In anticipation of our Literary Meditation evening next week, teacher Emma Mills explains why poetry helps her find calm

There is a lovely poem by William Stafford, called ‘The Way It Is’. In the poem, William points out that while life evolves through highs and lows, there is something that keeps us going, something that draws us, or remains with us through life. He calls this thing, a thread.

Meditation is one way of getting familiar with the thread. When I meditate, I am quiet. I learn to see myself, my motivations and my little ways. I also hear where my enthusiasm lies, am able to think for myself and decide the right actions to take.

Both meditation and poetry offer the opportunity for repose, affirmation, finding new ideas, reflection, understanding and fun. And so it feels right to combine these two, very lovely, ways of spending time.

At our evening meeting next week, we are going to have a little meditation, and share poetry recommendations taken from my new book Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. The poems point to several key themes in meditation. Throughout the reading, we will have lots of space to discuss and share what we make of the poems and the ideas offered in them.

We might share a short story or piece of prose too, depending on the time.

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Come to our Literary Meditation next Wednesday 12th April to learn more about links between poetry and mindfulness. In a two-hour workshop, Emma, an experienced meditation teacher and author of Inhale. Exhale. Repeat: A Meditation Handbook for Every Part of Your Day, will use the power of poetry to explore the world of meditation. Dragonfly Tea will be serving calming herbal infusions. For more info and tickets, click here.