be alive. 

With feet over the edge,

My shoelaces dancing with the internal epiphany of         finally knowing;

    this is what it means to be alive. 

And I know I will never forget that moment 

when..

Oranges, purples, blues, and pinks, kissed the top of the     canyon’s edge,

when..

Drops of tiny pebbles sent echos through the space,

when..

Trying to compete with the winds whispers,

when..

Over hanging trees sway in response to the whistles’         words:

            telling me:

            YOU ARE ALIVE. 

Recognizing Our Growth

 Recognizing Our Growth

     Throughout our lives, we constantly go through a multitude of periods of growth. This can be with our jobs, emotions, health, relationships, learning, and writing. I have been writing poetry since I was about 12 years old, and have had many opportunities in my life to expand my writing knowledge and ability. 

The number one thing I was told in every English or writing class was, “the only way to improve your writing is to read other people's work.” Reading any type of writing is valuable to our learning, even if it’s not your usual style or topic. My sophomore year of college I took a writing class that was for fiction short stories, and let me tell you I have never been a story writer. But I was so lucky to be in a class with individuals who were gifted short story writers, as well as others who felt the same as me. My Professor opened my eyes to viewing writing as a “craft”, which was the beginning of my journey of making my work as a creative opportunity. 

I also had the opportunity to take a class all focused on poetry, and going in I thought I had an easy A. I thought, “I’ve been writing for years! I got this”. Yes, I did get an A but there was so much more that I needed to learn about the craft of writing poetry. I am so grateful that I got to share and hear the work of my peers, and have been able to grow my craft. Classes like these are what pushed me to officially make the decision to become an English teacher. I want to be able to share the amazing benefits writing your own and reading others' writing can do for ourselves. 

In all of my writing classes, we learned about giving and receiving constructive criticism and revising our work. Though some do not believe in revising their poetry, allowing yourself to grow from each piece of art you create is what allows writing to be a craft. Revision can help make poems (or even short stories) so much stronger; and sometimes it’s as simple as punctuation. Every detail in our writing matters and it took me a long time to realize that. I am by no means an amazing writer, I am still learning everyday. And I love every moment.

I am not ashamed of my old work, but rather am proud to show my growth as a writer. Here is an example of an old poem I wrote when I was 16. 

Late night thoughts from September 7th, 2016

When I tell you I love you, I'm telling you you're limitless talents are extraordinary. I'm telling you that the flaws you find within yourself, I see perfection.

When I tell you I love you, I'm handing you my heart as I guarantee the safety of yours. 

Everyday you find a way to let me know I am beautiful.

You let me know the things you love about me. 

As I lay here tonight, I crave your presence.

As I lay here, I miss you.

And as I think about how I miss you, I think about all the little things." 

I love this poem, but there is so much I can do with it, from using more of my own creative voice, to even the layout of the words itself. I’d love to see some of your old work too!

Xx- T