Do you need some poetry writing encouragement for 2023?
A poetry dedication on YouTube…
My poetry: an eyes blink and the storm
Copyright © 2021 Traysi Benjamin-Matthew
All rights reserved. No portion of this post may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or by otherwise without the express written permission from Traysi Benjamin-Matthew
Why do I write? Reason #1: it heals
Copyright © 2021 Traysi Benjamin-Matthew
This is the first in a series of poems that explores why I write. Reason #1 is the healing aspect of “expressive writing,” and obviously, my chosen format is poetry. However, if you want to try something different; “expressive writing” can be writing diaries, journals, songs and thought pieces.
In the new world of Covid-19 there has been increased conversations about mental health, wellbeing and wellness. For example, the signs to an unhappy mental health, the different things that impact mental health and the many wellness activities you can do to ensure a healthy and happy mental health.
“Expressive writing = happy mental health and wellbeing”
What’s on your heart and mind?
“What’s on your heart and mind?” is the subtitle of John F Evans article titled Expressive Writing. He describes the rhythms of expressive writing, the connections with wellness and challenges readers to ‘become their own researcher,’ trying out his tips and advice, seeing if it works.
But that question, “what’s on your heart and mind?” Is the foundation of expressive writing. It is the starting point where the tumbling of words from your heart and mind become written (or typed) and ignites the healing process. It is the outpouring of soul that helps the transformation from an unhappy mental health to a happy (or happier) one. And like most things in life, practise makes things (writing) easier.
“So, what is on your heart and mind?”
From very early on in my writing career (as a young teen, lol), I had some awareness of the links between poetry writing, emotional healing and a happy mental health. Of course, I wouldn’t have used those words to describe it, it wasn’t talked about like it is now. I just knew writing made me feel better. It helped make sense of my world and I just found it easier to explain my thoughts and emotions with a pen or pencil.
The strong urge
As an adult and during my most rock bottom places, I translated my emotions to paper or computer screen. Often prayerfully scribbling down (or typing) a difficult period of my life, after feeling a strong urge just to get it out of me!
For me personally, this “strong urge” was usually connected with a previous “God time moment” (as I am a Christian), where I had a verbal/ thoughtful outpouring of what was on my heart and mind. Followed by a still moment wrapped in God’s warmth.
It’s unimportant if you have just a “strong urge” or something else that helps you to write like another wellness activity or strong motivation. Just write something! Everyone has to start somewhere.
“I must write, I need to write, I am going to get it out of me!”
The routine
However, the “strong urge” might not be enough for some or they just might never experience the “strong urge.” Don’t worry because a regular expressive writing routine will get you there. It doesn’t matter if it is daily or weekly, in the morning or before bed, poetry or journaling. You have to do what feels right for you, be consistent and take baby steps. Just get through the week and the month, despite the never-ending assortment of emotions and distractions. Then before you know it, your “expressive writing routine” is a daily habit like brushing your teeth and sleeping.
“Start writing and healing.”
My poetry: she rose and journeyed
Copyright © 2021 Traysi Benjamin-Matthew
All rights reserved. No portion of this post may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or by otherwise without the express written permission from Traysi Benjamin-Matthew
One word poetry prompt: ‘melancholy’ & ‘spark’
At the start of this year I felt demotivated and recently asked my Instagram followers to send me one word poetry prompts. Below are the poems I wrote for ‘melancholy’ and ‘spark.’
“Melancholy” (word prompt by @hec_poetry )
the day began with a slowness of thought
splashed water on face and fuelled by coffee
he emerged from the kitchen wondering
if outside was grey why the cloud in his room remained?
was this feeling a new destiny?
one he should embrace
he sighed into his sofa
and waited for hope to grow
feet planted in soil to be watered
he wanted to experience a new birth
one where he flourished
would a transformation of self come?
will it be the same next month?
the thought went as quickly as it came
his coffee now cold cup placed on the floor amongst others
enough thinking for the day he laid down and closed his eyes
tomorrow he will revisit it all again
he sighed a silent thank you
he did more than yesterday
‘spark’ (word prompt from @madeuniquecic)
it came
when she least expected it
from nowhere it found her
during her lowest
helping her to become
she had no idea she had it in her
until she felt a warmth in her belly
and others saw a glow in her eyes
a bounce in her step
whilst she walked a trial of flowers
behind her
they said
she brought light in crowds
hope in situations
when she laughed everyone smiled
when she cried they felt her pain
at night
she held the spark in the palm
of her hands
wondering what to expect next
her life
a book she was ready to write
with an ending that excited her
Copyright © 2021 Traysi Benjamin-Matthew
All rights reserved. No portion of this post may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or by otherwise without the express written permission from Traysi Benjamin-Matthew
Book Launch
Finally! It is here! My first published poetry-spoken word collection called “Warrior.”
Join me for 20 mins of chat and poetry-spoken word on Sunday 13th December at 3pm on Instagram Live – @poetrybytraysi
If you would like to buy, please go to my website and thank you for your support!
My poetry: and in those moments
Copyright © 2019 Traysi Benjamin-Matthew
All rights reserved. No portion of this post may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or by otherwise without the express written permission from Traysi Benjamin-Matthew