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

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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 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

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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 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.

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~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!~ 

Video Interview With Pranada Comtois

Welcome to our third interview with one of the poetesses from the Journey of The Heart: Women's Spiritual Poetry project!

Today we introduce you, via video, to Pranada Comtois, a beautiful bhakti yogini living in Northern Florida. Pranada is an inspired advocate of women's voices, and was one of the first activists in the gaudiya vaishnava tradition's migration to America to insist on equal opportunities for its female practitioners. 

How were you first introduced to writing poetry? 

On my fiftieth birthday I went up to the ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, St. Augustine Beach, and was watching the water come in, and also just walking up and down the beach, and I felt my youth was gone. It was my fiftieth birthday and I hadn't experienced that on any other birthdays.

 I looked out at the ocean, picked up a pen and paper, and just started writing the emotions that were surging through me. "I have to face this", I said to myself. So I just wrote it down, set it aside, then came back to Gainesville and showed the poem to a dear friend who is also a writing mentor, and she said: "Pranada, you're a poet!" And ever since then she has called me 'Pranada The Poet'.

 I felt that it was an entry into writing poetry. It was permission to speak, in simple terms and few words. 

I couldn't get out a lot of words. My speaking ability was so shut down that it was frightening to think of speaking and venturing into writing. So here was this little poem, few words, but expressing some deep emotional feeling that was rising up. And it was captured and it was an experience of: "Oh! This is how you write your experience with words on paper!" So it was a very affirming act, giving me permission. 

To hear the rest of the interview, click play:

Pranada Comtois is a spiritual activist passionate about embodying, and writing about, divine love: how to recognize spiritual love, awaken it, direct it and revel in it for the self, family & community. For forty years she's cultivated Bhakti Yoga; is the Managing Editor for Bacopa Literary Review and blogs at Little Ways of Being. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter. 

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~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 Carolyn Riker

Welcome to our first weekly interview with one of the poetesses from 'Journey of The Heart: Women's Spiritual Poetry'! 

We begin by introducing you to the lovely Carolyn Riker, one of the first regular contributors to the project. 

Journey of The Heart (JOTH): When and how did you first begin writing poetry?

Carolyn Riker: I was probably eight or perhaps younger when I started writing in a small diary. Simple poems. Sweet thoughts. It had a little lock and key. Each Christmas I received a new diary to write my words.

Which subjects are easiest for you to write about?

It is easiest for me to write about nature and her lovely elements. 

Which subjects are the hardest for you to write about?

Love and relationships. Sometimes it flows eloquently and other times a knot forms in my throat. My voice gets stuck and therefore written words slip through my fingertips.

When do you feel most inspired to write poetry?

When I’m near or in nature. On a hike. Driving on a country road. Near water. 

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

How much of me is being exposed. What will people think? Is it too much? Is it even good enough?

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

To be concise. Finding just the precise word to bring flavor to the mood, moment, or ecstasy. To find myself lost in a stream of thought and to come out the other side exhausted but satisfied by writing a poem. (tea and chocolate help too)

How is writing poetry a spiritual process for you? 

I tap into my heart and listen. I let go of the chatter. It is meditative to write poetry. A bubble envelopes me but my core is lit. There’s a synergy with the universe. I wish I had words to describe it fully; but English is almost debilitating to my expression of the spiritual process. I often cry with each word – and the feelings I’m trying to convey. Spirit speaks in solitude.

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

A lifeline. An umbilical cord to healing, processing, communicating the onslaught (at times) of feelings, emotions….dissecting a sensory overload into a meaningful tutelage. 

Name some of your favorite poetesses. 

 Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath, Maya Angelou, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Christina Rossetti, Mary Oliver….oh this list could keep going on!

What effect has reading the poems of others had on you? 

If the poems are well written, I dissolve into their words. If they're rambling I get weary. I may either laugh or cry. Depends on the spell of the poem and their words.

How did you first discover Journey of The Heart?

November 2012. It was a year of transition and finding my voice again. The universe played a ginormous role and the stars led me to Journey of The Heart. I had no idea my first poem would be published. I hit enter on my ancient computer and a few hours later, I receive your lovely reply….then guidance and an outpouring of love that I can only consider angelic came from you!

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

I did have a few poems published, scattered decades ago, but nothing as monumental as this. 

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

My first poem, published on Journey of The Heart left me breathless. I kept blinking first at my wee cellphone and then to my computer screen….thinking it was a mirage. I told my kids and we did a happy dance in the kitchen. I wasn’t sure if I should even ‘like’ it. I didn’t want anyone to know either. Why? Scared and so uncertain. This is/was a whole new side of me being shared and revealed to many. 

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

Beautiful! The most nurturing, supportive, enlightening, honest and loving experience. What guided me to Journey of the Heart? The need to be heard and held by the hand. I didn’t have a bio or even a picture.  I found someone to believe in my words and sprinkle kindness to let them grow. 

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

Poetry is an intricate dance of love and heart. It languishes by the sea and dips into the storms. Poetry has an eloquence of bittersweet joy and a splash of melancholy.  It is love.

Carolyn Riker is an elementary teacher, mental health counselor, writer and a poet who finds comfort and balance in her kids, nature, music and her sweet cat Copper.  She can be seen sipping soy lattes, nibbling on dark chocolate or savoring a full-bodied red wine. Introspective, forthright, kind and compassionate, she intertwines life with yoga, meditating and learning about Vedic Astrology and Ayurveda.  She also writes for Elephant Journal and Rebelle Society. Carolyn can be reached via her e-mail address carolynra7@hotmail.com or on facebook here.  
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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!~