Some of us remember the Acrostic poem form from early years in school. Clearly and simply structured, it’s a way to deeply explore the essence of a theme through poetry. Please note that while this form of poetry is typically used with young writers, it can be modified to fit more mature themes, such as embracing one’s life. We encourage you to remain playful as you give this exercise a shot.

Materials:

Journal and a pen you love to write with

Process:

From a settled heart space, please consider some of the following question: 

When you think of the idea of “embracing your life,” what does that mean to you? Are there some specific ways in which you might wish to embrace your life anew? What might support you as you do this?

Next, give yourself at least 10 minutes to write what comes to you in response these questions. Allow the words to emerge from the heart, in its own special language. You’ll know when you’re finished.

Finally reflect back on your writing and underline any words or phrases that might call out to you. Try if you can to not think too hard about this. Finally, choose the one word or phrase that is calling the loudest.

Then, on a new piece of paper, write that word/phrase vertically, one letter per line, along the left margin.

The letters you’ve just written serve as the backbone for the remainder of your poem. Referring to your journaling and also to any new words that emerge, begin to fill in the space next to each starting letter with words, phrases, or partial sentences that express what’s true for you. Each line of your poem should begin with the first letter on the line of the word you chose, and the poem will be in alignment with the idea of embracing your life. Remembering there’s no need to be too fancy or precious about language, rhyming, poetic devices, etc. It’s OK to simply play. 🙂

When you’re done, and if you wish, feel free to share your Acrostic with us on the discussion board.

 A few examples are below. Remember: you can be as sophisticated or as elementary as you wish. 🙂

“Poems are maps to the place where you already are.”

—Jane Hirshfield

Option 1: Silver Linings poem

This week, we offer a simple contemplation of silver linings; in what way has a difficult situation in your life caused you to grow, to deepen, or to gain insight? The invitation is to explore that situation by using it to inspire a new poem from the following line in Jennifer Welwood’s poem, “Unconditional:”

“Opening to my loss, I gain the embrace of the universe”

Go easy with your poem. It doesn’t have to rhyme or be perfect. We simply ask that it is true. 🙂

Option 2: Compassionate Listening contemplation

In class this week, we’ve also been working with compassionate listening. From a place of true presence and an openness/ curiosity to what arises, please consider: What is someone in your life truly asking you for? How are you relating with their request? What would it be like to offer a full-hearted “yes” to that request? A full-hearted no?

Simply journal about what arises in answer to these questions.

As always, we encourage you to share your work on the discussion board if you wish.

Option 1 adapted from Christine Valters Paintner. Option 2 adapted from Mark Nepo.