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 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 7^th 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. 

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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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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 Jessica Mokrzycki

 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 Jessica Mokrzycki, an inspired young mother and writer with a penchant for philosophy and Bhakti Yoga, living in Connecticut.  

When and how did you first begin writing poetry?



For as long as I remember I’ve enjoyed expressing myself in prose. So, I think it all started when I was in grammar school and began to read poems in my classes and has continued ever since. I remember having very encouraging teachers that nurtured my creativity and helped inspire me along the way. 



Some of my earliest poems were written in the farm fields that lay across the street from my childhood home. When I was about 11 or 12, I would venture out alone and trek across the fields, often finding myself sitting atop a hill or in a hunter’s tree stand watching the view below me. It was there, where the winds would blow the scent of the wild across the landscape, where my heart began eagerly expressing itself in scribbles across—oftentimes wrinkled—notepaper that had been folded to fit inside my pockets.

Are some subjects easier or harder for you to turn into poems?

When it comes to what subjects are easiest or hardest to write about-I don’t really usually strain myself to write about things that don’t usually come out naturally. Poems, for me, generally arise into my consciousness spontaneously, at least the ideas for them do and sometimes almost the whole poems themselves. So, I just sort of write what comes out.

To me, poems seem to be more “felt” than “thought” out. 

I’d say the subjects that are hardest for me to write about are the ones that I sit down and consciously try to write about for one reason or another.  For example, if I’d like to write a poem for a specific occasion, then it sometimes is more difficult. 


 When do you feel most inspired to write poetry?

 Many times an idea for a poem or the poem itself will come to me while taking or shower or while I’m on a hike out in nature or listening to music. For some reason these environments seem to free up my hidden reserves of creativity.

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


Many of the poems I write are of the spiritual nature and in the process of sharing them with others I am sharing a deeply personal part of myself, and my experiences. Sometimes I have a hesitation of opening those parts of myself up to others for fear of criticism. Not criticism when it comes to the structure of the poem, I certainly am open to constructive criticism towards that. No, I sometimes hesitate due to the fear of criticism towards the subjects themselves-towards my experiences or towards the direction where my path is leading me. 



I rarely censor a poem, though, in order to appease my potential audience. I feel poems need to be genuine and expressed as is. As they come out. And for much of my poetry I feel this urge to share with others anyways, despite their personal nature. I actually feel more comfortable sharing my poetry with the public, especially in forums like Journey of the Heart, than with those closest to me in my personal life. I tend to find readers, like those that frequent Journey of the Heart, more gracious in receiving my experiences.

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



There is no bottom to the well of creativity and inspiration. There is a spring within that when struck continues to flow, even when it sometimes appears to be only a trickle or even seems to have run completely dry.

 How is writing poetry a spiritual process for you?


Writing poetry helps me express my spiritual journey, and in the process, draws out elements of it that sometimes I am unaware of until I begin writing.  It helps me take a journey within that nourishes, and sometimes validates, and guides me in my path.


 Name some of your favorite poetesses. 



I enjoy being introduced to new poetry and poetesses through Journey of the Heart. Some other poetesses that I have found very inspiring through the years have been Mary Oliver and Mirabai.

 How did you first discover the Journey of The Heart poetry project?



My friend David first sent me a link to Journey of the Heart. He has always been quite adept at introducing me to some really great resources. Journey of the Heart has certainly been one of them!

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


Yes, mostly on my blog.

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

My general experience of sharing my poetry on Journey of the Heart has been a very positive one. I have become connected with others that pursue and value their own spiritual journeys, and in the process of reading their poems, have become inspired and especially encouraged when I find poems I can relate to that others have shared.

❤

Jessica Mokrzyckl is a mother of two beautiful children and has been married for almost ten years now. She seeks the truth into her own nature, and that of God's, and explores her experiences and reflections on a regular basis on her blog Ascending The Hills. Jessica has found a lot of inspiration and direction from the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic scriptures and has found that chanting has become an invaluable spiritual practice that she engage in daily."You may contact her via her facebook page 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!~ 

Interview With Mary McManus

 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 Mary McManus, an inspired runner and poetess who has not only survived many traumas in her life, but learned how to thrive in spite of them. And poetry was part of how she did that! 

When and how did you first begin writing poetry?

 It was a cold, dark day in February of 2007. I had been diagnosed with post polio syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease in December of 2006. My future looked grim. 

Rewind to when I was recovering from paralytic polio at the age of 5 when my physical therapist, Miss Holly, read Dr. Seuss to me before each painful session and had me recite Dr. Seuss back to her to help ease the pain of physical therapy. 

How amazing that the cadence of Dr. Seuss remained in my soul to help me begin to heal my life and emerge out of the dark night of my soul. I kept feeling this urge to create in the midst of that bleak winter’s evening and I wrote the poem, “Running the Race.” I discovered the power of visualization and the healing power of writing poetry. A spark of hope, healing and possibility was ignited in my soul.

Which subjects are the easiest for you to write about?

Running, feeling wonderful in my body, transformation, nature especially the ocean

Which subjects are the hardest for you to write about?

 I haven’t found any subjects that are a challenge for me to write about.

When do you feel most inspired to write poetry?

 Often times, in the morning right after my morning meditation. At the beach when I completely unplug.

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

 That my poems were too raw or on the other end of the spectrum “too trite” but that fear has been dispelled by the reception my poetry has received.

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

 That imagination can bring about change in the physical world. In my first poem, ‘Running the Race’, I wrote, “while in my mind’s eye, I focused on winning a 10K race” as I sat in a leg brace, using a wheelchair at times for mobility and being told that I would eventually need to use a wheelchair full time for mobility.  While I never won a 10K race, my unconscious set the wheels in motion for me to run the 2009 Boston Marathon. I expressed gratitude, freedom, wholeness, health and healing through my early poems and as I wrote poems about transformation, a physical transformation followed.

How is writing poetry a spiritual process for you?

As I sat in my living room in February of 2007, I asked for Divine Guidance because my life was spiraling hopelessly out of control and I felt that I was very close to death. I felt as though I had lost touch with my Spirit and I was experiencing physical symptoms that could have resulted in what I now consider an early and untimely death. The answer to my prayers came through the gift of poetry and continues to keep bringing me back to my Divine Self, connected to all that is beyond my self (with a small “s”).

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

When I first started writing poetry, I realized that I felt no physical pain when I wrote. I was transported to this beautiful space within. Time and space became infinite. Writing poems has been a source of healing but also a source of joy and play. I love playing with words for sounds, for metaphors, for being clever and for sharing a sense of delight with my readers.

Writing poetry enabled me to first free my soul that was trapped by years of sickness and trauma and then to experience a physical transformation. Now it is a way for my heart to sing and my soul to dance on the words that I write. I love to say that my pen is a Divining rod for healing.

 I also love to create original poems to commemorate and celebrate special occasions. I used to have a business, New World Greeting Cards but realized that I was not an entrepreneur. I do continue to create these poems for friends and family.  They love receiving these poems that you just can’t find in a Hallmark card.

Name some of your favorite poetesses.  

Mary Oliver from my home state of Massachusetts is number one on my list. Deanna Faulds, Linda Hogan who I was recently introduced to by a friend of mine. She is a Chickasaw poet and novelist. And of course, the beloved Maya Angelou who is a s-hero of mine.

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

  I am transported to another time and place as I experience the gift of the words from the heart of another poet.

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

 Yes I have 5 books of inspirational poetry that I self-published.

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

 I feel so blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to both share my poetry and share what inspired me to write a particular poem. It’s wonderful to go back and reflect on why I wrote a particular poem.

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

 Poetry is now an integral part of my life; of my way of Being. I love to share my poetry and read poetry. From someone who always lived in her head, not her heart, writing poetry has been a beautiful journey of transformation and awakening.  Writing poetry helped me on my road to the Boston Marathon and beyond!

I decided to move beyond writing autobiographical poems to publishing my memoir, “Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility.” I incorporate my poems into the telling of my seven-year healing odyssey that all began with the writing of a poem in February of 2007.

❤

Mary McManus, MSW grew up in Westchester, NY and contracted paralytic polio in 1959 at the age of 5, during one of the last polio epidemics in the United States. She survived 9 years of unrelenting sexual, physical and emotional trauma at the hands of family members culminating with the suicide of her father in 1971 as she prepared to enter her freshman year at Boston University. Mary was at the height of her 20-year award-winning career as a social worker at the VA when she was diagnosed with post polio syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease in December of 2006. Mary did not take the diagnosis of post polio syndrome sitting down. Instead, she embarked on a healing odyssey that began with a leap of faith as she left her social work career to heal her life and to follow her newfound passion as a poet and writer. Mary discovered that post polio syndrome was the manifestation of unhealed trauma and the breach that resulted in her mind/body connection as well as the late effects of having contracted paralytic polio.  Her pen became her divining rod for healing as she imagined herself as healthy and whole, even “Running the Race”, which was the first poem she wrote during the dark night of her soul in February of 2007. Mary is a 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, blogger, the author of 5 books of inspirational poetry and her memoir, "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility". Mary holds a BS in Public Relations from Boston University, an MSW from Boston College and many fond memories of her VA social work career in her heart. She lives in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts with her husband of 36 years and their four foot companion, Jamie. To learn more about Mary, you can visit her website at www.marymcmanus.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!~