Poetry – Shade of Being Poem

Poetry - Shade of Being by Sonia Iris LozadaIn this January 2024 episode, I’ll discuss poetry and read Shade of Being.

Poetry became my outlet, my means of processing and articulating the complexities of my dual identity. Through the rhythmic words and vivid imagery, I could capture the nuances of my emotions, the clash of cultures, and the struggles of navigating between two worlds. It allowed me to explore and embrace the beauty of both sides of my heritage, while also acknowledging the challenges and conflicts that arose from it. Poetry became a form of self-discovery and self-expression, a way for me to make sense of my place in the world. It provided solace and comfort in times of confusion and uncertainty, offering me a sense of validation and understanding that I couldn’t find elsewhere. Poetry became my therapy, my self-help, and my sanctuary, guiding me through the complexities of my bi-cultural upbringing and shaping me into the person I am today.

In my teens, I had a poetry notebook I would carry with me everywhere, treasuring the words I had carefully written. However, one unfortunate day in the bustling streets of Chicago, my three-ring binder slipped from my grasp and scattered its contents in the wind. Helplessly watching as my precious poetry scattered into the air, I felt a deep sense of loss. Unlike today, where technology allows us to back up our work easily, back then, everything was typed, and I didn’t have a copy of my poetry. Despite this setback, I refused to let it deter me from my passion. I continued to write, pouring my emotions and thoughts onto paper. Over the years, I have managed to compile my poetry into four books, each representing a different phase of my life. “Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2” was published in 2022, previously published were “Inspire Me: Perception” and “Follow Akashic Dreaming Through Time” in 2019. My first book, “Inspire Me: Raw,” was released in 2017, marking the beginning of my journey as a published poet. Currently, I am eagerly working on the third installment of the Inspire Me Series, titled “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.”

In, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams I hope to take the readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It delves into the depths of one’s subconscious mind, exploring the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform. Through imagery and thought-provoking verses, I hope this book encourages readers to explore their innermost desires, embrace their passions, and awaken their true potential. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, the complexities of human emotions, and the mysteries of the universe, the poems in my new collection offer a unique blend of introspection and inspiration. With each turn of the page, I invited you to delve deeper into your dreams, discovering new perspectives and unlocking hidden truths. As the third installment in the Inspire Me Series, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams promises to be a soul-stirring addition to any poetry collection.

As the new year begins, I am excited to share a glimpse of my upcoming book, “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.” Within its pages, you will find a collection of heartfelt poems, including one titled “Shade of Being.” This poem delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring the various shades from beginning to end that make up our being. “Shade of Being” is a reflection on my journey of self-discovery and the power of embracing our finite nature. For those who can’t wait to dive into my upcoming book, a sneak peek of “Shade of Being” can also be found in the “Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2.” Let this new year be a time of inspiration, growth, and awakening as we embark on a poetic journey together.

Shade of Being

I stand on the beach, absorbing the indigo sky. The whispering breeze surrounds and envelops me as I breathe. It cools the soul. The waves creep up and work with the sand to mold my feet on earth. The Sun’s desert colors—rays of light peak through the singing ocean waves, sounds of release and content. There I feel light, floating slowly over the water. I’m not afraid as I’m swept towards the light of eternal energy. The sea creatures do a singing infinity dance by my side. The sparkling eyes of these mammals transform my essence. I’m not alone. How long I have waited to go into the depths of the ocean where emotions ease life’s pains as they bathe the skin in harmony. No entanglements, no reins holding me. I turn to see my past and see the shadows of my family and friends holding onto the remaining essence of the sand encasing my life, my experience, the memorable existence of each footstep we walked together.

Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 (Amazon)

Listen to episode here

Life with Bex Rose – Poet

Bex Rose, Poet and Mental Health ProfessionalIt is our pleasure to have Bex Rose, Poet and Mental Health Professional, as a guest on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast in November 2023. She shared her poem called A Subconscious Mind, which talks about depression from her book Mental Health Via Poetry. We had a fascinating conversation about the poem and her personal story of growing up in Brooklyn, New York writing poetry with Tourette’s, then transitioning to become a mental health clinician. Tune into this touching and entertaining interview to learn more about Bex’s inspiring journey.

A Subconscious Mind

What are these thoughts
The if, and, why,
What is this feeling I get
As if I’m ripping apart from inside
Why has my internal drive
Become so weak
Why am I too depressed to even open my eyes
To even sit up and think
Can’t even make it to my own kitchen sink
Not even thirsty for a drink
It’s lawless
The pressure to be human
Eat, think, sleep like a person, it’s arduous
It is not involving the effects of any one single event
I wish my time could be better spent
Society’s pages depend on a therapy book
So quick to not even take a real look
So quick to hand us the bottle than to ask us how to spell out the name
I’m not so easy to belittle with labels
Each diagnosis on paper
Can become quite easily a fable
Remedied with quick-think drugs bought from any store and self-help label
Not knowing there’s also drugs on the corners underneath the table
Waiting
For us to crave more
Why do we have to think and be challenged to want to search for more
When we’re left un-adored
In majority, for the very same reason you referred us to get help in the first place
I am not a charity case
I will not just fall in line
I will make use of this time
As I tiptoe between the tattered line
Between each tear-stained work of mine
I speak
For others whose medication has rendered them mute and subconscious
How dare you try to band-aid depression as if it’s a rouse
I think rather that it’s abuse
To be this overlooked
Well I stand here let-loose
I will tell you with my rhymes
The enforced societal standard behind each bind
Left on the “mentally unequipped”
Considered Drones of the unkind
These vastly purged minds
It’s exhausting
Left unchecked it could be an easy departing
Why should I let that be the case too
I am as much a human being as are you
If I had a presumed fully capable mind and funds I guess I would sue
But you’d stay there thoughtless
Wondering how this mess started to involve you
Feeling targeted you alone
Truth oftentimes is that
You don’t even bother unless it happens to one of your own

Bex Rose is a born and raised Brooklynite and native New Yorker who is both openly gay and active in the social work community. As a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHC), Bex is a Program Director for a NYC based non-for-profit. She has a background in family focused evidence-based practices as well as upper leadership administrative management. Additionally, her work extends beyond community-based services and extends into her private practice – Candor’s Call for leadership development, coaching and consultation.

Despite a dysfunctional childhood and diagnosis of OCD and Tourette’s she has been able to cultivate success in her field and through many social media platforms. Her most recent book “Mental Health via Poetry” speaks to the duality of a role as a clinician and experience living with Tourette’s. Bex hopes to utilize social media platforms to continue promoting healthy conversations, collaborations and content around mental health, creativity and positive representation.

Listen to her episode here

Get her book: Mental Health via Poetry

https://linktr.ee/Bexrose

https://www.candorscall.com/

The Soul of the Self with Joachim Brackx

This week we have Joachim Brackx. We discuss the self and how our perceptions play an important part in compassion, self-love, and acceptance.

Joachim Brackx was born at the seaside in Belgium and had a successful career as a singer and composer before turning to entrepreneurship.
As he healed himself from trauma, grew as a human being, and connected with others and himself more deeply, he decided to help others walk a similar path. This is how the podcast Relating to Self was born, based on the insight that the most important relationship we will ever have is the one we have with ourselves.
Joachim also records meditations for Insight Timer, is a member of Sandbox, and leads Vectoria Designs, a crafting company. He is passionate about ethics, compassion, relating, and good food.

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The Soul Connection with Jaclyn Steele

Guest Jaclyn Steele

Monday, June 14, 2021, is the first episode of season two where we discuss the Soul Connection with guest Jaclyn Steele.  We discuss how our soul’s calling intertwines our lives, beliefs, and our connection with others.

Season two introduces the various facets of the soul, inner being, and universal knowledge.

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