The Healing Power of Poetry | William Sieghart | TEDxOxford

William Sieghart is the founder of the Forward Prizes for Poetry, which have the aim of celebrating excellence in poetry and increasing its audience, and the author of The Poetry Pharmacy, which extolls the healing ability of poetry. In his talk William describes his journey with poetry and its extraordinary power to help process life's ups and downs. William Sieghart is the chairman of the Somerset House Trust, London’s working arts centre, and founder of the Forward Prizes for Poetry. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Taschenbucheselsohr]

I wish I could show you, When you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Thanks! I really want to remember that and reading it helps. ^-^

[@zoyayt]

And yet it’s the darkness that wakes us up to see our light...

[@elenigalani4885]

"What hurts you blesses you. Darkness is your candle", Rumi

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

I love Rumi! Thanks for posting this. ^-^

[@sunday2555]

During the lockdown, while everyone was struggling to find a meaning to a surreal situation, I naturally devoted myself to something useless, yet soothing and healing: poetry.

[@MensFX3]

I did the same thing!

[@SewiaI]

it is not useless then :)

[@simonhargreaves5123]

A wonderful choice, as have I. Certainly not useless by any means. Care to share your favourite poem so far?

[@sunday2555]

@@simonhargreaves5123 Hello Simon, during the lockdown I used to read Kitty O'Meara's poem 'People Stayed Home'.

[@simonhargreaves5123]

@@sunday2555 Thank you! Very poignant - we're still locked down. In Time of 'Breaking of Nations' by Tom Hardy is keeping me going in light of what's happening in Belarus

[@simone222]

''A poet is a nightingale who sits in darkness and sings to cheer our solitude with sweet sounds.'' ~Percy Bysshe Shelley

[@MensFX3]

Love it!

[@arnokiwatsch3856]

This man is so inspirational and that's a fact. What a nice Ted talk

[@bhriberski8644]

Y

[@marvee8874]

LOVED IT TO ITS BITS. I had always been uninterested in poetry until now that my mental health is in shambles and I am forced to sit alone with my thoughts that never keep quiet. Nothing is as reassuring as a poem that verbalizes those emotions I can't seem to process. Thank you for this. 💜

[@gchalke8681]

Wow good speech

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

@Marvee : _"thoughts that never keep quiet"_ I can totally relate to that. I want to paraphrase what I am about to say with: things do *not* always work the same for everyone. Just because it worked for me, it may not for you. That said: when I was a kid I was always a C student. Once in awhile getting a B and perhaps more often than I care to admit, I got the occasional D. When I was 14 I started smoking marijuana and all the thoughts that used to constantly distract me from focusing (although I never realized they had until then) started to calm down. After that I started getting A's on every single test I did. The thoughts didn't just go away, but that's not what I was struggling with, and perhaps not for you? I wouldn't know of course. But how I felt about many of the thoughts changed too because I had changed and was better balanced and able to work out the answers because I could deal with them in a far more manageable fashion. I later found that meditation can do just as good of a job, and without any of the negative side effects some people experience from marijuana. Even just sitting and taking long, slow, deep breaths (part of the process of meditation) can help. Also, talk to someone about it (in person). Someone who has some strength of compassion though, no sense putting yourself in the line of fire of those who you know are antagonistic or self-centered of course. Sometimes we don't like what they say, and sometimes they really are way off base, but the simple fact we opened up helps to assuage our fears through having found the strength to expose our feelings. It's not always easy and because of that it's something one can be proud of. There are other ways to find peace too, for some exercise helps. I find hiking and being in nature to be a great cure for many things. But find what works for you personally. Also, be in this moment, it is in fact all we ever really have. Mastery is a lie, all there ever is is the journey we are on. If any part of that helps you or anyone else, you/they can thank those who shared with me and countless others what worked for them. All knowledge is built from the knowledge of those who came before us. In this way, we are all immortal. I wish you well in your own journey. ^-^

[@marvee8874]

Thank you for this @Aylbdr 💜🖤

[@cupofteawithpoetry]

You've explained this so well @Marvee - I totally get what you mean. I find poetry is often the only thing that can distract me from my thoughts.

[@1977suhair]

I wrote poetry from time to time .. sometimes it was some kind of relief and sometimes my words make me sad , and I stop for a long time afterwards, only to read others’ poetry that make me fly like Shakespeare and Wordsworth ❤️

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Feelings are not bad, nor are they what defines us. What we do with those feelings is what matters most. Even anger in it's purest form is energy, and jealousy in it's purest form is inspiration. I think sadness in it's purest form is caring.

[@1977suhair]

Aylbdr Madison .. I totally agree 👍🏻

[@kayanatnaz9107]

"Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings "- William Wordsworth .

[@wisdom-for-all]

“Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat” [Robert Frost]. Poetry is the evidence of life 🖖

[@justicebriana7508]

Fantastic quote! 😊

[@MickeyBaxterSpade]

One of the most loving and compassionate TEDx Talks I've watched/heard.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Yea, a lovely man with the strength of both wisdom and compassion. ^-^

[@flyingtoaster1427]

-- he's like Barney!

[@sasikalakoppada6774]

In any language poetry is a way to express thoughts in words.. Those words has to come out of your heart... And one should get personal in writing in every bit of it.. How he interprets the picture of incidents he comes across.. is how he narrates a story out of it.. In his poem.. Best way to start poetry is to go into the woods and lost for some time.. When you come back finding your way back.. You find out that...... There is a poet in you.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

You found it in you, clearly. That was lovely. ^-^

[@MensFX3]

Veyr true

[@debbiesundeen2986]

The depth of words are best expressed through poetry. Moves my heart. ❤️

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Moves my heart too! We must endeavor to bring back the arts to our public schools.

[@KatWolf1]

Thank you. I have such a love for poetry. This man has a wonderful connection with his passion. Amazing. Uplifting

[@flyingtoaster1427]

do read HOW DOES A POEM MEAN

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

This I am going to watch again. What an extraordinary man. Wisdom and compassion are two of the greatest strengths any person can own. Only introspection is greater, and even then simply because being introspective teaches us the value of wisdom and compassion, as well as the value of all other positive attributes.

[@1NELifeBrand]

very true

[@flyingtoaster1427]

do yourself a favor and listen to poets!

[@hannahlmedia]

I could listen to this man all day. I write poetry and have only recently been sharing my work publicly. This ted came at a perfect time in my life

[@1NELifeBrand]

The universe is telling you something!

[@hannahlmedia]

@@1NELifeBrand and I am listening. Thank you for a lovely reply 😊

[@cupofteawithpoetry]

I wholeheartedly recommend William's 'Poetry Pharmacy' book. It's brilliant! I think he's amazing. I love how he says there's a poem for every worry and anxiety and how if you find the right poem, it can change your life. That's so true!

[@maggygwire]

Lovely talk. I’m a coach and doing lots around loneliness and resilience so will be listening to and recommending this one again and again. Thanks 😊

[@gchalke8681]

Without my own language subtitles I watched whole speech... it was heartwarming!

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

That's awesome. Good for you. ^-^

[@gchalke8681]

Aylbdr Madison it was so powerful speech! Now I’m interested in poetry...:)

[@1977suhair]

This video is the best on KZbin .. and the comments are even better ❤️❤️ I had lots of feelings reading the comments .. I felt the hug indeed ..

[@1NELifeBrand]

Yes!!!

[@johnathanbevier7783]

Poetry became theriputic for me when my friend was shot and killed in 2015 and it was a way I could put down my feelings but be able to escape them at the same time

[@1NELifeBrand]

Poetry is another type of meditation for me.

[@xxsarahreyes1502]

God is with us

[@andrewizard8285]

xxsarah reyes who shall be against us 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@fionafiona1146]

@Rappa Kalja I am happy to have a part in that cause.

[@flyingtoaster1427]

y. the gods are with us. and their relevance is so. and much more tolerant of others.

[@jacko0595]

One of the best ted talks. Thank you

[@flyingtoaster1427]

When the healers are shucksters, you gotta turn to poetry!!!

[@MensFX3]

Love Poetry, such a great practice of healing

[@bearamirezve]

La poesía puede cambiar al mundo. 😍

[@shabirmagami146]

amazing as always ...brilliant 💌💌💌

[@mounaelgraoui9128]

Poetry can save your life, poems understands you, and poets, are heroes

[@Peter_WongVI]

Thank you ♡

[@NolletFlo]

I vvish I could shovv you, vvhen you feel lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your ovvn beeing....it gave me instant reflief ! I even did not knovv I needed this poem, but...Thank you

[@lunaticplantlover]

In tears

[@xxsarahreyes1502]

Thank you

[@FitoutmyofficeGlenside]

A great talk. Something for people to think about during these tough times.

[@GabRiel-ex5ep]

What a mesmerizing voice! :)

[@snehabhatt2417]

Really heartfelt ❣️

[@magisterludi9689]

Amazing!

[@euanelliott3613]

Betwixt the flames, faces lost in misty hue, seeming to call across the years, and now the eager splendour, far and away, the blue yonder, to see your face again. "Some Finer Day" by E.B.Elliott.

[@2wyth.gbedupoet]

Insightful

[@shashal8645]

These 2 extremely useful books at Amazon I am sharing - Secrets of a Yogi:Beyond Awakening of Kundalini. Secrets of a Yogi:Beyond Diseases.

[@TheFPSChannel]

Lovely talk. Marred terribly by the lack of audio quality control at TED. Soooo quiet. I had my TV to max volume and still very hard to hear.

[@gsftb]

Simply a great speach

[@serene1486]

I learn poetry from school and its boring, once on my elementary year, a friend recite a poem bravely in front of the class. She got laughed at, but I was awed. she was an enemy to best friend to me. I am always curious about poetry, like WHY?? Why do you read it like that? I found poetry from movies, Bonedog, The view from halfway down and ted ed poems still don't understand. Until I met my ex girlfriend, who loves literature and poetry But throughout with her I was apathetic about it, we were busy with career, she gave me arabic poetry which I promised to translate it for her but didn't until we brokeup After, I try to learn poetry and it touched me. I wish she could resend those arabic poetry. I appreciate poetry more now and I wish it can be part of me,

[@jimme5928]

When is Ted gonna talk

[@1NELifeBrand]

lol

[@IsuruSampath-gf6fs]

Great job❤👍🌷🌹🔥

[@deepikachandra7857]

Apollo: looks at title Apollo again: I approve

[@pcgamimg5]

Recommend today

[@monikamylonopoyloy6223]

To anyone reading , I would really appreciate some poetry suggestions! I am new to this art and don't know where to start. I really love Ron Padgett's poems , but other than that I know nothing about poetry. Any suggestion will do (p.s. , english is not my native language)

[@bixinh9]

you can try Jorge Luis Borges, he is from Argentina, he is deep American I know Collins who has also a class teaching how to write poems on Masterclass. I also new to poetry and started to write few weeks ago :) its healing, good luck

[@monikamylonopoyloy6223]

@@bixinh9 thank you for responding! I'll check them out!

[@monikamylonopoyloy6223]

@Anne O'Nyme thank you. I'm Greek actually , so I have studied Homer at school. I'll check the others out. Thanks again :)

[@kz-oi8cf]

You should read 'Produce Poetry or Die' by Narada Voux Sanders . . . honestly one of the best poetry books I've ever read! It's very raw and angry with its own unique style but deep and quite sad at the same time, if you like that sort of poetry.

[@monikamylonopoyloy6223]

@@kz-oi8cf thank you!!!!

[@kennethporst1738]

Poetry and music can heal but Jesus is the SOUL that can heal and restrangthen💪♥️

[@learnandexplore360]

Nice!

[@ilkeadrall710]

more plattforms and more human beings.

[@Rifatbinmaruf]

the sound is too low

[@aliborman5234]

My phone has helped me connect, in ways I would hope you could possibly imagine. Maybe it is from a place of privilege that leads you to see the phone, and social media, a tool of disconnection. I'd be happy to share more from my experience, if this is the case.

[@snehachauhan21_17]

Can anyone tell me who wrote this poem " you start dying slowly " -pablo neruda or martha ?

[@Dr-UnBox]

Cool :)

[@HadeerMohamed]

💕💕💕👌👌👌👌

[@flyingtoaster1427]

it's apples and forbidden fruit!

[@anirudhapolkar4992]

From INDIA

[@franciscogamba6214]

Alguien que lo traduzca al español please.. thanks! 🙏🏼

[@Aditya_hin_7]

Hii ✋ thanks

[@حلاالحلا-ع6ش]

ممكن تاني مرة تحطو ترجمة☺

[@yasirmubarak8084]

اکنت اتمنی وانتی فی وحدتک وعذلتک اللغویہ ان اشرح لک واوضح لک عظمہ وروعہ الضو الذی یشع منک۔۔۔۔ ترجمہ غیر حرفیہ لشعر حفیظ بن شیراذ۔۔۔

[@forisma]

The sound is too soft...

[@ijasikku1706]

..Like from kerala, INDIA.. കൊറോണയാണ് എല്ലാരും ശ്രെദ്ധിക്ക് ട്ടാ.. വീഡിയോ കൊള്ളാം..കമന്റ് box അതിലേറെ കിടു..😁 11916

[@MercifulTv24]

"A person has no relationship with God by any means other than obedience to God."

[@fionafiona1146]

Sure, why would anyone need one tho?

[@fionafiona1146]

@Rappa Kalja they don't act moral (as tested in kindergarten groups) with one, so it's hardly an argument.

[@gchalke8681]

So sad only eng sub...

[@johngutierrez9225]

Couldn't hear anything

[@SAH1R]

Like 😂😁

[@flyingtoaster1427]

But can you imagine what a Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce "poet laureate" even smells like? ooof.

[@marwahmaher8574]

The voice is too low :(

[@alysonbullis116]

Fanks

[@MustafaZSaleh]

5th Aaaaaa

[@barssinan4980]

I am the first. Hi from Turkey :DD

[@magicalgold010]

Land of drilis ertugrual

[@luzbelgamesyt7451]

Primero xd

[@johnnavarretecoz1868]

Xd

[@marvee8874]

Something about his expressions reminds me of Imran Khan.

[@archenema6792]

This talk provides no evidence to support the claim made in the title. Perhaps it could have, had it contained any good poetry.🤣🤣

[@userAA]

Who'd think it will ultimately end up being an indirect ad for homosexuality. The quote from the Iranian poet, Hafez, in regards to homosexuality is nonexistent, or lost in translation.

[@fionafiona1146]

Translating Arabic poetry is very empty.

[@userAA]

@@fionafiona1146 You're right. In this case, it was translated from Farsi, Iran's and the poet's language.

[@fionafiona1146]

@@userAA Same difference? German is pretty close to English and it packs much tighter.

[@userAA]

@@fionafiona1146 Farsi and Arabic are very different. Farsi is an indo European language and has influenced many European languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, etc. - Arabic is the most precise and complete language on the other hand, according to the studies done at Harvard and Cambridge universities.

[@fionafiona1146]

@@userAA translating poetry is difficult, especially if you are moving to a less dense language or reference (relationship) concepts not established in the new audience.

[@gregceth443]

Thank you