Be Bold and Trust Your Unique Gifts: From an Interview with Anita Grace Brown

 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 Anita Grace Brown, a yoga teacher, mother of two teens and wife of 23 years who believes that life is full of surprises and hopes to continue embracing all the gifts life presents before her. 

I began meditating after a visit to the neurologist when I was concerned about memory and focus issues at the age of 46. Shortly after establishing a regular Centering Prayer practice, the poems began forming on their own. What a healing gift!!

I love writing about nature and healing the most. All of nature speaks volumes with regard to how the simplicity of being is mirrored in watching a leaf fall from a tree or listening to a bird sing, for example.

I usually don’t hesitate to share my poems, as for me there has been this uncanny certainty that the poetry comes from a deep place desiring exposure and release from day one. That the words continue to reveal deeper wisdom as time goes on. That I can trust the message even if my initial understanding is superficial.

I don’t write every day (although I would like to!!) so I generally write when I feel as if something in me is stuck and needs coaxing. Writing and sharing my poetry has facilitated deep healing with regard to shadowy aspects of myself.

Regarding reading poems by others, I love anything by Mary Oliver, Rumi, Hafiz and of course our first anthology!! (found here) Such readings give me a calm recognition of our interconnectedness.

Before sharing my poem here, on the Journey of The Heart Poetry Project, I boldly submitted to Elephant Journal and they have gone on to publish much of my work as well…I feel so blessed!!

I just love sharing my poetry here as the way the words are matched with gorgeous visuals inspires me. Also, the women are always so supportive and encouraging.

I would like to add that you may be wondering if your voice is needed in the world and I am here to say that there is a seat at the table for everyone…including you! Be bold and trust your unique gifts!!!!

(Anita Grace's poetry appears in our new anthology found here) 

Photograph by Robert Sturman
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Anita Grace Brown is a content mother of two teenagers and wife of 23 years, both of which she is grateful for every day. She began writing poetry in the fall of 2012 after a mini-breakdown cracked open her heart and allowed this newly found gift to shine through. Many months later, she is realizing the truth in the saying that ‘breakdown equals spiritual awakening’ as she is pleasantly shocked at how much more peace she has in her spirit and how that is reflected in her life.  Anita loves yoga, dancing, traveling, cooking, walking her golden Sierra, and quiet evenings at home. She especially enjoys teaching meditation to under-served communities and listening to others as they express the same joy at the transformation occurring from such simple but regular practice.

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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!~  

Writing From The Heart: From An Interview With Ginny Brannan

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 lovely Native New Englander and country girl, Ginny Brannan, who believes that it's never too late to pursue something you love! 

I discovered poetry in High School.

I went to an open-concept school, pretty forward thinking for the small Vermont town where I grew up in the 1970’s, and Poetry was one of our class choices for English.

 I loved reading and studying the classic poets, but when it came to writing our own poetry, I felt stifled; discouraged by a teacher who was more about her own vision of structure and content rather than encouraging our creative expression.  

Disheartened, I shelved my own writing, and many years would pass before I would seriously attempt to write poetry again.

Fast forward to 2009: after losing my job of 18 years and spending several discouraging months job hunting, I had fallen into a rather dark place. My brother and dear friend suggested I attempt to write again, to express what I was feeling, and suddenly I discovered a creative outlet for the emotional roller coaster I was on.

For me, poetry has had a cathartic and healing effect on my life. When I was at my lowest it pulled me up, helping me to find perspective and balance again.

I find that my writing flows best when I draw from what I know, whether it is what I am feeling, where I’ve come from, what is around me or touching my life at any given moment.

I also find great pleasure in trying to capture in words the beauty of the place where I live— the ever-changing seasons, the flora and fauna of my New England home. I have always worn my heart on my sleeve, and have discovered that in writing what I know, that the words flow naturally.

The hardest topics I’ve written about are the ones that make my heart ache.

 I wrote several poems through my sister-in-law’s struggle with cancer and eventual passing ranging from frustration, to anger, to the eventual acceptance of her choices and what was to come. I have written and captured current headlines from the Aurora, CO theater shooting, to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown CT, to the loss of the Robin Williams, one most brilliant actors and comedians of our time. I also work with the elderly and often write of their struggles with aging and loneliness—important topics—but also a sad and constant reminder of the road we will all be facing one day.

The inspiration for my poetry comes from many places: more often than not from real life events— something happening in my own life or from the news of that day.

Perhaps a place I’m going or somewhere I have been will call me to pick up my pen. Sometimes photo or an image will pull up memories or emotions from the past to prompt a poem. I find that my best writing comes when I tap my inner self and examine the feelings and emotions that an idea evokes.

In my experience, I have learned that forcing words leaves a piece feeling ‘flat,’ whereas drawing from my inner being—exposing a piece of myself and allowing it enter into what I am writing—allows the poem to live, to breathe.

My biggest hesitation with sharing my writing is that ultimate feeling of ‘vulnerability;’ the fear of being judged, criticized, and torn apart as not being “good enough,” a feeling that stems from the low self-esteem I felt in my childhood years.

Losing my mom at an early age and being raised by my dad, I frequently felt awkward and lacking of the social graces that my peers seemed to be endowed with. This turned out be both a blessing and a curse—I learned to be independent, self-reliant and developed a tough outer skin, but I also learned to hold many feelings and emotions inside.

Spiritually, the gift that poetry has given me is that it has allowed me to examine and express my past, my life, and has endowed me with the balance I have always craved but never knew where to find until I started writing.

There are many poets and writers who have influence me and have had a profound effect on my writing. I have an affinity for classic form poetry, such as the Villanelle; ‘Mad Girl’s Love Song” by Sylvia Plath is a favorite of mine. I am very fond of all of Emily Dickinson’s works; an under-appreciated poet during her time, she made her home in Amherst, MA just short distance north of where I reside. My “darker side” loves the writings of Poe.  

My all-time favorite poet is Robert Frost, whose words capture my New England home and lifestyle as no other poet ever has.

The words, the passion, the honesty that shines in the works of these poets continually inspires me to follow in their footsteps and write what I am passionate about.

 I feel exceptionally blessed and honored to have been invited by Catherine Ghosh to share my work at Journey of the Heart and to be a part of such an amazing community of contemporary female poets.

Also I would be remiss not mention the many other writers and friends in today’s poetry community whom I have come know to admire— men and women who aren’t afraid to share a piece of their hearts in their words.  

Whenever a piece of writing stays with me or touches me in some way, it inspires me to strive for improvement in my own work; my ultimate hope being that perhaps my words will touch and inspire others as their words have inspired me.

My best advice to new poets and writers starting out on this path is to write with honesty and passion from the inside out; write what you know, what you feel.

Write from your heart. Do not obsess over perfection—form, format and meter come with time.

 Just reach out and embrace your creative side, let the words flow, and never let criticism from others discourage you from following the path of your poetic journey.
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Virginia “Ginny” Brannan, a self-described native New Englander and country girl, resides in Massachusetts with her husband of 34 years, her grown son and five cats—2 domestic indoor cats whom she adopted, and 3 feral outdoor cats who ‘adopted’ her!! Growing up an only child, she was blessed at age 16 to be welcomed into a “family of the heart,” who embraced her as their own. She describes herself on her blog as: “…coming to this ‘dance’ a bit later than some, but the most important thing is she’s come ” proving that it is never too late to pursue something you love! You can find Ginny on her blog Inside Out Poetry  here, listen to her recite her poems here or connect with her Ginny on twitter or Google plus here. Ginny has been published in The D’Verse Anthology: Voices of Contemporary World Poetry, Journey of the Heart: An Anthology of Spiritual Poetry by Women, And is proud and honored to be included in the soon-to-be released “Where Journey’s Meet: The Voice of Women’s Poetry” to be available from Dragonfly Press. Our “sisterhood” rocks!!

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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!~  

Interview With Kai Coggin

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 dynamic and inspired Kai Coggin, a full-time poet and freelance writer from Hot Springs, Arkansas, who delivers powerful messages through her poetry. 

When and how did you first begin writing poetry?

I first began writing poetry in high school, but don’t really recall specifically important poems until college.  I was in an emotionally hostile environment as a member of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M.  My spirit and identity were stifled, and my femininity and sexuality became a target for hazing and abuse.  Poetry became the only life raft that I had; a way to keep my sanity when it felt as though my soul and light were slipping further and further away. 

I changed my major from Biomedical Science to Poetry and Creative Writing and met my mentor and creative writing professor, Dr. Chuck Taylor, who told me that my work reminded him of Mary Oliver and Anais Nin.  He called me a Neo-Beatnik Poet, and I felt like someone finally COULD SEE ME.  I put everything into my writing, and removed myself from the negative situations that were trying to get the best of me.

Poetry became a constant touchstone, a friend through growing pains, a lover when my lovers failed me, poetry was and is always there.  Poetry is one of the most important pieces of my life. 

Which subjects are easiest for you to write poems on?

It is easiest for me to write about Love, in its myriad forms. I write a lot about my love for women. There is this ongoing love letter that I have in my mind, writing itself over and over again in poems. These poems are to my beloved, to strangers, to a lover I haven’t met yet, to a child, to the Cosmos, but the common thread is always there; my heart.

Which subjects are the hardest for you to write about?

It is hardest for me to write about issues of justice, but on occasion, my soul gets pulled to do that work, to shine light on issues such as female genital mutilation in Africa, the plight of sea creatures, fascism, war, genocide, racism, political manipulation, women’s rights, gay rights, the list goes on.  Humanity is suffering right now, and it is the responsibility of the poets and the artists to acknowledge that suffering, but also to provide a beacon of hope, a light at the end of a desolate tunnel.  That can be the most difficult part for me, finding that light in a seemingly hopeless situation.  I do not like to leave my readers/listeners without hope, or in the dark.

When are some of your sources of inspiration in writing poetry?

Beauty.  Beauty is the biggest catalyst for my poems.  There could be a moment that I share only with nature, or with my family, my dogs, a solitary bird, a passing cloud, digging for crystals that are millions of years old, or just silence.  Silence brings the Divine, opens my eyes to the Oneness.  Besides Beauty calling me to write, I am most inspired by when a phrase pops into my head from some higher source, or from some passing thought.  Usually, I will build an entire poem from one phrase that keeps on pulsating in my head until I write it out.  When I sit down to write, the words pour out without edit, without blockage.  I am very lucky in that aspect of writing. 

What is your biggest fear or hesitation when deciding to share a poem with the public, and how do you move beyond it?

I don’t really have any hesitation with sharing my poems with the public.  I feel like I am bringing my light to the table by sharing.  Some people may not care for my spiritual poems, or my conscious/aware/cosmic subject matter, but I am not going to hide my work to appease anyone.  People have told me how much my poems have helped them, or made them believe in love, or made them want to hug their children, or made them strive towards their higher selves.  I will not silence my Art.  Not ever.

What is the most profound, meaningful or enlightening discovery you have made while writing poems?

While writing poems, I have been able to tap into (what feels like) a Cosmic pulse that I cannot really achieve by other means.  I do not meditate or practice yoga.  I write poems.  I look at the world around me with a microscope or magnifying glass, and freeze moments with my mind in order to dive face-first into the beauty of it, unpack it so that it may live forever. I will sit down to write sometimes, and this energy, this flow comes THROUGH me.  It is something that I hope to always be able to touch.

How is writing poetry a spiritual process for you?

I have been documenting the literal journey of MY heart in poems for a while now, documenting the striving of my soul as it burns through attachments and instances of trauma that shaped me into the numbed and broken person that I was just six years ago.  My poetry had new fire breathed into it when I met my Teacher and dearest friend, Joann, who has helped me break out of the subconscious patterns and chains of my painful past.  My past was not all bad, of course, but there were some painful moments that shaped me into a woman that I did not really want to become.  Over the past six years of knowing Joann, and learning to see myself as my Self, my SOUL, my poetry has been evolving infinitely. I am embracing the transcending nature of my being, and writing from a level that I had never achieved before, with eyes and heart more open to the world.

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

Early on in my adolescent life, writing was more of a release for me, a therapeutic exercise, a diary of secrets, a collection of words that I wrote but could never say.  Now, writing is still those things for me, but I share my work with anyone willing to read/hear it.  I know that my feelings, my experiences, my doubts, my fears, my joys, my struggles are not solely mine, are not exclusive to my human experience.  I know that when I overcome a great struggle in my personality, or have a renewed purpose in love, and I can write that into a poem, I am helping the collective consciousness in some way.  We are all connected. My waking up is your waking up. Your overcoming is my overcoming.

Name some of your favorite poems, poets or poetry books.

I love anything by Rumi (especially The Book of Love), Rabindranath Tagore, Kahlil Gibran, Torkom Saraydarian, Mary Oliver, Sappho, Adrienne Rich, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Hafiz, Ai, Shakespeare, e. e. cummings, Ani Difranco.  I love the writing of Anais Nin and Jeanette Winterson (my absolute favorite); their writing touches me as poetry does. 

Some contemporary poets that have spoken to my heart with Beauty and Fire include Andrea Gibson, Jamaal May, Jeremy Radin, Rachel McKibbens, Airea D. Matthews, Dominique Christina, Muggs Fogarty, Natalie E. Illum, Ashlee Haze, Siaara Freeman, Sarah Myles Spencer, Katie Wirsing and Tarfia Faizullah.

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

Reading the poems of others puts me into their body almost, like I can see through their eyes, feel with their hands, experience with they heart. It is necessary, as a poet, to read what other poets are writing, and to see where your words sit among other words, how they float in the ocean of poems that are written every day all over the world. 

How did you first discover Journey of The Heart?

I discovered Journey of The Heart, through the updates of the Women’s Spiritual Poetry page on Facebook, and then moving over and checking out the blog.  It is a wellspring of pure Beauty.  I am so honored that the amazing Catherine Ghosh requested that I send her a poem to be included in this remarkable anthology. It is like joining hands with a circle of artists, and servers, and seekers, and knowers. I feel so seen in this space, and I am so filled with gratitude for that.

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

Yes, I share my poetry online through my blog and I occasionally share poems on my Facebook page.  I love to share my work, and to hear whether people love it or hate it, whether it strikes a chord in them, or makes them think, or they just appreciate the beauty. 

I also share my work almost every week at a local Open Mic here in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where I live.  It is a poetry series called Wednesday Night Poetry and it is the longest running poetry open mic in the country; it has been going strong for over 25 years WITHOUT EVER MISSING A SINGLE WEDNESDAY.  I try to write a new poem every week to share, and that is a challenge that I gave myself when I started attending the open mic a year ago.  The people who attend WNP are like my creative family, especially Chuck Dodson, the host.  He has been this constant source of encouragement and support for me.  Hot Springs, as a community, has been a tremendous source of creative support for me this year, and I think that living in such a welcoming and nurturing artistic community has allowed me to have all of the successes that I have had over the past few months (getting invited to a writing retreat in New York, getting featured in a statewide newspaper, and the upcoming publication of my book, PERISCOPE HEART).  I am truly blessed to be where I am in this moment.

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

Journey of The Heart is a confirmation of my work as a (striving to be) conscious poet. It is a validation from the Universe that my poems and my heart are being heard.  Being included in this anthology is of tremendous importance for me, because I can see the healing and the beauty and the power that a collection of this kind is going to be when it is released on this upcoming Full Moon. Thinking about it makes my hair stand on end.  The pages are charged with the energy of 65 women and their WIDE OPEN HEARTS.  I cannot wait to fully immerse myself in this magic.

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

Poetry is something that means a great deal to me, and I hope to continue working on this craft with all of the awareness, the openness, the honesty, the healing, the surviving, the breaking open that I can muster. My personal poetic journey thus far will be released at the end of this year, in my first full-length collection, PERISCOPE HEART, published by Swimming With Elephants Publications. I am so excited to see what my next steps will be in this vast world of words.


Kai Coggin is a full-time poet and freelance writer born in Bangkok, Thailand, raised in Southwest Houston, and currently a blip in the 3 million acre Ouachita National Forest in Hot Springs, AR.   She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Poetry and Creative Writing from Texas A&M University.  She writes poems of feminism, love, spirituality, injustice, metaphysics, and beauty.  Kai has been published in Elephant Journal, Cliterature, The Manila Envelope, [empath], Catching Calliope and an anthology to be released this summer called Journey to the Heart. She released her first chapbook, In Other Words, in August 2013. Her first full-length book of poetry PERISCOPE HEART will be published by Swimming with Elephants Publications at the end of 2014. Kai knows that words hold the potential to create monumental and global change, and she uses her words like a sword of Beauty.  She can be found most Wednesdays at a local venue, reading her poems into an open mic, hoping the wind carries her words out to the world. Connect with Kai on her blog here, or on Facebook.  

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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!~