Turning to Words When Times are Tough

The concept of releasing powerful feelings through artistic activities, ie ‘catharsis’, was considered as long ago as Aristotle in his Poetics, 384-322 BC, where he said a tragic play should provide an outlet for the audience’s emotions of pity and fear.

Centuries later, scientists now confirm that turning to words when times are tough – when experiencing powerful emotions or a traumatic event – is a highly successful coping mechanism. According to Dr Matthew Lieberman, a neuroscientist at the University of California, expressing yourself in print is “a sort of unintentional emotion regulation”. In fact, the act of writing about personal experiences inhibits those parts of the brain linked to emotional turmoil, and increases activity in regions related to self-control. “I think it could play a role,” he says, “in why many people write diaries or write bad lyrics to songs – the kind that should never be played on the radio.”

I agree! Which is why I taught seven poetry workshops back-to-back last week at the 2019 Carers’ Day Out, as a part of National Carers Week. Thank you so much Carers NSW for organising – you rock!!

Carers perform stressful and emotional work, and often need a release for such. Yet, at first, many of the carers I met on the day were reluctant to give poetry a go, saying they weren’t ‘good’ at writing.

But, after I assured them that the quality of their writing wouldn’t diminish any cathartic effects, they plunged in, and produced amazing poems! Amazing because they expressed deeply-held, honest and raw emotions, and gave insight into unique and meaningful perspectives. The carers were all sincerely grateful for the opportunity to express themselves in words, and to be guided in how to do so. They said they found it healing. Yay! Mission accomplished!

With the carers’ permission, here are a few samples (of the shorter poems):

Lego

The Lego hits the floor,

The dining chair is upended.

You scream, so loud,

It’s ear-splitting.

–

You swear, hit, kick,

“I hate you!” you yell.

You sob and fall to the

Floor.

–

I come to you,

I bundle your shaking little body,

And lie with you,

Arms tightly around you.

–

You sob, cry, shake.

“I love you,” you say.

I nuzzle your neck.

“I love you, too.”

Sofia

Alone

Alone, I sit among my friends,

Darkness clouds my mind.

I don’t know how to be joyful,

Just mask things with a smile.

No one knows how I really am,

They all think I’m fine.

Oh how I wish this was true,

But darkness clouds my mind.

Deborah

Joy in the Community

Come to the park,

And be with the people,

Hear the music,

While you feel the sun,

Experience the joy

Of being a part

Of something bigger

Than being one.

Lee

There were many more wonderful poems, and it was my privilege to guide carers in how to channel their feelings and conjure their creations. Tears were released as well as smiles. One carer was so proud of her poem she read it out over the microphone; and was so grateful for the workshop she made me a badge in thanks!

Most importantly, anyone can do it! So… the next time you’re stressed or upset – try writing about your emotions! It’s free and might just help!

If you don’t know where to start, send me a message and I’ll give you some free tips :0)