Journey of the Heart

Editors note : Today, in celebration of International Women's Day , we honor the expressed voices of women all around the world, which are so very  valuable. We especially honor the unexpressed voices of women, which are equally valuable, and which we long to hear. The following is a poem on these hidden voices, offered to us by Tracie Nichols, who facilitates workshops designed to help women release their voices. Journey of the Heart is giving away one of these workshop sessions today, in honor of all women struggling to share their voices. Now, some words from Tracie:  Most of my life I've been exploring human and wild nature through words, making sense of this intriguing, sometimes overwhelming world we live in. Writing, especially writing poetry, helps me uncover and give back words, beliefs, and expectations that were never mine, simultaneously unearthing the truth of who I am. I know first-hand that writing poetry is a life-changing practice, that's why I facil...

This poem was the result of a writing prompt… The week this poem was created, I had joined an online writing group in hopes of learning to be more vulnerable with my art, becoming a bit more courageous in sharing it. It was such a beautiful group of ladies!  They held space for everyone in such a way that we all felt safe and loved. It was the opportunity I needed to really open up and allow myself to be seen. It was truly a life-changer. I am so grateful for the experience, and this poem was a huge part of that. Houses of the Holy by Jamie Burgess I have birthed ecstasy and new life from the darkness between my hips. I have nurtured tiny, beautiful humans with these bones housed within. They carry my weight, as well as my burdens, quietly absorbing all of my secrets. They have danced me up out of the ashes, supported my every move, and breath, and dream. Strength and sinew, they have proven their ability to e...

“Last night I dreamt that I walked among the wild tigers of Bengal… At first I walked alone through thick jungle foliage. When I heard sounds behind me, I noticed tiger cubs walking toward me. Then I worried, briefly, that if the mother appeared she might attack me, for I knew how protective mothers can be of their cubs. But when the tigress did appear, along with other tigresses, instead of being aggressive, they were all surprisingly friendly: stalking me with a motive other than to devour me. For the remainder of the dream I walked in harmony with the tigers, as if one of them, delighting in the playfulness of their babies. When I awoke I contemplated the imagery in my dream: Jagadambe Devi by Krishna Kanta Dasi Durga Devi came to my mind: that ancient Vedic goddess of feminine empowerment whose companion is a tigress. I considered that perhaps the tigresses planed to make prey of those parts of me that resist love, and grant courage to the other ...