Writing From the Inside Out

The Poetry in Motion Workshop - Part I

I had so much fun with the little poetry workshop I offered during the Healthy Aging conference that I thought I’d invite you all to give it a try too. It’s simple, good for the brain, and FUN! Ready?

Writing and the Brain
Let's get started with a question - is writing really good for the brain? The answer is YES! Writing requires the simultaneous integration of multiple cognitive functions including, hand-eye coordination, language, memory, creativity, insight, logic, spatial intelligence, and abstract thought. All these things need practice to learn. In addition, neuroscientists have discovered that writing on paper is better for your brain than writing on a tablet or a phone. For more about that, check the resource links at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE - Associations

Please choose a one-word topic that has meaning for you. Write that word down in the center of your paper and circle it. Now take 10 minutes to write down everything that comes to mind when you think of the word. Use lines to connect the words and ideas to the central topic.

This is my example using the word Peace. You'll notice that there are sub-categories not directly related to the central theme. Also, not all the words that came up for me were positive. When you're finished you’ll have a rich network of words and related images to work with.

STEP TWO - The Five-Line Poem

Now we'll use the topic you chose and associated words to write a five-line poem. Here's how to structure and write the poem:

• First line - titles the poem

• Second line - Two words that describe the title

• Third line - Three-word phrase showing action

• Fourth line - Four-word phrase describing a feeling about the title

• Fifth line - Renames or describes the first

Below is my poem about the word, “Peace.”

Peace
soul hunger
rappelling into silence
resting in a moment
recalled to grace.

Here is another by the woman who taught me the technique, Velma Krauch.

San Francisco
Steep Hills
Cable cars clanging
Fog rolling over bridge
Captivating.

Next Steps

In Part II of this exercise we’ll expand on the five-line poem. Look for instructions and examples in tomorrow’s post. In the meantime, please share your topic and five-line poems in the comment section below.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at JenaBall@CritterKin.com.

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Resources - Writing is Good for the Brain

1. Neuroscience News - Improve Brain Health: https://neurosciencenews.com/mental-health-18752can-improve-mental-health/

2. Neuroscience News - Paper is Better than Tablet: https://neurosciencenews.com/hand-writing-brain-activity-18069/

3. Guildford - Open Up by Writing: https://www.guilford.com/books/Opening-Up-by-Writing-It-Down/Pennebaker-Smyth/9781462524921/contents

4. Oxford Learning - Writing by Hand
https://www.oxfordlearning.com/writing-by-hand-is-good-for-the-brain/

5. Neuroplasticity
https://writersfriend.org/2018/08/12/neuroplasticity-and-academic-writing/

6. Writing Cooperative - How Writing Affects Your Brain According to Science: https://writingcooperative.com/how-writing-affects-your-brain-according-to-science-e0259f006fa

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