When you have a busy schedule, poetry can provide a soothing, mindful moment. Here are five unique sources of inspiration to try
Autumn is a feast for the senses, and a wonderful time of year to embrace some new wellbeing practices. Poetry can provide inspiration and insight, even when life feels hectic and full of distractions. Sometimes those busy times are when you need to pause and reflect, and these inspiring words will help. For this week’s autumn loves, we have five easy ways to incorporate poetry into your daily wellness routine.
The ‘Slowdown’ podcast
American host Ada Limón provides listeners with easily accessible poetry in this all-female podcast. All episodes are under six minutes, making these quick bites are the perfect morning listen. Pop it on while making your coffee, getting dressed, or brushing your teeth. It is one of the easiest ways to incorporate poetry into your daily routine. Limón herself is an award-winning poet and together with her diverse team, they shine a light on contemporary poets from across the globe, as well as classic favourites. You can listen to ‘The Slowdown‘ podcast on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you get your podcasts.
‘Almost Everything…’ by Patrick Kavanagh
In 1964, Patrick Kavanagh recorded ‘Almost Everything…’ a double album that features the only recording of the revered poet reading his finest works. Almost sixty years later, a new two-part album featuring the original recordings and the famous poet’s work read by Bono, President Michael D. Higgins, Imedla May, Hozier and many more is now available to purchase. The album features an extract from ‘The Great Hunger’ read by Kavanagh himself as well as ‘On Raglan Road’ read by Bono. Great to pop on in the car on your way to and from work. The new album is available to purchase in CD and Vinyl from Claddagh Records for €21.95.
The poets Instagram page
Incorporating poetry into your routine can be as simple as following a daily poetry page on Instagram, such as @poets. With 4.2 million followers on the platform, this page shares short daily verses with their community. Spending time on social media can often feel unproductive and uninspiring. However, by incorporating healthy habits into your scrolling time, you can begin to use social media to your advantage. These easily accessible poems are short and sweet, as well as being positive and inspiring. Perfect for when you need a pick-me up during the day.
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‘Every day is a fresh beginning’ by Aoibhín Garrihy
‘Every day is a Fresh Beginning’ is the perfect autumn read. Curated by Aoibhín Garrihy, this book is full of uplifting poetry about life aimed to inspire and comfort. Aoibhín, an actress, influencer and entrepreneur has a lifelong love of poetry. She has complied her absolute favourites into this collection that can be read anytime, anywhere – whether it is first thing in the morning or last thing at night. A must-have for cosy autumn evenings curled up on the couch. ‘Every day is a Fresh Beginning’ is available to purchase from Easons for €13.99.
‘Poems for when you can’t find the words’ from the Irish Hospice Foundation
Poetry Ireland has collaborated with the Irish Hospice Foundation to compile meaningful, heartfelt poetry for patients in hospice care. Coming to terms with illness and end of life is never an easy thing to do. This collection of poetry aims to provide patients with compassion and understanding. It includes much-loved works from famed poets such as Patrick Kavanagh, Seamus Heaney and Emily Dickinson. It also includes four new commissions from up and coming poets based in Ireland. These include Abby Oliveira, Nandi Jola, Eriko Tsugawa-Madden and Supriya Kaur Dhaliwal. It is available to purchase from Easons for €13.99.
