Welcome to The Women Behind The Poetry, where we feature the women from the 'Journey of The Heart: Women's Spiritual Poetry Project'!
Today we offer you Sandra Allagapen's heartfelt experience of participating in the creating and publishing of our second volume of poems.
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| Sandra Allagapen |
Four months ago, I opened an email inviting me to join
this group of amazing women from all over the world, to produce the second
volume of poems from the Journey of the Heart Women’s Spiritual Poetry Project.
I don't think anyone knew the
specifics of how this would or could work. It took a woman with a great vision
and an even bigger heart to crystallize that vision for us. That woman is Catherine Ghosh. What
unfolded is a story that gives me hope, and this is why I wish to share it with
all of you today.
Battered as we are daily by bad
news in the media, it's tempting to think: "Oh this sounds too good to be
true!" whenever an opportunity arises and to doubt. We may think we are
hiding behind the facade of security, when in fact, we do not dare believe in
something so good, lest we appear foolish to others if something goes wrong!
Yes, there comes a time when one puts all reservations aside and just jumps in!
So that’s what we did.
It all happened via a Facebook
group that we created to produce the book.
It consisted of nearly 30 women from
several countries, yet everyone contributed whenever they could, in their own
time zones. Together we brainstormed and came up with the book’s title, its layout,
the chapter themes and lots more, just within a couple of weeks. Discussions
and votes took place with grace and respect and we were so inspired by each
other, that there was no place for self-consciousness or false modesty.
Anything we had to give we offered it to the project simply; be it our time,
ideas, our talents or skills.
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| Ruth, Catherine and Sandra in London |
I remember sitting in front of my
computer, reading a request from Catherine for volunteers to write the
introductions to the various chapters. I watched that post for an hour. My instinct
told me which chapter I should offer to write the introduction to. My mind told
me that I had no idea what to write or how to even begin! My heart simply asked
me: "If this chapter is taken, how would you feel?" and the answer
was: "Disappointed in myself". So I watched myself putting my name
forward. I was still clueless but strangely not petrified.
It is
easier to step up when surrounded by people who bring out the best in you.
It was humbling to see everyone
step forward and offer their gifts to the group. Shailie Dubois shared a painting she
did, as inspired by the energy of our group, and it was so deeply perfect, we
chose it as our cover. She drew another one to give us a choice. We chose that
one too!! They now proudly grace the front and back covers.
Then came the time to find a
publisher, and someone else in the group, Alice of Golden Dragonfly Press came forward to offer her services freely. Julia Pankratova drew magical mandalas for
every single chapter, making them even more unique and sacred. Shailie created
a book trailer, and Catherine another, engaging their many creative talents.
In the beginning, some asked me
how much I was going to have to invest in this project, and I replied: “Only my
time!” They seemed dubious, yet none of us had to pay anything. If they were to
ask me today, my answer would be different: “I also invested my heart”.
Four months ago, a group of women came together and
shared whatever they already had: skills, talents, time and above all the love
that they are. What emerged amazed us all!
All proceeds from our book sales are
going to WriteGirl, a nonprofit organization for teenage girls centered on the
craft of creative writing and empowerment through self-expression, based in Los
Angeles.
The reason I am sharing all of
this with you, is that every single one of us is not more deserving of such an
opportunity than anyone else. We were simply willing to trust and to work
together without ego.
Our prayer is that our poetry book and how it came
about inspires you to find your own voice.
My prayer is that this whole
project ripples out and inspires other groups to form and share their gifts
whatever they may be! Because, as I experienced it, this book proves that all
we need is love…and the willingness to trust. And when we do, wonderful and
unexpected things happen! I know that now.
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Sandra Allagapen: I am originally from Mauritius but now live in London UK. I am an accountant as well as an alternative therapist. I find balance in variety. I love reading, jewellery-making, reading, spending time with my loved ones, reading, writing and reading. I am hopeful that one day I’ll be spending more time writing than reading! I love bright colours, crystals, books, trees, people who are not afraid to speak their minds, and so much more on this gorgeous planet of ours. You may contact me on Facebook .
