Connecting to nature through poetry and prose
The mini season of Autumn Equinox runs from September 22 until October 7. The harvest moon is a relevant kigo, or seasonal words, to use when writing haiku about this season. Today we have six haiku by four haiku masters that reference the harvest moon.
At the end of summer, sunflowers are noticeable parts of the landscape. Poets William Blake and Kenneth W. Porter have both written about the sunflower. However, their poems feel very different.
Gardens can provide us with food for our bodies and souls. Poets can help us see that connection in a new way. In today's post we have three poems that look at gardening featuring poets Beatrix Potter, Edgar Guest, and Karina Borowicz.
The 72 seasons ask us to slow down. If we think about everything in micro-seasons, the beauty of everyday life opens up. Each block of time brings its own magic, and likewise, its own poetry to the world.
The Canadian Geese migration is one of those amazing feats of the natural world. When you think about this, and then watch them fly in their V formation, it makes sense that poets would incorporate them into their verse. Mary Oliver and Wendell Berry are two poets who took note of these birds and incorporated it into verse.
Visualizing Nature: Essays on Truth, Spirit, and Philosophy, is edited by Stuart Kestenbaum. In this book, Kestenbaum asked the essayist “How does nature speak to you? And how do you listen to nature?’ Each essayist responded in their own way harnessing their personal experience and expertise to share stories about forests, deserts, coral reefs, and shorelines.
The healing power of nature has been well documented, so it should be no surprise that people who felt the benefits of nature have taken to podcasting to share their experiences. This article shares four podcasts that are worth listening to if you want to learn more about how nature heals.
"Love for Other Things" by Tom Hennen. Hennen’s style is described as “almost Taoist, with a tempered knowledge of self and world." I read Hennen’s poetry and say to myself, “This is poetry that works for me”.
Duncan is a Certified Nature & Forest Therapy guide and the Director of Nature Connection Guide located in northern Vermont. He created the Forest Bathing Life app as a way for people to learn about the principles and application of forest bathing. If you have ever wanted to learn more about Forest Bathing, or are struggling to find the time to be able to engage in consistent nature connection practice, the app and the six-week experience might be the right fit for you.
Shinrin-yoku, also known as Forest Bathing, has been shown to reduce stress levels and blood pressure, boost energy and creativity, and strengthen your immune system. Marie Bourdon talked with us about her experience becoming a Forest Therapy Guide and what inspires her about this work.
