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.:) 

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