I never wanted to be that guy – the one who can’t hold a conversation without bringing up the latest and greatest podcast that he’s listened to. But that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
In case you were wondering, my blog’s namesake is a not-so-subtle nod at my favorite podcast, On Being. A fixture of the larger On Being Project, the show explores “the intersection of spiritual inquiry, science, social healing, community, poetry, and the arts” (On Being Project) with the same spirit of compassionate curiosity that many of us are trying to foster. Each episode features a conversation between the show’s intensely curious host, Krista Tippett, and a preceptor who is adept at any number of those intersecting domains. Without fail, the discussions are profoundly intriguing and reflective, prompting us to think deeply about our world and how we show up in our own lives. The podcast is a brilliant addition to any wellness journey.
I recently listened to an episode in which two decorated poets, Pádraig Ó Tuama and Marilyn Nelson, explore “A New Imagination of Prayer.” As someone who considers himself far more spiritual than religious, my initial reaction to the title was one of hesitation – after all, listening would be an hour-long commitment. But my quick judgment could not be farther from the truth; the episode really resonated with me.
They talked about prayer as a form of and for poetry – one that we can use to “deepen the argument of being alive.” Framing prayer with this non-religious lens was something new to me and I was very intrigued by the idea. It made me think about using prayer and poetry as tools for mindful practice and self-reflection, as well as moving ways to engage with wellness. The show spotlighted the poem, “Praise the Rain,” by Joy Harjo, which fits this bill perfectly. Here’s one excerpt that really stuck with me:
Praise crazy. Praise sad.
Praise the path on which we’re led.
Praise the roads on earth and water.
Praise the eater and the eaten.
Praise beginnings; praise the end.
Praise the song and praise the singer.
Praise the rain; it brings more rain.
Praise the rain; it brings more rain.
(From “Praise the Rain,” by Joy Harjo)
To me, this poem echoes some of the most fundamental aspects of mindfulness: gratitude, non-judgment, and acceptance (to name a few). It is also a wonderful example of how prayer and poetry can be used as a path inward, helping us to live fuller as a result.
If you’re someone who enjoys these big conversations, go ahead and give On Being a try! I think podcasts are a great mindfulness practice in their own right; I find myself slowing down and focusing my attention inward whenever I am listening. Pairing this with a sunny walk around the gardens is just blissful.
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