You go by ‘the spiritual poet’ on Instagram, why do you want to be known that way?
I write all types of poetry, but I wanted an account that was solely dedicated to my spiritual-related poetry. Some may argue that it is a little redundant as poetry is often perceived as spiritual, but I liked the idea of being very specific and forthright about my intentions for the account. The account serves as an archive of my spiritual journey and a community meeting place.
How do you see writing as a tool for healing, and what inspired you to use your writing in this way?
I was lucky enough to write for a student magazine when I was in varsity and that opened the doors to all types of writing including poetry. It was love at first rhyme :) I loved how open and authentic poets were; they seemed so unafraid of their feelings and vulnerability. That gave me permission to use writing as way of navigating through tough seasons of my life. I saw the potential healing of writing for myself as I always felt transformed in some way afterwards; it always feels like an offloading of sorts. The acknowledgement and naming of my feelings in this way, instead of avoiding them, seems to help them dissipate. When I am privileged enough to share with others, I find that oftentimes it is healing for both me and those I am sharing to; it allows them to open their hearts and face some things that they might have been avoiding.
How do you see your work evolving in the future, and how do you hope it will continue to contribute to the healing process?
I am very interested in poetry in the context of traditional healing; poetry is often a gift from our ancestors and the collective of spirits we walk with for many Africans. So if there's evolution it will probably come from exploring that further; I want to understand how the poet and poetry were employed as a medium for healing by our ancestors and how I can do the same today in ways that a meaningful in this day and age. I will of course always document this by writing about it.
How do you handle any criticism or pushback you receive given that some of your work is so personal?
I must admit I've had to learn to be good at receiving critique, it was not always easy, but I am used to it now. However, I've come to understand that everything is so subjective and what is good for me might not necessarily be good for another. I think I am discerning enough to know what critique to take on and what to humbly side-eye, lol :)
How do you approach writing about difficult or traumatic topics in a way that is healing for both yourself and your readers?
I check in with myself at any given moment to see if I have capacity to deal with a particular topic. Sometimes, what I need is to write by myself and other times I need to be in community to be able to do so; other times I write at my altar and other times in bed. I check in with myself a lot.
I try not to write for my readers, that would put too much pressure on my work and might leave my intentions warped – my very first intention with my work is heal me. I of course always hope that what I write will resonate with people, it often does. I’ve contemplated the idea of sharing my work for a long time, but it feels like a part of what I meant to be doing with my poems, it’s a calling I cannot avoid.
How do you personally take care of yourself given that the work that you do is emotionally demanding?
I have various self-care practices, I write, I pray, I meditate, I "phahla" and I like being in nature. Sometimes I do not write because I just do not have the capacity to do so or the words just won't come or I'll write and not have capacity to share. I try to go with ebb and flow of my body and spirit and follow the energy of what is calling me the most at that given moment.
Can you share any advice for aspiring writers who want to use their work to inspire healing and promote positive change in the world?
Please write, your work is needed, if not for the world definitely for yourself. Use writing to explore what is difficult and what is beautiful, write!
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