Welcome to Awakening Presence: Poetry as Spiritual Practice
© 2016/2020 JACINTA V. WHITE. All rights reserved.
Facilitator: Jacinta White, [email protected]
Location: Online/Email
Description: This 4-week poetry series, “Awakening Presence: Poetry as Spiritual Practice” is designed to assist individuals in using poetry, poetry writing to deepen their personal understanding of and relationship with God. Through (1) reading pre-selected poems, (2) participating in writing activities, and (3) reflecting with optional exercises to strengthen what’s given in the weekly sessions, you will be guided in answering questions for yourself that many face in their spiritual journey. To explore these questions and possible answers we will look at classical and contemporary poems, but more importantly, you will be guided to look within to create your own poetic writings that reflect your truth and your growing relationship with the Divine.
*God is used to communicate a Greater Power, Creative Spirit. I use this in a spiritual rather than religious intent. You may use another word if “God” does not fit the language you use.
Objectives: The objectives of this series are to use poetry to allow participants to:
Required Supplies: 1) Paper and/or a journal, 2) a computer with Internet
Recommended: 1) A printer, 2) a binder with pockets to place poems/handouts that will be emailed
© 2016/2020 JACINTA V. WHITE. All rights reserved.
Facilitator: Jacinta White, [email protected]
Location: Online/Email
Description: This 4-week poetry series, “Awakening Presence: Poetry as Spiritual Practice” is designed to assist individuals in using poetry, poetry writing to deepen their personal understanding of and relationship with God. Through (1) reading pre-selected poems, (2) participating in writing activities, and (3) reflecting with optional exercises to strengthen what’s given in the weekly sessions, you will be guided in answering questions for yourself that many face in their spiritual journey. To explore these questions and possible answers we will look at classical and contemporary poems, but more importantly, you will be guided to look within to create your own poetic writings that reflect your truth and your growing relationship with the Divine.
*God is used to communicate a Greater Power, Creative Spirit. I use this in a spiritual rather than religious intent. You may use another word if “God” does not fit the language you use.
Objectives: The objectives of this series are to use poetry to allow participants to:
- Gain a better understanding of their past, current and desired spiritual growth.
- Explore their personal walk/relationship with God.
- Commune with self and God on a deeper, more consistent level.
Required Supplies: 1) Paper and/or a journal, 2) a computer with Internet
Recommended: 1) A printer, 2) a binder with pockets to place poems/handouts that will be emailed
How this works:
You can access all the course material at once but I do recommend you spend a week on each theme and not rush through the series.
You can access all the course material at once but I do recommend you spend a week on each theme and not rush through the series.
- Go directly to the page at http://www.poetryheals.com/awakening-presence.html (you can bookmark it for easier future access).
- Once you get to the page it will ask you for the password. Your is IamAP!
What you will find:
Each theme comes with the poems, an audio reading, writing prompts, and additional exercises throughout the week to support your creativity and spiritual journey.
Week 1: “But Who?” Who is the Divine to you and who do you believe you are to the Divine?
How are we and who is "God" during crisis?
How are we and who is "God" during crisis?
Goals: Identify personal motivation for more spiritual intimacy; Explore images/influences that shape your spiritual perceptions.
Poetic form: Pastoral
Poetic form: Pastoral
Week 2: “But How?” But how can poetry be used as a tool for divine exploration and expression?
How does one become more real in their relationship with God?
How does one become more real in their relationship with God?
Goal:
Examine emotions that keep us spiritual stuck and what you need to forgive (in yourself and others) to move forward.
Poetic form:
Epistle/Pantoum
Examine emotions that keep us spiritual stuck and what you need to forgive (in yourself and others) to move forward.
Poetic form:
Epistle/Pantoum
Week 3: “But What?” But what can nature, pain and acceptance of “what is” teach us about God?
Goal:
Identify how problems and obstacles can be seen as sacred moments; Identify how you are a part of God’s divine plan.
Poetic form:
Psalm/Sonnet
Identify how problems and obstacles can be seen as sacred moments; Identify how you are a part of God’s divine plan.
Poetic form:
Psalm/Sonnet
Week 4: “But Where?”And now where are you?
Goal: Examine how paying attention to nature and natural surroundings can enhance the presence of God.
Poetic form:
Haiku
Poetic form:
Haiku