The Healing Power of Poetry: Emotional and Mental Benefits

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A vintage pen placed on an old parchment with handwritten text, symbolizing the timeless art of poetry and writing.

Poetry as a form of art is liked by people because of its healing and expressive power. For me, my personal definition of poetry is a way to say a lot with very few words or express something which cannot be said in words. The concept of poetry is so beautiful that it captures the depth of our emotions.

While poetry may seem like random lines put together to rhyme to some, it can be a whole different world and life to others. Let’s take an insight into the healing power that poetry can possess for our mental well-being. Expressing our emotions can be really hard sometimes, but we can use poetry to do so and articulate our feelings and emotions.


Emotional Expression and Catharsis

Sometimes, when we suppress our emotions, we may feel overwhelmed, as if something is eating us from the inside. This emotional suppression can lead to both mental and physical discomfort. Research shows that emotional release is beneficial for both physical and mental health, improving emotional regulation and helping us manage our emotions more effectively (Gross, 2002).

This process is generally known as catharsis, a concept ancient Greeks introduced to describe the purification of emotions (Nussbaum, 1986). Catharsis is an Ancient Greek word that means "purification," commonly used to refer to the release of strong emotions and thoughts.

Example from Dead Poets Society

One powerful example of this is in the movie Dead Poets Society, one of my all-time favourite. The film beautifully illustrates how poetry can serve as a medium for emotional expression. In a particularly moving scene, Mr. Keating (played by Robin Williams) encourages Todd Anderson, a shy and under-confident student, to push past his fears and spontaneously create a poem.

This exercise allows Todd to express his deeply buried emotions, leading to a profound sense of relief and catharsis.


Self-Reflection and Insight

self reflection

A poem can dive deep into the depths of our subconscious and trigger buried emotions. The metaphor and tone of poetry can evoke a strong response. Research suggests that poetry can be as effective as songs, movies, and soundtracks in evoking similar emotions (Wassiliwizky et al., 2017).

Our brains respond to the rhythms in poetry much like they do to the rhythms in music (Fitch, 2015). Even in our daily lives, if you come across poetic content while scrolling through Instagram or watching TikTok, it can partially evoke emotions.

Poetry, whether modern or spiritual, can help us find answers to our feelings and alleviate our sense of overwhelm. For example, in the movie Dead Poets Society, the character Mr. Keating uses poetry to inspire his students to gain new perspectives by standing on desks. Similarly, poetry can help us view our own situations from a fresh perspective.

Personal experience often shows that poetry can articulate feelings we've struggled to express for a long time, which can trigger a deep emotional response. Writing poetry and using metaphorical language can also be beneficial for expressing our emotions.

Poet Robert Lowell, known for his portrayal of mental health struggles through his work. His poems, such as "Waking in the Blue" and "Home After Three Months Away," reflect his experiences in a mental hospital where he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.


Connection and Empathy

Poetry can create a profound sense of belonging, reminding us that we are not alone. It connects us with others who share our interests and passions for this beautiful art form. When we read or share poetry, we experience the emotions others convey, fostering a shared experience that evokes compassion and empathy.

This shared experience helps us understand that our feelings are valid, providing comfort and connection in our personal struggles and mental wellness.From one of Emily Dickinson's poems, the lines I measure every Grief I meet With narrow, probing Eyes — I wonder if It weighs like Mine — Or has an Easier size.

Illustrate how grief is universal and how comparing one's pain to another’s can be a powerful example of how poetry conveys a shared sense of empathy (Vendler, 2010). Dickinson’s introspective examination of grief resonates with many, as it captures the common human experience of seeking to understand and measure our suffering against that of others.

Additionally, poetry readings, workshops, and book clubs create a sense of community where individuals can connect and share their work with one another. For instance, during a poetry workshop, participants often share their writings and receive feedback, creating a supportive environment that fosters understanding and empathy. These sessions allow people to see the world through others' perspectives, deepening their emotional connections.

In my experience, the first time I read my poem aloud in a group of artists, I was terrified of being judged and labeled as weird. Despite my lack of confidence, when I read it, everyone appreciated me so much. They were shocked to learn it was my first poem.

This poem created a sense of compassion and evoked emotions related to poverty, making it a valuable resource for connection and empathy. By sharing our poetic expressions, we can build a community that understands and supports each other. This highlights the universal themes that resonate with diverse audiences and promotes a deeper sense of empathy and connection.

In conclusion, poetry is a very good tool for exploring our emotions. It allows us to express and release complex emotions, provides a medium for deep self-reflection, and fosters a sense of connection with our inner selves.

Through poetry, we find a safe space to explore our innermost thoughts and feelings, often finding new insights and perspectives. I encourage you to explore the world of poetry further and give poems a chance. As Robert Frost said, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”


Further Reading and Resources

Books:

Online Poetry Collections:




References

  • Gross, J.J. (2002). Emotion regulation: Affective, cognitive, and social consequences. Psychophysiology, 39(3), 281-291.

  • Nussbaum, M. C. (1986). The Fragility of Goodness: Luck and Ethics in Greek Tragedy and Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.

  • Fitch, W. T. (2015). The biology and evolution of rhythm: Unraveling a paradox. In Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 370(1664), 20140089.

  • Vendler, H. (2010). Dickinson: Selected Poems and Commentaries. Harvard University Press.

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