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ON REFLECTION, it's all so poetic...


As this goes out into the world, it's the 3rd October 2024. Every year, this date brings up a LOT for me. I lost my lovely Dad when I was just 21 years old and he was younger than I am now, just 57. Today is his birthday. My Pop and I shared a deep love of words and language; written, spoken and creatively expressed. John (Pop) was a talented visual artist and hugely accomplished jazz musician. He could speak volumes and tell powerful stories through his work and his passion. I wonder why I get it from????


Today, there is also a solar eclipse (all about reflection) in Libra (all about balance) and it's National Poetry Day here in the UK. My Dad was a Libra, he and I were fascinated by the energetic power of the moon and of course, we were prolific writers of poetry so today, I know Pop has set me up to have a good day. I want to share that with you!


Words, whether written, spoken, sung, or expressed creatively, hold immense power. They shape our perceptions, connect us with others, and offer a way to process emotions and experiences. From ancient times, people have turned to language for comfort, healing, and connection with their deeper selves and the world around them. In the modern world, this power continues to thrive through poetry, song, and art, each serving as a vessel for healing and creative expression.


Words Heal

Language, in all its forms, is a medium of self-expression. It allows us to communicate not just with others, but also with ourselves. In times of emotional struggle or uncertainty, words become a mirror for our inner world. They provide clarity and help us make sense of complex feelings. This is why journaling, poetry, and even song-writing are often recommended as therapeutic practices—they offer a way to express what we sometimes can't say out loud.


Many mental health professionals recommend practices like writing and journaling because they foster reflection. The very act of putting thoughts into words often helps release pent-up emotions and lead to personal insights. It’s in these moments of self-reflection that the healing process begins, creating alignment between our inner and outer worlds.


It's all so poetic

Poetry, in particular, has a long history of being a vehicle for healing. Its unique combination of rhythm, emotion, and conciseness allows it to distill feelings into an essence that resonates deeply. In the UK, National Poetry Day, celebrated annually in October, encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to explore poetry as a means of expression. This day is not only a celebration of poets and their craft but also a reminder that anyone can create and share their own poetic voice.


This year’s theme for National Poetry Day is Refuge, a powerful concept that speaks to the importance of words and creativity in finding solace. Poetry, in many ways, acts as a refuge—a place to explore thoughts and feelings without judgment. On this day, communities come together to share, read, and write poems, amplifying the voices of those who might otherwise feel unheard.


Simple Creative and Therapeutic Writing Exercises

If you’re new to writing poetry or looking for a way to channel your thoughts into something creative and reflective, here are a few simple writing exercises that can help.


1. Express Yourself

This is a simple but powerful exercise to channel emotions into artful words. Choose a feeling you’ve been experiencing recently (joy, sadness, anger, confusion). Write about that feeling as though it were a living thing. Give it a colour, a shape, a texture, and perhaps even a voice. What would it say?

Prompt: If your feelings had a voice, what would they say to you right now? What do they look like? How do they move through your body?

2. Poetic Alignment and Balance

In this exercise, think about the concept of alignment. Alignment could be between your thoughts and actions, between your inner desires and outer world, or even within your relationships. Write a short poem (four to six lines) that explores this idea.

Prompt: Write a poem about finding balance in your life, whether that balance is emotional, mental, or physical. Use the imagery of nature to symbolise this alignment (e.g., rivers flowing, trees standing tall, stars aligning).


For example..."Just as the river must flow, expanding as it reaches the sea, so must my feelings flow, taken by the current, travelling with my intention towards the wide blue ocean of my life." OR "As the mighty oak stands tall and strong, so also does it allow itself to bend and bow to the elements because the wise oak knows that to resist is to break."


The Solar Eclipse and New Moon

A solar eclipse represents a moment when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a temporary shadow. Eclipses have been seen throughout history as transformative moments—a time for reflection, deep emotional healing, and realignment with our true selves. Similarly, a new moon is a time of new beginnings, offering a clean slate for setting intentions and focusing on personal growth.

The recent solar eclipse and new moon are perfect metaphors for the themes of reflection and alignment. Much like these celestial events, we too can step into the shadows of introspection, shedding what no longer serves us and emerging with renewed clarity.

For those looking to connect with these cycles, journaling or writing poetry around these lunar events can be especially powerful. Take a moment to write a poem about what you’re ready to release or what new intentions you wish to set in your life.


Find poetry and healing in your story...

Words have the power to heal, to connect us to one another, and to align us with our deepest truths. Whether through poetry, journaling, music, or art, we have many ways to express ourselves and find refuge in language. As National Poetry Day reminds us, creativity is not just for the poets and artists—it’s a universal tool for self-expression and healing.

By exploring the power of words, we can open new pathways to reflection and alignment, using language as a way to process our experiences, connect with our emotions, and align with the natural world.


Additional Resources:

  • To explore more about the therapeutic power of writing, check out National Poetry Day, where you’ll find prompts, readings, and events.

  • Learn more about the recent solar eclipse and new moon and their significance in astrology through sites like The Astrology Podcast for insights into how these cosmic events can influence your personal journey of reflection and renewal.


By embracing words in all their forms, we begin to heal and align with ourselves, others, and the universe around us.


Your writing, like your story, does't have to be shared but if you feel included to, I would love to read it. You can share with me privately by email at michele@michelehenshaw.com or you can post it in my wonderful encouraging and supportive private Facebook Group, Rewrite Your Story


Remember..."You may not be able to control how your story started, but you can edit and rewrite it and you can create new stories. When you own your story, you get to decide how it ends."


Much love,


Michele x



Get the book:  Your Path to Freedom

Private Facebook Group: Rewrite Your Story

Website:  MicheleHenshaw.com



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