The weekly posts for the rest of May will focus on techniques to help you reflect on your rest habits. Here is the 4th one in the series. Read the first one here. Read the second one here. The third one here.
Rest is not something that happens to you. It is something that you make happen. You make it happen when you give it thought and planning, when you act on your plans, reflect on what happened, and make changes in the future. This is why “keeping the sabbath” is a commandment. You have to do it.
Writing a poem is an excellent way to connect to yourself. The poem does not have to be perfect. The ends don’t have to rhyme. You don’t have to share it with anyone (although I would love to read it if you share). You don’t have to follow any special rules. The point of this poem is for you to reflect on your rest habits and experiences. In this post, I have chosen the “I am from” poem as a template.
The “Where I’m from” poem comes from George Ella Lyon, an American poet who sought to explore how the roots of places, events, people and things shape our lives. You can read more about it here. There are no real rules to writing this poem except that you begin each line with “I am from…”
As you write your “I am from” poem, I ask you to tailor your poem to rest. Let’s work on a few lines here but you can extend yours if you wish. Here is a template.
Your “Where I’m from” Rest Poem
I am from [an ordinary household item] that [write how this item impacts your rest]
From [animal, plant or natural item] because [write why you chose the animal, plant or natural item in relation to your rest]
I am from [home location] where [describe smell, taste, sight, sound or touch that impacts your rest]
I am from [food item] which [describe smell, taste, sight, sound or touch that impacts your rest]
From [family or heritage] whose [describe an action, behavior, attribute or characteristic that impacts your rest]
This is where I am from.
Shola’s “Where I’m from” Rest Poem
I am from bedsheets, pillows, and cover clothes that keep me warm and cozy when I sleep
From crickets and frogs because their sounds help me sleep at night
I am from the village where the smell of rain calms me to sleep
I am from eggs made with spicy pepper, tomato and onions which bring enjoyment and nourishment to my day
From hardworking parents, my dad in particular whose work ethic is just as high as his rest ethics
This is where I am from.
Would you like to share your Where I am From poem with me? Do so in the box below.
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