Find Your Joy: A Personal Journey to Wellbeing with The Poetry Prescription

Today, I want to talk about something incredibly close to my heart: wellbeing and mental health. For me, it's not just about getting by; it's about being more than okay. It's about cultivating a stable state of mind, not letting life's inevitable bumps and twists derail my inner peace. We're all just passing through this world, aren't we? And I truly believe we should strive to spend our time here happy, not just constantly chasing achievements, but genuinely enjoying every single step.

Sometimes, we all need a little nudge, a fresh perspective, or a spark to ignite our spirit. For me, inspiration often comes from the simple beauty of nature, the unwavering support of my family, and, most profoundly, through prayer and seeking that fresh anointing. It’s in those moments that everything just clicks and makes sense.

That's why I'm so excited to share with you something that perfectly aligns with this philosophy: The Poetry Prescription series by the incredible Deborah Alma. You might know Deborah as the "Emergency Poet," who famously offered "poetry on prescription" from her vintage ambulance, and as the founder of The Poetry Pharmacy in Shropshire and London. Her vision is all about making poetry accessible and a powerful tool for healing and inspiration, bringing it directly to where people need it most. She truly believes poetry is an art form for everyone, capable of bringing deep comfort and insight, much like music or painting.

I've been fortunate enough to receive a bundle of her latest two books in this collectible, pocketable series: Inspiration, designed to boost creativity, and First Aid, a soothing balm for wellbeing and mental health. Let me tell you, these aren't just books; they're little packets of solace and sparks, beautifully curated to touch your soul. Along with these treasures, I also received some of The Poetry Pharmacy's famous prescription pills (don't worry, they're chocolate!), and a notepad – perfect for jotting down my own thoughts inspired by these verses.

A Glimpse Inside: My Personal Prescriptions

Let's dive into some of the poems that have particularly resonated with me. While I can't share the full poems due to copyright, I want to give you a sense of why they've become my companions.

From First Aid, a poem that truly speaks to my desire for a stable and happy mind is "The Peace of Wild Things" by Wendell Berry. This poem talks about finding solace and freedom from anxiety by simply being present in nature. When Berry writes about how he "comes into the presence of the peace of wild things / who do not tax their lives with forethought / of grief," it echoes my own feeling that nature often provides the clearest path to serenity. It reminds me that often, our worries are self-imposed, and stepping into the natural world, or even just embracing a natural state of mind, can bring profound relief. This poem reinforces my belief that happiness isn't just about achieving goals, but about finding contentment in the simple, quiet moments, much like a deer or a heron existing without worry.

And from Inspiration, a poem that perfectly captures my personal journey of seeking divine inspiration is "Sometimes" by Mary Oliver. Oliver's poetry often connects deeply with nature and a spiritual sense of wonder. While the poem explores how often inspiration arrives when we least expect it, almost as a gift, it resonates with how I receive my own "fresh anointing." Oliver suggests that sometimes we just need to be open and quiet, to allow the inspiration to flow in, much like a prayer answered. It encourages a sense of receptivity, reminding me that creativity isn't always about forcing an outcome, but about being attuned to the subtle whispers of the world around us, and the divine within. It’s a beautiful reminder to trust the process and embrace the unexpected ways clarity and creativity emerge.

These poems, like so many others in Deborah Alma's collections, aren't just words on a page. They are invitations to pause, reflect, and connect with emotions and experiences that are universally human. They offer comfort when you need it most and a gentle push towards new ideas when you feel stuck.

Deborah Alma's Poetry Pharmacy concept is brilliant because it treats poetry as a genuine remedy. Just as we might reach for a painkiller for a headache, these poems offer a different kind of relief and renewal for the mind and spirit. Each pocket-sized book is a little dose of exactly what you need, whether it's a moment of calm, a burst of joy, or, as these two latest additions offer, concrete "first aid" for challenging times and a powerful "inspiration" to fuel your creative fire.

I wholeheartedly recommend dipping into The Poetry Prescription series. You'll find yourself reaching for these books again and again, whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a moment of deep contemplation. They are a true testament to the enduring power of poetry to heal, uplift, and transform our lives.

Have you ever found solace or inspiration in poetry? Let me know in the comments below!

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