Friday, May 23, 2014

Interview With Mariann Martland

Welcome to The Women Behind The Poetry, where we interview women from the 'Journey of The Heart: Women's Spiritual Poetry Project'!  

Today we introduce you to the courageous Mariann Martland whose prolific writings fearlessly encompass both light and shadow, as she explores the power in her own voice.

When and how did you first begin writing poetry?

I've always loved words, I would start writing journals and diaries as a child and then destroy them as I felt they were too permanent or feared someone finding them as my real feelings would be 'out there'. I assume I wrote poetry then, but my memory of these times is a somewhat sketchy. The first time I wrote a poem that I kept was about seven years ago and I have been writing and writing ever since. It was at a time when I was deeply depressed and it was in the early days of this expression that I began to face some of the traumas of my childhood.

For a long time I wouldn't have called anything I wrote poetry - I didn't have the confidence to do so, I would think of it as something a bit like poetry but not good enough to call it that. I would have said it was just thoughts, ramblings...musings even. Looking back, it certainly was poetry. My writing has evolved since then, as I hope it will always continue to do, but some poems I wrote back then are the most expressive, personal, 'best' (which is obviously a matter of perception) poems I have written.

Which subjects are easiest and hardest for you to write poems on? 

Writing poetry, for me, is an expression of self, so the subjects of my poems are always based on my deepest feelings, my experiences in life and the world around me. As such this makes all the topics of my poetry both the easiest and hardest to write about - easy because it is right there in me ready to be expressed but hard because it is often expressing a part of me that comes from my deepest vulnerabilities and experiences.

I write about myself, my life, my childhood, the world, the universe, love, life, friendship, connection, needs, wants, desires, pain, grief, heartache, trauma, sadness, happiness, joy and everything in between... Each of these subjects are the both easiest and the hardest for me to write about, all at the same time. Though it is rare that I go into my writing with a subject in mind - I can’t force it, it's just whatever is pouring out of me at the time.

When do you feel most inspired to write poetry? 

At night, or the early hours of the morning. I've been an insomniac since childhood and it is often when the darkness falls that words begin to flood my mind, giving voice to my deepest feelings - writing them down has become both a way for me to express myself and a therapeutic tool. 

However, it is life that inspires me to write and life is happening constantly - some of my personal favorites have been written during the day, outdoors, when I have felt connected to nature and the universe or while sat on a train when a thought pops into my head. Inspiration can hit me whenever and wherever - I just have to hope I have a pen and my notebook with me when it does!

What is your biggest fear or hesitation when deciding to share a poem with the public? 

Oh, this is a biggie... I've only been sharing my writing with the public for just over six months. Each time I put myself out there I feel fear and hesitation. It goes against the grain of all of the defenses and guards I have built over the years to protect myself from being seen - expressing my true self is new to me and I am learning everyday how much of myself I can reveal without feeling too exposed. The fear here - that I will reveal a part of myself that is too dark and too ugly for anyone to see, even myself. But sharing my writing has become such a fundamental part to exploring and healing the wounds of my childhood that I often now share my words without too much hesitation, the fear often comes later!

What is the most profound thing you have learned from writing poems? 

Everything I learn from writing feels profound. It teaches me about who I am. It teaches me about life. It connects me to my truth and the universal truths of humanity. 

How is writing poetry a spiritual process for you? 

Writing, be it writing poetry, prose, an article, a story, is a spiritual process for me. In fact, everything that I do in my journey through healing, understanding my life and expressing my truth is a spiritual process. For a long time I wouldn't have used the word 'spiritual'. My upbringing was extremely religious and I was battling against this religion for years, so the word 'energy' was all I could use to explain the connection I felt with the universe and humanity. The connection I felt through writing fell into this indefinable process. Now I can see how writing is indeed a spiritual process in its part in connecting me to myself, to others and to the universe. 

What function has writing poems played for you in your life? 

Writing is part of me. Over the last few months I have begun to own this. Even though, until recently, I had never shown anyone my writing and I now share it under a pseudonym, it gives me the freedom to show parts of myself and my life that have been hidden away for so long. 

Poetry gives me more freedom to feel, to discover, to express, and to create than any other writing style or art form. Its abstract or unconstricted nature allows me to be more vulnerable, raw and expressive than I find I can be in other art forms and in other areas of my life. 

What effect does reading the poems of others have on you? 

Reading a poem that I connect with from another writer feeds my soul. It can break my heart and put it together again. It connects me to the writer, to humanity and to myself. It inspires me to write more. 

How did you first discover Journey of The Heart? 

It was before I even contemplated sharing my own writing. I think I had clicked through from a link on an author bio on Rebelle Society or Elephant Journal and I have been frequent visitor ever since.

Have you publically shared your poetry before doing so via this project? 

I had been sharing my poems and other forms of writing on my blog 'The Power of Silence' for a few months before my first poem was shared here. One or two pieces of writing had been published at Rebelle Society and on some sites about childhood abuse/mental health, but this was the first time I had shared my writing with a project dedicated entirely to poetry.

What did it feel like to share your poetry for the first time on Journey of The Heart? 

When Catherine contacted me to ask if she could publish one of my poems I was blown away! I felt so honored. I had been following this project and had been inspired by the works of the poetesses here for some time and to know that my words had been heard and appreciated by her felt wonderful.

When my first poem, 'Slumberland', was shared here I was touched by the response and to see my poetry quoted on a beautiful photograph like 'real' writers(!) was overwhelming. I feel like this each time one of my poems is shared here - it never gets old!
  
What has been your general experience of sharing your poetry on Journey of The Heart? 

It has been a beautiful experience for me. There is a great amount of love and warmth in this community and I have felt so supported and welcomed in sharing myself, and my words. Then to be included in a book - wow! If you'd have told me a year ago that my poems would be in any other books than the notebooks hidden in the drawer by my bed I would not have believed you. It is a privilege to be a part of Journey of the Heart and I will be forever grateful to Catherine for believing in me, and my writing. 

Any last words you’d like to share about poetry?

One day, about six years ago, as I sat with my grandmother in the last days of her life, I picked up the book that she had by her bed to see what she was reading. It was a poetry book. She told me to pick out a poem to read. Reluctantly I opened the book to a random page, finding 'Ode' by Arthur O'Shaughnessy and read aloud the poem: 

"We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams... "

Suddenly I fell in love with poetry. I think I'd always been in love with it. I was already writing poems by this point in my life and felt its power and beauty, but I was so unfamiliar with my own voice then that I couldn't see what I was writing as poetry and my love for it was a love that I had blocked out with the walls I had put up to shield my true self from the world. 

I didn't call myself a poet or a writer back then, I wouldn't have had the confidence to do so, but really we're all poets, we're all writers, we're all artists - life is poetry. 

Mariann Martland is discovering a voice in her life through words, poetry, art, inspiration and healing. She is learning the difference between enforced silence in the despair of loneliness and chosen silence in the beauty of solitude; how silence can create both pain and peace. She is beginning to find her voice and share her truth. She would love to connect with you on Twitter, or Facebook and on her blog ‘The Power of Silence’.
______________________________________________________________

PLEASE CLICK "comments" BELOW TO SHARE A RESPONSE.

~If you are one of the poetesses from 'Journey of the Heart', and would like to appear in this blog, just click here to request an interview. We are excited to learn more about you!~

~If you write poetry and would like to share it on 'Journey of The Heart', click here for submission guidelines. And thank you for your interest!~ 

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Interview With Andreja Cepus

Welcome to The Women Behind The Poetry, where we interview women from the 'Journey of The Heart: Women's Spiritual Poetry Project'!  

Today we introduce you to Slovenian Social Artist Andreja Cepus, whose inspiring work involves networking with people all over the world to usher in new ways of thinking, creating and leading. 

When and how did you first begin writing poetry?

I guess it came as a calling of my Soul that wanted to express herself. I started to write poetry in elementary school and it was just something that came out in moments of my solitude, when I was contemplating what was going on in my life at that point.  I couldn’t force it, it was just a flow and it came whenever I was in this special state of being, deep within. It stayed with me...but the flow was not constant. I never knew when it’s going to appear. There were long periods of time that I couldn’t write anything, but then came moments…when something was alive, awake within, a huge wave…and it wanted to come through, to come out to be shared. My soul was communicating with me and through me. And the feeling, when the poem was on the paper, was special, too. These are sacred, intimate moments when you give birth to creation.

Which subjects are easiest for you to write poems on?

My poems are usually the expression of my soul’s deep knowing and spiritual growth. It’s about the spiritual evolution and passion of diving deep to find my own diamond shining: like a state of being birthed and once it’s out, the shift is done. Poems are inspirations and invitation to us all…to step into our deep balanced center within and walk it in everyday life.

Which subjects are the hardest for you to write about?

Probably I could never write about anything that doesn’t touch me on a soul level.

When do you feel most inspired to write poetry?

I feel most inspired to write poetry when merged with Oneness: with all that is happening within and without. Nature is my pure Source of inspiration. Feeling connected, being a part of this big picture of Life, being One with nature within and outside me…these are moments of pure Being, Grace and deep Silence where I can only hear the voice of my own Soul weaving the new vibration into the matrix of Life. It’s like a breath of Life, paused in one moment, enriched there with the soul message…in order to be expressed and shared.

What is your biggest fear or hesitation when deciding to share a poem with the public?

At the beginning I was very shy about having my poetry read by others.  But when I allow my Soul to come through, a sacred moment is captured, and  expressed, and i realize they are very intimate expressions of my own truth.

At first, I wasn’t comfortable with being seen in such an intimate space, where everything is transparent. I had this limiting belief that my truth is not good enough to be shared; I haven’t considered myself as poetess! But at the same time, I felt if the creation is being birthed it might be for a purpose to have a life on its own. So, I set it (and myself) free.  And got encouraged by the feedback, when seeing that my poems can inspire others. 

What is the most profound thing you have learned from writing poems?

I would say that this has to do with realization that creative flow coming through me has a life on its own and it’s up to me to just set it free. I believe that poems are creation birthed in words and they are true essence of the soul. Words are potent and can ignite the spark in one who reads them, when they are embodying pure universal truth. I cannot expect, push, command or try here, when composing a poem. I can only give it an opportunity to emerge, and hold space for light to grow and spread however, wherever and whenever it wishes.  I also learned that this flow is effortless and that simplicity can be more powerful than any complexity. It’s the same with Life.

How is writing poetry a spiritual process for you?

Writing a poem is a pure spiritual process for me.  When I feel the flow of poetry it’s like a wave of light is running through me. I find myself in enlightened space, existing within the moment, merged with this creative force. And I always know when this process is finished, when all is out. It’s communication with the Soul on a most intimate level, and what comes out is always something that I’ve just integrated within me. After it’s out…I always feel that the poem introduced a theme that then comes alive in my everyday life in every detail, as if the poem needs to be embodied fully into every action, word and step that I do. It’s very conscious process and it’s also a very beautiful one. I love these sacred moments.

What function has writing poems played for you in your life?

At first, writing poetry was a catalyst for my emotions to come out. But then something changed. It became more of a communication process with my soul. My soul gave me deep insights on how things organically flow and grow and evolve. And I knew the time has come for me to fully embody this truth. These communications with my soul through poetry also gave me inspiration for new ideas, projects, and openings. Lately, and I guess this is now third stage, I’ve observed and realized  this is becoming a pure Creation process, for whenever a poem comes out, -a new one or old one- and is then shared and published somewhere, a new door opens for me in my life!

Name some of your favorite poetesses.

Quite a difficult task. ;) I love Maya Angelou poetry. There’s also Anais Nin. And there is also a great Slovene poetess Bina Štampe Žmavc that I really love for her just absolutely graceful and he-ART-istic way with words. There are many others also from Women Spiritual Poetry portal, that I just feel inspired when reading their poetry. 

What effect does reading the poems of others have on you?

When the poems of others speak to my soul they touch me on a deep level. I find myself immersed in another world and feel like diving deep, drinking from source and coming out a little dizzy, but inspired, enriched with new nuance of life’s colors.

How did you first discover Journey of The Heart?

Some kind of ‘coincidence’ happened. I’ve opened my Facebook and saw someone liking something on the page of Women’s Spiritual Poetry. I felt drawn to it and started reading. And there was fresh invitation posted for new poems to be presented. I felt my call and I answered.

Have you publically shared your poetry before doing so via this project?

Nothing big really. Some of them in some school newspapers and magazines. I had all my poems from my new era of writing prepared to be birthed in a book of poetry, and I even had presented it already to some publishers.  I got beautiful feedback, however was advised to try self-publishing it. I somehow then put this project aside but with knowing…that the right time will come.

If not, what did it feel like to share your poetry for the first time on Journey of The Heart?

I was honoured. I felt as my poetry is alive again and it was such a beautiful feeling.  After getting some beautiful feedback from others, I was especially touched. I realized that my poems really can touch hearts and maybe the time is coming for them to be shared. As I already stated, when this happened new doors opened for me in my life, too.

What has been your general experience of sharing your poetry on Journey of The Heart?

This was most beautiful sharing that I am still very grateful for. Love and respect present, warm circle of beautiful souls coming together and just simply sharing their souls. Not because of need or want, but because of simple joy of sharing, connecting, expressing, being, creating. Beautiful energy!

Any last words you’d like to share about poetry?

Poetry is the language of our divine feminine souls. Words, woven with pure light vibration, have such a transformative power and can infuse your life with inspiration.  Poetry holds a special frequency and once you tune to it, your life gets enriched with the touch of Creation itself!   


Andreja Cepus: I am from Slovenia and I like to call myself a Social Artist, as I feel that new ways of thinking, creating and leading in our society demand new professions & expressions. New ideas, solutions, creations, can be brought forth only through authenticity and uniting different aspects, dimensions, fields, views: Incorporating spirituality, business & art together. I've always seen my mission here and I can finally name it: Social Artistry it is. I bring that forth through creative communications, that are really my passion and divine feminine expression. My soul path includes the Service to Divine Feminine, which is the balanced feminine and masculine way, the co-creation of new era of magic of life. I am contributing to our new world from Being Within to expression without... with writing (articles, marketing communications texts, copywriting, editing), PR communications, organizing the events on Sacred Feminine Energy, facilitating Women's Circle events, interviews, hosting video talks, moderating, and co-creating higher good in different fields. I love nature, yoga, hiking, art, music, sound, communications, creativity, new ideas, circles, dance, authenticity, organic, sustainability, visionary leadership, networking, joyful co-creations, journeys, sacred way of being. You can visit my website here, or contact me at: andreja.cepus@gmail.com
_______________________________________________________________

PLEASE CLICK "comments" BELOW TO SHARE A RESPONSE.

~If you are one of the poetesses from 'Journey of the Heart', and would like to appear in this blog, just click here to request an interview. We are excited to learn more about you!~

~If you write poetry and would like to share it on 'Journey of The Heart', click here for submission guidelines. And thank you for your interest!~ 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Interview With Jenn Grosso

Welcome to The Women Behind The Poetry, where we interview women from the 'Journey of The Heart: Women's Spiritual Poetry Project'!  

Today we introduce you to the very creative and curious Jenn Grosso, who travels between her two homes in Ontario, Canada and Connecticut.

When and how did you first begin writing poetry?

I can’t remember exactly at what age I first started writing poetry, but I can say that I really got much more into it in the 7th grade. That year, my English teacher encouraged the class to write a little bit every day in a writing journal and the poem format had always really appealed to me, so I mostly wrote poems. He encouraged me with my writing and from then on poetry writing and daily journaling became a habit and a way to express myself. 


Which subjects are easiest for you to write poems on?

When writing a poem, I don’t really think about a theme or particular subject. I mostly follow an emotion and just let the words pour out.


Which subjects are the hardest for you to write about?

I would say that setting myself a subject to write about would be the hardest, it doesn’t flow the same when I try to force it.

When do you feel most inspired to write poetry?

I mostly feel moved to write poetry when I’m overwhelmed with emotions. This doesn’t always mean negative emotions, although most of my poems were written when I was dealing with difficult emotions, I’ve also written poems when I was in such awe of nature and life. Writing poetry becomes my way of sorting through my feelings, processing them and understanding it all better.

What is your biggest fear or hesitation when deciding to share a poem with the public?

I don’t really have any fears with sharing my poems or writing with the public. I strongly believe that we can all relate to each other through our experiences, however vulnerable they can make us feel in sharing them. I’ve never been ashamed of my messy emotions; we all have them and can embrace our healing through sharing these glimpses of ourselves.

What is the most profound thing you have learned from writing poems?

Since I write most of my poems when I’m processing difficult emotions, the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that any emotion, however strong and overpowering in that moment, will pass. For me this is very comforting, and I remind myself of this fact when I’m battling whatever freak out that is happening inside. Going through older poems, I can reread some of my struggles and I know that shortly after that whatever I was struggling with passed. Or at least the intensity of it passes and by writing through it I shed light in my dark corners.

How is writing poetry a spiritual process for you?

Writing poetry is most definitely a spiritual process and is very cathartic in my experience. Writing poetry helps me to sort through the confusion of emotions and allows me to lay all of it outside my own head. From this practice I better understand myself and how to weather the storms in my mind.

Where do you find your inspiration for your poetry?

For me inspiration for my poetry comes from what’s around me. On the outside of myself, nature inspires me tremendously. Understanding our natural world and how we are all connected is a constant source of awe and inspiration. Taking a walk in nature, a hike or sitting by the river gives me space and stillness inside to find the right words. While on the inside, the whole plethora of human emotions drives me to place these outside of myself on the written page so I can better “see” them. As far as other poets and poetesses who inspire me, Mary Oliver and David Whyte are two of my favorites.

What effect does reading the poems of others have on you?

Reading poetry is very healing for me. I’m not quite sure what it is exactly, but the emotions and passion conveyed in a poem, painting a picture through carefully chosen words really strikes a chord inside my heart. My favorite poems are like little healing talismans that I reread often.

How did you first discover Journey of The Heart?

I first discovered Journey of The Heart through a friend on Facebook who had contributed a poem and thought that it was a really awesome place to share my words. Catherine has done an amazing job of creating such a safe and beautiful place to do so.

Have you publically shared your poetry before doing so via this project?

I have publicly shared my poetry before doing so on the Journey of The Heart. As a teenager, I would create little zines where I included some of my poems and art, and traded those with others who did the same. Once the internet became a thing, I’ve since shared my poetry, writing and art on a personal blog. There have been a few different incarnations of that blog, but currently it’s over at perilsoftheliving.com.

What has been your general experience of sharing your poetry on Journey of The Heart?

Sharing my poetry on Journey of The Heart has been an amazing experience, what a beautiful community! Thank you so much Catherine for taking such loving care of our words and gathering together such powerful voices.


Jenn Grosso hails from a far and distant land impervious to the mundane and the conventional. Her eclectic interests always begin with an overwhelming curiosity, which catapults her into fanatical investigations and explorations. A lover of all creative mediums, she focuses most of her time on writing, painting/mixed media, yoga, meditation and picture taking. Jenn holds BAs in Psychology and Comparative Religion. She continuously thrives on furthering her understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection. With a penchant for all things beautifully extraordinary, Jenn recognizes the importance of honoring her shadow self, which in turn, creates a healthy respect for what lingers in its dark corners. Shamelessly wearing her heart on her sleeve, Jenn can typically be found with a book in hand, mala around her neck, and skipping to the beat of her own drum. Connect with Jenn on her blog' Perils of The Living', Facebook and Twitter. To view more of her photographic art, click here. 
_______________________________________________________________

PLEASE CLICK "comments" BELOW TO SHARE A RESPONSE.

~If you are one of the poetesses from 'Journey of the Heart', and would like to appear in this blog, just click here to request an interview. We are excited to learn more about you!~

~If you write poetry and would like to share it on 'Journey of The Heart', click here for submission guidelines. And thank you for your interest!~ 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Interview With Solodad Maria

 Welcome to The Women Behind The Poetry, where we interview women from the 'Journey of The Heart: Women's Spiritual Poetry Project'!  

Today we introduce you to healer and spiritual midwife Solodad Maria, from the United Kingdom, whose work focuses on awakening the Divine Feminine within every woman. 

When and how did you first begin writing poetry?

 I have been writing poetry since I was a child. Since then I have felt that the rhythm of the Universe speaks through me, harmonizing with my natural self, the beauty of word, sound and the Divine source. In 1995 I experienced a kind of awakening. It was then that I was blessed with beautiful writing, and words that flow from within me. They are like prayers flowing from the transparent source of light, which, as a women I feel I know deeply and intuitively.

Which subjects are easiest for you to write poems on?

I write from within: like an artist with a blank canvas, the words flow onto the page, like a blessing from the essence of transformation and love. My words are always heartfelt, always from my soul. I also feel blessings and energy that is gifted to me when I write.

When do you feel most inspired to write poetry?

In the early morning around 3 or 4 am. That’s when I awaken and feel the oneness and blessings of the presence of the Divine. I am energized then and full of praise and gratitude for a new day. Words flow from me at this time of day and also my meditations. It is a very beautiful experience.

What is your biggest fear or hesitation when deciding to share a poem with the public?

I feel the sacred deeply. I believe that any hesitation is my need and desire to keep my Divine flow as a peaceful vehicle for love, avoiding obscurity and unnatural rhythms or complexity.

What is the most profound thing you have learned from writing poems?

I’ve learned about the Awakening Woman within all women, and how connected she is as a source of communication and clarity for us all. I’ve learned about her joy in this place of freedom and unity with all that is. I’ve also learned how blessed I am to be a source of inspiration for myself, and others. For in expressing words that move beyond meaning, but are felt deeply within, we open ourselves up to receive them in a state of grace. This feeling is so beautiful!

What function has writing poems played for you in your life?

Poetry has been like a light to me, and a freedom. Poetry affects me deeply as a source of love: Divinity in motion!

What effect does reading the poems of others have on you?

I feel the words of others deeply. Poetry for me is fluid, like liquid: the essence of the soul. I believe that often words that pour out spontaneously are poems not yet known to the souls expression. I am moved by prayer, energy and sensitivity. I am moved by words that are heartfelt yet loving and real. I admire the soul who takes the time to praise life and others, who knows how to use words as an energy source, as a beloved even. Sometimes the longing behind the words catches me and lulls my being into a place of openness and pure love.

How did you first discover Journey of The Heart?
 
Journey of the Heart was found through the deep connection I feel with Catherine Ghosh as a pure hearted soul and Divine sister.

Have you publically shared your poetry before doing so via this project?

I published Healing From The Heart in 2005. It is filled with blessings and verses that tell the story of my spiritual awakening. I have also had poetry published through other publications and the Internet.

What has been your general experience of sharing your poetry on Journey of The Heart?

I was happy to have my poetry published through Journey of the Heart. The deep resonance with Catherine and the beautiful sisters, as they share their own messages and expressions of the awakened woman is wonderful.

Any last words you’d like to share about poetry?

I believe poetry is an art form: a language of soul that resonates across the Universe and those who compose it are deeply blessed with being able to communicate that vibration in the Universe that longs to be heard. In doing so, we lift the vibration of our Mother Earth and bless life with valuable messages about openness, freeing and healing: exercising the language of the soul!


Solodad Maria has worked as a healer and spiritual midwife for nearly twenty years. Though Solodad is based in the United Kingdom, she is a member of the International Association of Medical Intuitives. Using sound and movement as healing tools, she draws mainly from tribal and indigenous cultures. She is author of Healing From The Heart, an autobiographical account of awakening and the woman inside. You may connect with Solodad via her website here, follow her blog "Feminine Awakening" here, or e-mail her solodadmaria@rediffmail.com
_______________________________________________________________

PLEASE CLICK "comments" BELOW TO SHARE A RESPONSE.

~If you are one of the poetesses from 'Journey of the Heart', and would like to appear in this blog, just click here to request an interview. We are excited to learn more about you!~

~If you write poetry and would like to share it on 'Journey of The Heart', click here for submission guidelines. And thank you for your interest!~ 

Friday, May 9, 2014

Interview With Ruth Calder Murphy

 Welcome to The Women Behind The Poetry, where we interview women from the 'Journey of The Heart: Women's Spiritual Poetry Project'!  

Today we introduce you to the endlessly creative and multi-talented Ruth Calder Murphy: artist, musician, poetess, novelist, pantheist and mother living in London, UK. 

When and how did you first begin writing poetry?

I remember very clearly the day I consciously began writing poetry. I was seven years old. I woke up one morning and knew that I had to write. I felt excited, exhilarated, even driven. I wanted to write immediately - and did – and also to write forever; which so far, I have. That was the day I knew that whatever else I might become, I’d always be a writer.

Which subjects are easiest for you to write poems on?

This is a really difficult question to answer, because I write about everything! I think for me, there’s almost nothing that I find it difficult to write about. My limiting factors tend to be not subject matter, but time and, occasionally, circumstances.

Which subjects are the hardest for you to write about?

As I said already, I’m not sure there’s anything that I find difficult to write about. Perhaps this is a fairly recent development, though. When I think back – even ten years – I used to find it quite difficult to be truly, deeply authentic in my poetry writing. I could write about my feelings very easily, or about things I could see and touch… But when it came to my deep-down doubts, beliefs, hopes, fears and perspectives, I struggled, because for so much of my life I’d been told what I “should” believe and think. The past decade or so has been a process of disentangling myself from those expectations and becoming truly free to be myself – and honest with myself – when I write.

When do you feel most inspired to write poetry?

This is almost impossible to answer, because I could say “all the time” or “never in particular”. Sometimes, inspiration descends, dawns or explodes on me, without warning and in the most unexpected places – in a shopping queue or whilst crossing a road. Sometimes, I know that I want or need to write about a certain thing and so I sit down and just write, without feeling that “sudden inspiration” at all. Sometimes, I feel so drenched with poetry that I could sit writing constantly for days. Other times, I feel a little bit dry and as though I need to wait for the drips, look for words to begin with and really listen to everything for the whispers to begin…

I most often actually sit to write, early in the mornings. That’s “my” time. I get up – every day - at 3am or thereabouts and it’s quiet. Perhaps that’s when I feel most inspired…

What is your biggest fear or hesitation when deciding to share a poem with the public?

My biggest fear when sharing a poem – with anyone – is the same fear as when I share anything of myself with anyone else: “Will they get it?!”

Being misunderstood is something I really struggle with. I don’t mind being disapproved of (too much!) as long as I’m disapproved of for the truth of myself, not for someone’s misconceptions.

When I share my poetry, it’s for several really strong reasons: Firstly, I feel that I’ve been given this gift, in order to share it. Secondly, I know that much of what I write, touches on other people’s experiences too and so I want to reach out and connect with those people. Thirdly, I want to be known and understood.

It’s this third thing that makes it scary for me to share certain of my poems. I know that there are some people who’ll read them and who will judge me by them. I don’t mind that – as long as they’ve understood what they’ve read and take it in the wider context of all of my poetry and other writing… And this is quite a task, because my published poetry alone is about eight hundred poems, and then there are novels and short stories too… So, really, I have to learn to be content enough in myself that I can cope with being misunderstood from time-to-time!

What is the most profound thing you have learned from writing poems?

I learn so much from writing poetry, and it’s – for me – such a holistic thing, that it’s difficult to put my finger on one thing and say “That’s what I’ve learned”… If I had to, though, I think I’d say that it’s helped me to learn to focus, fine-tune, hone and connect my thoughts. Not just when writing, but all the time.

I think that naturally, I’m quite an “away with the Fairies” type; thoughts scattered, head in the clouds! Writing poetry utilizes this, of course, but it also brings my scattered elements together and helps me to understand myself, and the world around me, better.

How is writing poetry a spiritual process for you?

As I said before, poetry writing is a very holistic experience for me – and in recent years, I’ve found that more and more of what I am and do, is holistic. When I run or do yoga or eat food, paint, play music or write, it’s not just physical or emotional or intellectual or spiritual; it’s the whole package.

I used to separate out the spiritual from the rest of my life, to the point where it felt so separate that I wasn’t really connected anymore.

Poetry-writing, along with the other creative arts (I’m a painter and a musician too) – and also along with physical activities like yoga and running, hugging and breathing – is a form of spiritual practice. It’s an opening up, of all my channels, to Spirit; to my deepest self and the widest, infinite extremities of everything. It’s a form of prayer, or worship, a way of reaching out to Beyond, and also a way of being grounded in my human body, here and now.

What function has writing poems played for you in your life?

I used to say that poetry saved my life. I think it did and I think it still does. I’ve suffered with depression since I was a child and poetry has been a way of coping. Poetry has, I think, over the years, stepped into the breach – between me and the abyss – and has kept me from jumping into it.

This is probably the main function of poetry, for me. Everything else is, in some ways, a part of that; the honing and focusing, the praying and worshipping. Poetry facilitates these things – at least partly - because it’s keeping me from jumping off and out, into insanity, darkness and ultimately oblivion.

It does this by being a form of vessel for my soul – I can put the horror there, and the joy, the ecstasy and exhilaration, the mania and the despair. Poetry holds it, gives it expression and keeps it safe until I can step back and look at it without being consumed by it.

Name some of your favorite poetesses.

Now, this is tricky! There are so many. Alice Walker is up there at the top, with Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath.  Jeanette Winterson, though known as a novelist, writes such poetic prose that I have to include her too… And Sappho. Mary Oliver, certainly… Then, there are people who’re not well-known, but whose poetry really speaks to me. People like Cheryl-Anne and Jennifer Hawley-Zechlin. Even now, I’ve probably missed some!

What effect does reading the poems of others have on you?

Reading good poetry by other people makes me feel connected and inspired. As though I’m part of something bigger; a wonderful web of poets, that reaches in every direction through time and space, with Spirit – or inspiration, life, Human Soul, Divinity; whatever or whomever each poet calls it, him or her - at the centre.

How did you first discover Journey of The Heart?

I can’t remember which poem it was, that I’d had published in The Elephant Journal - there were several, around that time… But Catherine read it and thought that it would fit in well on Journey of The Heart.  She approached me, through a Facebook message, and asked permission to use it. When I looked at the blog - Catherine’s motivations and the community of poetesses here, and also the wonderful poems that were already on the blog, I was truly delighted. It’s an honour to be included in this community and this ongoing project.

Have you publically shared your poetry before doing so via this project?

Yes. I was first published in an anthology twenty years ago - when I was in my late teens. Since then, I’ve been published in various anthologies, journals, blogs and e-zines. I’ve also published four books of collected poetry, as well as a few other books.

What has been your general experience of sharing your poetry on Journey of The Heart?

Being a part of Journey of the Heart is a new and unique experience for me. It’s different from being published elsewhere, even by publishers who’ve used my work more than once. Here, there’s a community, where instead of competition, there’s support, affirmation, love and acceptance – and a feeling of connection and understanding.

Any last words you’d like to share about poetry?



Ruth Calder Murphy is a writer, artist, music teacher, wife and mother living in London, UK. Her life is wonderfully full of creativity and low-level chaos. She is the author of two published novels, “The Scream" and "The Everlasting Monday", several books of poetry and one or two as-yet unpublished novels. She is passionate about celebrating the uniqueness of people, questioning the unquestionable and discovering new perspectives on old wonders. She is learning to ride the waves that come along—peaks and troughs—and is waking up to just how wonderful life really is. You can visit Ruth and view more of her art on her website, or on her writer's page on Facebook. Her books are available on Amazon, here.

_______________________________
PLEASE CLICK "comments" BELOW TO SHARE A RESPONSE.

~If you are one of the poetesses from 'Journey of the Heart', and would like to appear in this blog, just click here to request an interview. We are excited to learn more about you!~

~If you write poetry and would like to share it on 'Journey of The Heart', click here for submission guidelines. And thank you for your interest!~