F*** the Garden or I Scare People

Posted Friday, May 25, 2012


I don't know Einat. Never had a conversation with her. Wouldn't be able to tell you a thing about her. But I saw her. I felt her. I wrote a poem about her. 

You see, we're trying something new over at The Poet's Way. We thought it would be a powerful way for the community to interact if we asked whoever wanted to—to put up 10 words that describe themselves. No other instructions. Just 10 words. 

Einat jumped in. She put up her ten words:  Standing still cause if I move I'd feel. (Actually 8 words) So,  I saw what I saw in those words. I wrote a poem.  Read More »

Just BE-ing is So Damn Boring

Posted Friday, May 18, 2012


These are the words of my client. All this "BE-ing" stuff is just so boring.

She's trying so hard. Trying to learn how to "BE." I must be doing something wrong, she thinks, because it's so much work to get there and when she does—it's just plain boring. Why bother?

Here's a truth. If you are struggling—it isn't being. 

Maybe you've had this issue. Your friends—your neighbors—your co-workers suggest to you that life isn't about the DOING—it's about the BEING. So you try. You decide to embrace this new way of life.  You take yoga or qigong classes and learn what it is like to be totally present with your body. You go on silent retreats to discover what being with your own thoughts will bring you. You meditate in the morning—every day—in order to center yourself and experience your day from a place of fullness and presence.

And this is exactly what many of us need to incorporate BE-ing into our lives. Some of us though—don't see the point. We struggle to quiet ourselves and then find no value once we are there. What's wrong with this picture?  Read More »

Who Makes You Happy?

Posted Friday, May 11, 2012


About a year ago—my second marriage came to an end. Somewhat suddenly with circumstances that make most people gasp. However, this is not a story about the ending. This is a story about the beginning.

You see—my former wife and I became engaged to be married in DC during the summer of 2006. It was a fairy tale engagement. I showed up at her work on a early Friday afternoon and swept her away in a limo to the airport. We made our way to the bed and breakfast in DC where I pulled out all the stops to make her feel like a princess: rose petals, wine, a concert, clothing, a picnic in our favorite park with huge waterfalls, and of course a poem expressing my desire to be with her. Forever.

Last week I was in DC. I've told you that I love it there.

My cousin took me for a hike and I had no idea where I was going. It soon became clear after we arrived that we were at the park where I had asked my former wife to marry me. My first thought: "Ughh—I don't need this—maybe we should go somewhere else." My second thought: "I wonder what the universe wants to teach me today. In this place. With so much emotion. This should be fascinating."

I chose to stay. Boy am I glad that I did.   Read More »




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Poet's Way One Day Retreats in Chicago and Boston


Wanting to Explore Your Inner Artist? 

Looking to dip your toe into the possibilities of your creativity?
 
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We believe that astonishing results are achieved when people live authentically, creatively, and expressively. The Poet’s Way taps into these abilities as a way to unleash our true selves onto the world. We all desire to live lives of purpose and meaning. Here we embrace you on your life’s journey – it is your place to awaken and nourish your inner poet – and we are all poets!

Testimonials:

I went to the retreat having written 1 poem in my life, when forced to at school. I figured the “discomfort” of being out of my safe zone might give me a new perspective. It was incredible. We had a lot of fun. Did simple exercises anyone could do. Shared as much or as little as we wanted. Got to hear the varying perspectives of the other participants. Met some fascinating people. Felt the support and allowing of all present. Ate great food. Got in touch with our selves and began to hear that still small voice. Had to ponder a while to distill our thoughts for the briefer medium of poetry. I still wouldn’t claim to be a great poet, but I find myself from time to time taking the time to ponder, even writing down a few lines here and there. I’m spending time BEing and doing things that feed my soul. I’ve recommended this retreat to my friends and anyone who has the opportunity to participate. Be well my friends
Oli Shelkey
March 2012, Geneva, IL  

In our busy, non-stop lives of iPhones, status updates, and errands, the Poet's Way retreat was a HUGE breath of fresh air. The activities were thought-provoking, the leaders genuine and caring, the participants open-minded and supportive, and the schedule a nice balance of work and play. I met some wonderful people, people whom I never would've crossed paths with, and left the experience rejuvenated, inspired, and wanting more! Highly recommend TPW retreats for anyone, not just interested in poetry.
Saya Hillman
March 2012
Chicago, IL


The Poet’s Way offers opportunities to listen, learn and live in concert with your authentic, creative, expressive self. Join us to experience poetry readings and writing, music, movement, journaling, conversations, interactions, and more.

The Poet's Way is life changing. Poetry is one way that people connect with their own deeper meanings. We want to bring this way of being to the world—whether that is individuals or organizations.


Chicago Area One Day Retreat--Contact Ken at ken@authenticdevelopment.com to sign up.

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