poetry in sacred space
I’m not going to lie to you. Some days of writing poetry are not easy. It can look like staring at the blank page, willing it to say something.
But keep listening. Searching. Expecting.
There is no shortage of words and ideas and memories that want to speak. Pulling them forth, from the deep place where they hide–a line here, a picture there–requires both gentleness and tenacity. The words need convincing, you see. Whether they tumble out like crazed acrobats that need a safe place to land or they peek out from behind bedroom curtains or in cupboards in the kitchen like agoraphobic secret agents unsure if they want to come out of hiding, we must be prepared to receive them. We must let them know they are welcome. Even if our hearts aren’t sure what to do with them when we do coax them out and we’re all just standing there–the words and us–looking at one another quizzically, in the same room.
It might help, in these tricky situations, to start with an introduction: you to the words; the words to you. And the best way to do this? I have a suggestion: try having the introduction happen in what can best be described as sacred space. And this is actually going to be our poetry prompt this week too: letting our words and memories, our minds and our hearts, speak to us about sacred space. Let me tell you what I mean.
Sacred space is the place within you where words of truth are formed. It is the place deep within you that harbors memory, reflects thought, pursues relationship, engages in emotion whether it be rage or sadness or elation or pain. It is the place within you, that deeper place, that wants to communicate what is most true. To write poetry of the heart–poetry that pursues wholeness-we must let ourselves inhabit a space of truth when we write.
It is in this sacred space where we call forth our heart’s deepest cries. It is the place we heed most attentively when we write poetry. We lean in close, trusting that our hearts, who inhabit and know this sacred space, have something to teach us–and that we, as listeners, are capable of writing it down.
One of the books I love–Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making, by John Fox, says poems of sacred space “turn your accute observations into a poem of place: a place that invites poems.”
So, the writing prompt for Loop Poetry Project this week is to consider your sacred space and write a poem that brings it to life somehow. Acute observation will help, and here are some questions to consider:
- What does your sacred space look like? Feel like? (Consider colors, textures, smells.)
- What memories does it evoke?
- Is it a physical space, or a space represented in your imagination? (Consider the quality of the light: is it light or dark?)
- How does it make you feel to be there? (This is super important–listen to your heart here. Make sure your feelings are represented.)
- Is there a story connected with this space?
- Are objects here from your childhood?
- Is it a physical place you inhabit regularly?
Here is a poem I wrote this week about a place of sacred space for me, which happens to represent an isolated experience from my childhood:
This poem has been rewritten several times since I wrote it last week–and it might need a few more rounds of edits, although I will let sit it here a while before diving in again. But when I considered the topic of sacred space, I thought of the essence of childhood, its purity and wildness. And also the topic of family and home–the years of my growing up in an almond orchard, my dad a farmer and my mom always near. This is an example of sacred space for me–and I let myself enter back into a very particular memory to write the lines of this poem. Sacred space for you may have nothing to do with childhood. I would love to know what your heart deems as sacred space.
Of course, you don’t have to write a poem about sacred space. Write about anything you wish–anything your heart is wanting you to hear. Your poetry writing is not about catharsis (more about that later) but about the pursuit of wholeness. Honor your heart. Honor your feelings. Let your heart speak. Do your best to use language that represents its cry.
If you ever want to share your poems throughout the week on social media, please use the hashtag: #looppoetryproject so we can find each other. I follow #looppoetryproject on Instagram, and I will be excited to share your poems on my Instagram stories throughout the week. And if you are part of the Loop Poetry Project Facebook group, it will be great, if you feel led (no pressure!) to share your poems with the community over there.
Finally, in the comments–please feel free to share your thoughts on sacred space and/or share your poems! You certainly don’t have to write a poem if you don’t want to, but I’d love to hear your ideas about what sacred space means to you.
from this one true heart,
jennifer
20 Comments
Permalink
Only I know the way and sometimes even I struggle to find it, for it makes itself elusive to preserve its sanctity. I have to need to be there, need to meet with strangers and mockers and tyrants and ogres until I meet myself amongst them. In my room without a roof I take a seat of honour and there it begins.
The dig.
The dirt.
The wild wrestling for the saving of the soul.
Permalink
Wow, wow, Sarah. You draw me in. “…need to meet with strangers and mockers… until I meet myself among them..” And “In my room without a roof…” I am captivated.. What is your heart saying to you through these words?
Permalink
Definitely calming, that’s so insightful, thanks for your feedback Jennifer. It’s always a choice to breathe & find the beauty at the start of each day. Writing it down seems to deepen, or focus, the choice of moving into “sacred space”.
Permalink
powerful
Permalink
In the quiet of the dawn.
Crisp morning air
A breeze blows
Autumn leaves floating like snow
Rustling along sidewalks
The scent of moisture on the breeze
I meet you here in this sacred space before the busyness of my day.
You are always there. I need only to be quiet and wait.
Be still and know
Permalink
Wow, I love your writing! So soulful. I can relate to this, as sometimes we must come into contact with other “characters” in our physches to get to ourselves and the truth. I’m no great writer or critic. But I loved this😁
Permalink
I really like your idea of a sacred place to write in. I think it could help to set the tone for poetry writing.
Thank you for sharing this idea and your poem was lovely.
I enjoy receiving your loop messages. I like your style of writing. It speaks to my heart.
Permalink
Hi Heather, I am so happy to connect with you here. When you think of sacred space for you, what comes to mind? How does your heart define it?
Permalink
A Sacred Space
a place where no lies can enter in…
a place for me
a place of honour and rest
I belong here
this is my home
with You
and me
my heart is here, safe
filled
held
honoured
acknowledged
washed
blessed
received
refreshed
I want nothing more than this…
Su Crowsen
19 October 2019
Permalink
my heart is here, safe
filled
held
honoured
acknowledged
washed
so true!!
Permalink
thank you xxx
Permalink
thank you xxx
Permalink
I board my balcony
like walking up
the gangplank
of a cruise liner
expecting to depart
for distant shores.
The luggage
a carefully made
cup of tea.
The horizon
a shimmer of birdsong
a gleam of tree breeze
a lap of far off traffic noise.
Departing for destinations
of Reflection & Meditation,
this morning journey
is my day’s way
of casting off
onto Wonder Ocean.
Permalink
Well, this ushers me into calmness and beauty–a place to breathe and relax. Love the language. Thank you, Pip. How did it feel to write this?
Permalink
yes so very calming to my spirit
Permalink
Sacred Space Prompt
Thank you Jennifer for sparking again my love of words and again the continuing reminder that Jesus is the living word living in us… When I am truly still in his presence we “meet” in the quiet of remembrances of childhood moments that use to be marked with shadows but are now safe spaces.
Grassy Hills Beckoning roll down
Flowery Fields to wander ’round
Woolly Blankets spread across the ground
Cloud Formations begging to be found
Jesus’ presence now abounds
Familiar places now made sound
the meeting place where mystery becomes unwound
thoughts no longer earthbound
His truth and fellowship astounds
Fear and worry no longer confounds
The Sacred place his love surrounds
Permalink
I love this so much. Finally a space to share and feel safe in it.
I can come unarmed
To this space. It holds me safe. Exposing my
Wounds and scars in this space, yet I am accepted. I am never too much for this place so I can belong here.
No fighting feelings here, they are free to come, free to be felt like the showers of rain falling unexpectedly. My words are safe to come, safe to explore safe to put to paper. In this space my heart pours out the release of what has been trapped inside.
I am safe here, you are safe here
We are safe here.
Permalink
I really identify with this Lora…its beautiful…thank you…Sx
Permalink
This one wore me out…. it took me a week to really allow myself to go there.
I have reservations about sharing this but, I’m going to.
My sacred place is a holy space
where I ask Holy Spirit to come.
Where questions are asked
of His Holiness
where I let myself come undone.
I lay down the lies that I’ve been told
even the lies that I still hold.
I lay down my aching heart.
I lay down my regrets.
I lay it all down and if I dare,
I lay my questions in front of him there.
Here in my sacred space,
my quiet place
this space is where I question it all.
Father,
Why has the world gone astray
where cheaters live
where I’ve been betrayed,
where people I loved
have come and gone
in sickness and in health
and the one who did me wrong?
Why does loss leave scars so deep,
why do I pray my soul to keep
when I already know
heaven’s the place
where my soul will go?
Can you tell me my purpose in life
when I’m no longer someone’s wife?
Why do I even care?
Sometimes I feel I’m full of hot air.
Can you tell me how
the seeds I’ve planted
all blossom and bloom
they seem so enchanted
by your love and grace,
yet most days I feel displaced
having been left behind
by everything in life?
I sit here now – I give you my strife.
I know life will and can be hard
but I’ve grown tired Lord
I need a revival –
I need you back in my life.
Come Lord Jesus
fill this holy space
before you I shall bow.
Life has taken turns to places
I can’t figure out why or how.
I put it in your hands
my life is yours I know,
Oh the great plans you have for me,
sometimes i feel I have yet to see
a life that’s fulfilling and majestically
set to your pace…
Holy Spirit come
help me to see
everything you’ve laid out for me.
This is my sacred place
inside of me-my holiest space
where the scars etched on my heart
are slowly erased
this holy space is where love starts.
Sandie Heckman
Permalink
Thank you Jenny for this great project. I am new to poetry but would love the members feedback.
Lord, take my hand and walk with me for a little while
Take me to our sacred place
Where peace overflows my soul with happiness
Fill me with your Holy Spirit
Where the mind of Christ
Sets me free from worry
Take me to the mountain top
Where my fears don’t exist
Because the joy of the
Lord is my strength
Dwen Guydon