SYLLABUS
Awakening Presence: Poetry as Spiritual Practice
© 2016/2020 JACINTA V. WHITE. All rights reserved.
Facilitator: Jacinta White, 336-830-5486, [email protected]
Location: Online/Email
Dates: April 1 – 22, 2020
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
Awakening Presence: Poetry as Spiritual Practice
© 2016/2020 JACINTA V. WHITE. All rights reserved.
Facilitator: Jacinta White, 336-830-5486, [email protected]
Location: Online/Email
Dates: April 1 – 22, 2020
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 will work:
When & how will you receive the lesson?
Each Wednesday morning, April 1-22, you will receive an email with the week’s lesson. This email will come via MailChimp (though my email address will be shown), which will easily incorporate links to literature, readings of poems, etc.
This weekly email will include poetry for that week for you to read and ponder. You will also receive prompts for both poetry and free-writing exercises. Each week, we will look at a particular poetic form. You are not required to write in this form though this class is the perfect opportunity to try out an Epistle or Sonnet.
What if you miss a week?
No problem! My desire is that you commit to giving this class time each week (put it on your calendar as an important "webinar") but life gets in the way. If you miss the email or it gets lost among other responsibilities, you can log it to get the material. Here’s how:
I will upload the week’s material every Wed. morning. Lessons will stay there for up to a month after the series ends, and the site will remain password protected (please do not share this with others).
How can you receive my reviews/critiques of your work?
I am providing feedback of poems from this series to Snapdragon Journal members. If you're a member, shoot me an email and we will discuss how feedback will go.
How to set up your weekly 20 minute calls?
Each week, whether you're a member or not, we have an opportunity to talk by phone. These calls are optional if you want additional support and want to share how your writing and reflections are going in this series. Ideally, we will schedule all four calls at once (ex: every Wed. at noon). Below are dates and times I have available. All calls are no more than 20 mins and what's listed below is EST. Please email me your preference and wait for confirmation from me.
Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.,
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m.
Code of Conduct: As a participant of this online group, it is necessary to be mindful and agreeable to the following:
As facilitator, I, Jacinta White, agree:
When & how will you receive the lesson?
Each Wednesday morning, April 1-22, you will receive an email with the week’s lesson. This email will come via MailChimp (though my email address will be shown), which will easily incorporate links to literature, readings of poems, etc.
This weekly email will include poetry for that week for you to read and ponder. You will also receive prompts for both poetry and free-writing exercises. Each week, we will look at a particular poetic form. You are not required to write in this form though this class is the perfect opportunity to try out an Epistle or Sonnet.
What if you miss a week?
No problem! My desire is that you commit to giving this class time each week (put it on your calendar as an important "webinar") but life gets in the way. If you miss the email or it gets lost among other responsibilities, you can log it to get the material. Here’s how:
- go directly to the page at http://www.poetryheals.com/awakening-presence.html (or, if you go to the main page: poetryheals.com you will find it under “create” and then if you hover your curser over “online classes” you will see the tab for “Awakening Presence”)
- once you get to the page it will ask you for the password, which is AP2020!#
I will upload the week’s material every Wed. morning. Lessons will stay there for up to a month after the series ends, and the site will remain password protected (please do not share this with others).
How can you receive my reviews/critiques of your work?
I am providing feedback of poems from this series to Snapdragon Journal members. If you're a member, shoot me an email and we will discuss how feedback will go.
How to set up your weekly 20 minute calls?
Each week, whether you're a member or not, we have an opportunity to talk by phone. These calls are optional if you want additional support and want to share how your writing and reflections are going in this series. Ideally, we will schedule all four calls at once (ex: every Wed. at noon). Below are dates and times I have available. All calls are no more than 20 mins and what's listed below is EST. Please email me your preference and wait for confirmation from me.
Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.,
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m.
Code of Conduct: As a participant of this online group, it is necessary to be mindful and agreeable to the following:
As facilitator, I, Jacinta White, agree:
- To put participants’ wellbeing first and foremost.
- To conduct myself professionally and responsibly.
- To acknowledge the limitations of my skills and scope of practice, referring participants, if necessary, to other professionals to provide the most appropriate care.
- To communicate responsibly, truthfully and respectfully with participants, holding their communications in strict confidence.
Series Outline:
Remember, each week I will send you poems, a video, and writing prompts. This is a guide to support that work.
April 1/Week 1: Welcome & “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?
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?
Goals: Identify personal motivation for more spiritual intimacy; Explore images/influences that shape your spiritual perceptions.
Poetic form: Pastoral
Suggested "homework":
- Create a space at home where you can devote daily quiet time
- Block your calendar for reading, silence, and writing
- Buy a notebook/journal specifically for this series if you haven’t already
Poetic form: Pastoral
Suggested "homework":
- Create a space at home where you can devote daily quiet time
- Block your calendar for reading, silence, and writing
- Buy a notebook/journal specifically for this series if you haven’t already
April 8/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?
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?
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
Suggested "homework":
- Begin a ritual of free-writing in the morning or evening (it doesn’t have to be daily) to record how you’re feeling about your day, what thoughts seem to occupy you regarding the class
Examine emotions that keep us spiritual stuck and what you need to forgive (in yourself and others) to move forward.
Poetic form:
Epistle/Pantoum
Suggested "homework":
- Begin a ritual of free-writing in the morning or evening (it doesn’t have to be daily) to record how you’re feeling about your day, what thoughts seem to occupy you regarding the class
April 15/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
Suggested "homework":
- Take a walk early morning or at dusk
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
Suggested "homework":
- Take a walk early morning or at dusk
April 22/Week 4: “But Where?”& Closing
And now where are you?
And now where are you?
Goals: Examine how paying attention to nature and natural surroundings can enhance the presence of God; Look at haiku as a form of expression; Discuss where go from here.
Poetic form:
Haiku
Suggested "homework":
- During your morning quiet time, look out of a window and write a haiku on what you see or hear—a bird, the tree, grass, a car, etc. Share one of your haiku with a co-worker, family member, and/or friend.
Poetic form:
Haiku
Suggested "homework":
- During your morning quiet time, look out of a window and write a haiku on what you see or hear—a bird, the tree, grass, a car, etc. Share one of your haiku with a co-worker, family member, and/or friend.