Lectio Poetica - close listening to the art of poetry

Lectio Poetica describes a simple process of close contemplation.

Three people consecutively read aloud a single selected poem. Ordinary people showing up with a respect for the words, the process, the creative repetition. Their voices speak through the quietude hoping to find ears receptive, a heart that's open and a body listening deeply. 

This is the hope though as with all things in life, we the listener are sometimes distracted or disengaged.

It requires of us a gentle yet crucial commitment. We will try to listen with our hearts, with curiosity and a softening of the critical mind. We will remain closely engaged with the body, simply feeling our way without the need for striving or resolution. We need to be settled in the moment allowing the awareness to be held with as little distraction or effort as possible. The challenge is to stay present. 

Simple, yet not so easy. 

There's times when I reach this place, quietly aware only of breath and the visceral sensations of words touching skin, touching blood, touching bones. There are times when I am carried away by thought, become lost, drift and return to engagement, smiling: "Where did I go? What did I miss?". 

Perhaps just as well there is a three time repetition!

The gentle rhythm of the practice can easily evoke memories and longing, pathos and profundity. And also sometimes, curiously, none of these. This is the mystery. Here we are showing up with a willingness to pay attention and notice without expectation. 

Like all skills it requires practice, patience, our kindly discipline. Like all mindfulness practices it requires a release from earnestness, a lightening of our resistance and judgement. We are human and thoughts and mind wandering are a natural expression of this. 

It's earthy, it's deeply rooted in a collective sharing, individually attuned yet bound by community. I imagine an ancestral camp fire, voices journeying through the night air. 

Zoom you're thinking, how possible on Zoom? Could this be any further removed from such an experience. Yet Maz Lockett a recent participant remarked in the sharing:

"it was as if each voice was a different musical instrument, playing the same tune yet each with their individual timbre, depth and resonance."

We have the chance to journal, to be creatively engaged, to sink into the experience and be brave with our words, our reply. If we wish we can share. Or remain quietly reflective. 

And there's also a special gift for the readers, the power and potency of a poem may sometimes remain hidden, until they hear words vibrating in their throats, being formed on their lips and spoken to others. As if in the simple act of offering there's a shape shifting and something quite fresh steps into the light. Might you like to be this reader? 

So here's an invitation to join us. And the practicalities, what will you need:

A comfortable posture, maybe your usual meditation posture if this embodies compassion. Restful yet awake. Adding to the burden of pain will not make us more receptive or enlightened... believe me I've tried it. However we can bring a sincerity, a gentle discipline to all that we do.

Maybe a drink, a throw, a cushion......

Also a journal or notepad, pencil or pens or a digital pad to capture your moment to moment responses. 

I desire a tidy room, I usually fail to achieve this. So I practice with an acceptance of my casual disregard for order. It has followed me all my life it's unlikely to change. 

If we are on Zoom together my scattered belongings lie just off camera. I create a little corner of peace. It will usually contain some nature, a recently collected leaf or feather, a found pebble. A simple oil diffuser and a meditation bell much loved but rarely used as it brings forth barking dogs! 

Try not to put yourself under undue pressure. Beauty rarely looks as we might expect and can be found as much within our practice and ourselves as in our immediate environment. 

I welcome your presence and I will offer support, guidance and good natured care. You don't have to understand poetry to practice and in truth it can even be your asset. So few of us are able to approach life without seeing through a veil of knowing or preference. A beginner's mind , fresh and curious offers so many more possibilities. 

Are you tempted? 

With gratitude to Maz Lockett for allowing me to quote her words.