Poetic Resurrection

Thank you for joining me for another episode of Poetic Resurrection. I must be open with you—life has recently been a tumultuous journey. I understand that this is merely a temporary phase, but my aspirations   producing this podcast season with video and on a weekly basis have slipped through my fingers like sand. I'm healing from an injury, which has added to the complexity of my days. My father is unwell, and I've had to make multiple trips to Chicago to be by his side. Although the podcast was something I truly wished to pursue, the clarity and motivation seemed to elude me, like mist in the early morning light. However, a silver lining shines through as my book, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams, has garnered the most glowing reviews I've ever received for my writing. This book, a labor of love years in the making, delves deeply into the themes of grief while also exploring the triumph over personal obstacles through wisdom and the act of surrender. Today, I will delve into my poem "Lost for Words," which reflects on navigating the complexities of our modern world and understanding our role within it. It speaks to overcoming life's myriad challenges and realizing that we alone hold the power to transform the perceptions of our thoughts and emotions.

In this upcoming season, I'll be sharing and discussing poems from my various collections, with a special emphasis on my latest book, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams. This season is unique as I will be recording video content for YouTube, while the audio will be available on all podcast platforms. We will also feature a few guests who will either read or discuss the poems. I encourage you to join me this season as I explore different approaches to writing poetry. We'll dive into the inspirations behind each poem, the emotions felt before writing, and various aspects of self-awareness and acceptance, as poetry allows you to be authentic. Today, I'll discuss my book, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams, which explores the theme of grief, inspired by my personal experiences. Over two years, I lost my mother, sister, and a close friend. To lighten the book, I included quotes, uplifting poems, and meditations. I'm a survivor, and if you've read my previous works, especially "The Little Girl" from my first poetry collection, Inspire Me: Raw, you'll understand. I've faced trauma, but coping with grief is exceptionally tough. You must confront it and move through it because suppressing grief can cause additional pain and unforeseen sadness later. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to dedicate an hour a day or week to looking at pictures, watching videos, or listening to audio of the loved one who has passed. Allow yourself to cry and experience your emotions. This practice can help lessen unexpected emotional triggers, like hearing a song that reminds you of them. The poem I'll be reading is titled "Strange Thing Grief."

Welcome, dear listeners, to the finale of Season 6. Our literary journey has taken us through the works of novelists and poets, exploring the depths of Literary Fiction. And for our closing episode, we have a special guest - Chuck Rosenthal, acclaimed author of Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest. As we delve into the premise of his latest book, we are transported into a world of love, longing, and artistic passion. Through this enthralling conversation with Chuck, we not only unravel the complexities of his main character Beatriz but also gain insight into the lives of 19th century romantic literary giants. Get ready for an educational and fascinating finale that will leave you yearning for more. Tune in to our upcoming season, where I will recite my poetry from all of my published works. Season 7 is aptly named "Inspire Me," promising to ignite the soul and capture the imagination. Each episode will be a journey through words, painting pictures of raw emotion and thought-provoking ideas. So, sit back, relax, and let yourself be inspired by the power of language and the artistry of poetry. Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest. Deep within the hidden library of Los Angeles' iconic poetry venue, Beyond Baroque, all modern electronics mysteriously fail. There, 19-year-old Beatriz encounters Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley, who promises a magical adventure back to 19th-century Europe. There, Beatriz meets literary legends John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, and Lord Byron, experiencing the romantic landscapes and dangerous exploits of their world. As she navigates this liminal space, Beatriz discovers the power of poetry and art, and the courage to find her own identity. Rosenthal, an acclaimed author, brings historical figures to life, offering a deeply intimate tale of passion, creativity, and self-discovery. Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest is perfect for anyone who has ever lost themselves in the magic of a hidden library.   Chuck Rosenthal was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended Allegheny College, Bowling Green State University, SUNY Buffalo, and the University of California, Davis, where he earned several advanced degrees in English, Sociological Theory and philosophy. He earned a Ph.D. in English and American literature with emphasis in creative writing and narrative theory from the University of Utah. Rosenthal is the author of fourteen novels: the Loop Trilogy: Loop's Progress, Experiments with Life and Deaf, and Loop's End; Elena of the Stars; Avatar Angel, the Last Novel of Jack Kerouac; My Mistress Humanity; The Heart of Mars; Coyote O'Donohughe's History of Texas; Ten Thousand Heavens; The Legend of La Diosa; You Can Fly, a Sequel to the Peter Pan Tales; The Hammer the Sickle and the Heart, Trotsky and Kahlo in Mexico; and Let's Face the Music and Dance a hybrid novel. He has published a memoir, Never Let Me Go, and a travel book, Are We Not There Yet? Travels in Nepal, North India, and Bhutan (Magic Journalism), as well as a second book of Magic Journalism, West of Eden: A Life in 21st Century Los Angeles. Rosenthal published two books of experimental poetry, Tomorrow you'll Be One of Us (sci-fi poems with Gil Wronsky and Gronk, illustrator) and The Shortest Farewells Are the Best (noir poems, also with Gail Wronsky). They also wrote and directed the sci-fi play, People of Earth, This Is Your Last Warning, performed at the Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles. Rosenthal has written a book of animal philosophy, How the Animals Around You Think, the Semiotics of Animal Cognition. He's published in numerous journals, and read and lectured at universities and on television and radio throughout the U.S. as well as in Mexico, Argentina, India and England. Please check out his website: https://chuckrosenthal.com/  

Thank you for joining us on the yearend episode of Poetic Resurrection. The year of 2024 brought about a whirlwind of changes in society, politics, and spirituality. It was a time of both struggle and beauty, as people grappled with the shifting landscape of the world. And as we enter this new year, I am excited to announce an upcoming podcast with author Chuck Rosenthal in January. But that's just the beginning - our next season, starting in February, will feature captivating video and audio episodes focused on my latest book, "Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams." Aptly titled "In Time of Need," this season is set to be a journey of self-discovery and growth for all who tune in. However, as we approach February 2025, the title may evolve to better reflect the essence of the show. As the New Year approaches, I send my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and blessings to all of my dear family, friends, and listeners. May the coming year bring joy, love, and success in all aspects of your life. And as we bid farewell to this year, I can't help but express my gratitude to each and every one of you for being a part of my journey. I extend my sincerest gratitude to our esteemed guests of 2024: Ruben Rodriguez – Book Editor Jack Remick - Writer Rha Arayal - Poet Lynne Thompson - Poet Laureate of Los Angeles Luis J Rodriguez - Former Poet Laureate of Los Angeles Inam Inamullah - Multitalented Author and Artist Hannah Parry - Author Matthew Carauddo - Writer TeZa Lord - Author Nathan Singer - Acclaimed Novelist, I was honored to have Nathan write the foreword of my new book. So, here's to a fantastic New Year filled with endless possibilities and endless love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Happy New Year! Poem/Story As the clock struck midnight, a cascade of colorful fireworks burst through the darkness, illuminating the sky with bursts of light and sound. The air was filled with the scent of sulfur and the cheers of people hugging and celebrating around me. In that moment, I could feel a surge of emotions - excitement for the future, hope for what is to come, and determination to face whatever challenges may arise. As I looked around at my loved ones and supporters, I felt overwhelming gratitude for their unwavering presence in my life. Together, we stood on the cusp of a new year, ready to embark on a journey filled with unity, health, kindness, and resilience. We held onto the power of hope to fuel our dreams, the courage to stand up for what is right even in the face of adversity and fear, and the wisdom to guide us through the unknown path ahead. And as we stepped into the new year, may we find peace within ourselves, strengthen our relationships with love, fulfill our purpose in our work, and cherish joy in every single moment. Here's to a Happy New Year full of endless possibilities and endless love!

Joining us on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast is author and musician Nathan Singer. He has written numerous books and plays in the band Whiskey Shambles. In this episode, we delve into his latest release, The Duplication House, and he shares how he came up with the concept for this novel. We also touch on two of his other works, Chasing the Wolf and A Prayer for Dawn. It's a lively and engaging conversation filled with laughter and interesting insights. Tune in and enjoy! About the author Nathan Singer is a novelist, playwright, composer, and experimental performing artist. He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist for award-winning “ultra-blues” band The Whiskey Shambles. His published novels are the controversial and critically-acclaimed A Prayer for Dawn, Chasing the Wolf, In the Light of You, The Song in the Squall, Transorbital, and Blackchurch Furnace. He currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio where he is working on a multitude of new projects. The Duplication House on Amazon Nathan Singer Author page on Amazon  

Join us on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast as we chat with TeZa Lord, author of the captivating novel "The Bridge Tender". In this episode, we delve into the transformative journey of the main character and in the style of magical realism. With poignant observations on life's lessons and joys, this book beautifully explores the theme of unity and interconnectedness. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Capturing the sacred in everyday moments is the driving force behind teZa Lord's work. As an artist, writer, yogi, and ocean sailor, she has dedicated her life to sharing this passion with others. Along with co-hosting the ZLORD podcast for years, Lord's body of work includes stunning multimedia art pieces and five published books, all of which can be found on her website, tezalord.com. Her personal mantra, "Love is the weapon of mass illumination," serves as a guiding light for her creative endeavors. The Bridge Tender available on Amazon "I'm into joy, seriously," teZa sings, in full color, in the illustrated "We Are ONE." More info about books, events: teZaLord.com @teZaLord on Instagram, X, Facebook

Join us for an exclusive interview with author Matthew Carauddo, known for his captivating fantasy series "Diamond Dragons." In this episode, we will embark on a journey through his creative process and explore the influences of other great writers, concepts and films on his work. Get ready to be transported to a world of magic, adventure and dragons as we delve into the mind of this talented storyteller. OVERVIEW: In addition to acting, writing, singing and voice-over, Matthew Carauddo has over 15 years of experience in fencing, staged combat and martial arts (Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jujitsu, Shotokan Karate, Jeet Kune Do, Tricking). Matthew is a licensed fencing instructor, approved and examined by the Federation Francaise D'Escrime (FFE). He has taught hundreds of group fencing classes and one-on-one lessons behind the mask throughout the California bay area at schools, academies of fencing, summer camps, and parks and recreational facilities. ORIGINS: Matthew began acting as a child when he was around 9 years old. He pursued on-stage performance throughout middle school, high school, and all throughout college. https://diamond-dragons.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@diamonddragonstale

The latest episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast features the talented author Hannah Parry, as we delve into her novel Breathing for Both of Us. With a background in pediatric nursing, Hannah shares her journey to becoming an author and the inspiration behind her powerful story. Our conversation is filled with thought-provoking insights on life experiences and the dedication it takes to pursue writing. So, tune in and join us for this engaging and enlightening episode that is sure to leave you wanting more! Hannah Parry trained as a nurse and has a Master's in Creative Writing from Birkbeck College, University of London. She has had four short stories published. Farrukh and the Matchmaker made the longlist of the BBC Short Story Award 2021. The Chrysalis was awarded a Pushcart Prize nomination in 2021.  She does beta reading for established authors and was part of the editorial team on Mechanics' Institute Review Short Story Anthology in 2018. Hannah has written two middle-grade historical thrillers - Winter's Bite and Fever Quest - and two commercial fiction novels which she will publish as H.P. Parry. She developed Breathing for Both of Us, a psychological thriller, on the Curtis Brown Creative course in London and it was published in April 2023. The Baby Exchange, an upmarket fiction manuscript is on submission. Breathing for the Both of Us on Amazon Hannah Parry Website

This month, our guest on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast is Inam Inamullah. We delve into his book Whispers of the Flight, a Sufistic novel that explores the journey of self-discovery through life's peaks and valleys. In addition, we take a look at his personal experiences and how he rose to become an internationally recognized artist, with one of his commissioned pieces displayed at the Carnegie Hall Tower in New York City. It was a fascinating conversation with a guest who has much wisdom to share. Don't miss it! Inam, originally from South Asia, is a world-renowned artist, poet, and playwright. His work has earned international acclaim for its depth, creativity, and spiritual insight. Despite the challenges he faced early in life, including the hardships brought on by polio, Inam found solace in his art. Through resilience and a profound sense of creativity, he transformed his struggles into a source of beauty and inspiration. Inam's artistic journey is not confined to the canvas alone; his passion for the written word is evident in his prolific contributions to poetry and playwriting. His works reflect a deep appreciation for the ancient wisdom imparted by Sufi sages, which has unveiled the mysteries of the universe to him. A graduate of UCLA with an MBA, Inam also serves as a Life Coach, guiding others through their own journeys of transformation. His commitment to giving back to the community led him to found the Glitter of Hope Foundation, a local charity dedicated to supporting single mothers and orphans, primarily within the refugee community. Inam's latest work, "Whispers of The Flight," offers readers a profound journey that promises to illuminate the path to inner transformation. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a lover of allegorical tales, or someone on a quest for deeper understanding, this work ensures a transformative experience that resonates deeply with the soul. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/472w8tO - Whispers of the Flight Find out more about his artwork: https://www.inamgallery.com/ Whisper of Flight site: www.whispersoftheflight.com Inam's life coaching site: www.elevatelife.guru The Whispers of Flight novel invites readers into a world of spiritual discovery and self-recognition, echoing the timeless lessons of self-discovery and the transformative power of following one's dreams.

We are thrilled to welcome back Luis J. Rodriguez, former Los Angeles Poet Laureate from 2014 to 2016, in this episode. We discuss the Always Running festival, which is named after his well-known book - Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A. Since our last interview, Luis has been traveling with his wife Trini for poetry readings and speaking engagements around the world. Currently, he is working on a script with Freddy Negrete based on the true story of the killing of David Dominguez, a gang member, by San Gabriel ex-cop Billy Joe McIlvain. We also touch on a project that Luis was involved in with John Leguizamo, though unfortunately it was not completed. One of the most heartbreaking topics we discuss is the growing homeless population in Los Angeles and how expensive housing is causing many people to leave the city or move to Mexico. Take a listen to this insightful conversation with an accomplished author and activist. In addition to being a novelist, memoirist, short story writer, children's book writer, and essayist, Luis is also a poet. He is also known as a mentor, healer, youth and arts advocate, community and urban peace activist, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. And if you find yourself in the Los Angeles area, be sure to visit Tia Chucha Bookstore and Cultural Center. He has 16 books in all genres (poetry, children's books, fiction, and nonfiction), including the best-selling memoir, "Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A." His latest memoir is the sequel, "It Calls You Back: An Odyssey Through Love, Addiction, Revolutions, and Healing." His last poetry book is 2016's "Borrowed Bones" from Curbstone Books/Northwestern University Press. In 2020, Seven Stories Press released his first book of essays, "From Our Land to Our Land: Essays, Journeys & Imaginings from a Native Xicanx Writer." Among his many awards and fellowships, in 2022 Luis was given a California Arts Council Legacy Fellowship and a Los Angeles Times' Robert Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award. Luis is founding editor of Tia Chucha Press, now for over 30 years, and more than 20 years ago he co-founded with his wife Trini Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore in the San Fernando Valley. He has traveled across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, and Japan to speak, do poetry readings, indigenous ceremonies, or reportage over the past 40 years. This includes prisons, jails, and juvenile lockups in around 20 U.S. states, as well as Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Argentina, Italy, and England. Dedicated to his indigenous roots and Native American spirituality, Luis has a Mexika name: Mixcoatl Itztlacuiloh. With his wife Trini (Tlazohteotl) he has a podcast called "The Hummingbird Cricket Hour"--http://hchpodcast.libsyn.com/ Luis is dedicated to a clean, balanced, abundant, cooperative, healing world. No more capitalist private property relations, exploitation, war, or inequities. "In essential things, unity; in nonessential things, liberty. In all things compassion." Always Running – La Vida Loca, Gang Days in LA by Luis J. Rodriguez The Concrete River: Poems by Luis J Rodriguez Tia Chucha Bookstore & Cultural Center Freddy Negrete: Smile Now, Cry Later Good Cop or Bad Cop? The Story of Billy Joe McIlvain and the Murder of David Dominguez

Los Angeles Poet Laureate, Lynne Thompson, as our distinguished guest. Her words flow gracefully and effortlessly as she reads several of her poignant poems, including Ode to Bones and A Woman's Body, Aging, Still Loves Itself from her latest book Blue on a Blue Palette. Through our conversation, Lynne shares insight into her poetic process, the lessons she has gleaned along her journey, and powerful observations on the current state of women's lives and history. Tune in to experience the eloquent wordsmith at work and delve into an enlightening dialogue with this remarkable poet. Lynne Thompson was the 4th Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles, The daughter of Caribbean immigrants, her poetry collections include Beg No Pardon (2007), winner of the Perugia Press Prize and the Great Lakes Colleges Association's New Writers Award: Start with a Small Guitar (2013), from What Books Press; and Fretwork (2019), winner of the Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prize. Thompson's honors include the Tucson Festival of Books Literary Award (poetry) and the Stephen Dun Prize for Poetry as well as fellowships from the City of Los Angeles, Vermont Studio Center, and the Summer Literary Series in Kenya. https://www.lynnethompson.us/ Lynne Thompson's Blue on a Blue Palette (2024) reflects on the condition of women—their joys despite their histories, and their insistence on survival as issues of race, culture, pandemic, and climate threaten their livelihoods. The documentation of these personal odysseys—which vary stylistically from abecedarians to free verse to centos—replicate the many ways women travel through the stages of their lives, all negotiated on a palette encompassing various shades of blue. These poems demand your attention, your voice: “Say history. Claim. Say wild.” Blue on a Blue Palette Fretwork Beg No Pardon Start with a Small Guitar

The latest episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast features the incredibly talented Rha Arayal, a poet who has graced our show before. In the time since her last appearance, she has added several more titles to her impressive collection, including her latest work, Sunset Hues. As our honored guest, she treats us to a powerful reading of two of her newest poems – "The Graveyard of Ambition" and "Maya" – both featured in her upcoming book. During our conversation, we delve into a range of thought-provoking topics such as Shakespeare, the fascinating realm of lucid dreaming, and how her experiences at university have shaped her daily creative process. Prepare to be captivated by this dynamic discussion with one of poetry's most promising voices. Rha Arayal is a 20-year writer from South Wales with British and Nepali roots. She finds joy in exploring the interplay between nature and nurture, particularly regarding her own identity as an Asian Welsh person. Through her writing, she delves into themes of racism, kindness, and other facets of humanity. In 2021, her first book of poems, Encapsulated Emotions, was published by Genz Publishing. Outside of writing, she enjoys indulging in American vampire television shows, practicing Pilates, and browsing secondhand bookstores. Amazon US: Encapsulated Emotions Book: https://amzn.to/4bBdFGw The Wishing Well: https://bottlecap.press/products/wishing  Amazon Europe/UK: https://amzn.eu/d/bAL73gZ

Writing poetry has been a passion of mine ever since I learned how to write. However, for the past couple of years, I have been determined to complete my next book in the Inspire Me Series, titled "Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams." Lately, though, my thoughts have been clouded and focused on sci-fi short stories instead. My goal is to finish this poetry book by summer so that I can fully dedicate myself to the short stories. It's strange how my writing habits have changed - from writing multiple poems a week to only one a month. Perhaps it's due to the pandemic, or the loss of my mother and close friend soon after. Strange Thing Grief, is the title of one of my upcoming poems, referring to how grief has affected all aspects of my life. Simple things are no longer simple. Writing poetry used to be therapeutic for me, but lately my emotions have been too heavy to express through writing. This poem, "Bound," is from my previous book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 and is a glimpse into  my upcoming collection. Bound Sorrow sweeps through my soul like The sword of yesteryear Waves of sorrow smash upon my heart Reminding me of you Of your love Of your kindness I drown in the eventual stillness, gasping for air Why was life so unfair to you? But it's me who doesn't let go It's me who feels guilty for not suffering your loss longer If I hold on to that feeling, then the memory Of you doesn't slip away Miss the feeling of our etheric touch I dreamt of seeing your soul last night but I had tied a rope to it You kept trying to fly away But I kept pulling you back—You turned to me, broken Today I cry and let you go—release you from the earth plane The rope unties and I see your smiling soul fade away   Music by Gotama: Take a Break          

We are thrilled to announce that Jack Remick will join us as our guest for this month's episode on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast. He's a poet and a writer and he recites his poems, Dying Dreams, Secret Disease and Lovdeth, from his poetry collection entitled Satori. They're beautiful poems. I love this section from Dying Dreams: "Despite the cult of youth, we know this: flowers fade, we come to the closing of doors where we lie down naked for the dying of dreams." Not only is he a talented poet and writer, but he also imparts his knowledge by offering a writing masterclass. Take the time to listen in to this episode, which promises to be both enjoyable and educational. Throughout my career, I have taken on various roles such as a college instructor, grammar school teacher, social worker, community activist, tunnel worker, and even a bus driver. But my journey as a writer began at UC Berkeley where I studied poetry under the guidance of Thom Gunn. It was there that he taught me the importance of originality by challenging me to question why I was emulating the styles and ideas of other poets who were no longer living. Jack, he said, when you inhabit another man's universe, it will always be smaller than the one you create for yourself. After years of work, experimentation, and exploration of the writing world–which involved three trips to South America and their exposure to both Indigenous and Colonial lifestyles–I returned home carrying a load of understanding and desire that had not driven me before. Life in South America gave me three novels: No Century for Apologies, which won Honorable Mention for the Hoffer Grand Prize; Gabriela and The Widow, which was a finalist for the Book of the Year Award; as well as a Finalist for the Montaigne Medal and One Year in the Time of Violence, a novel that follows a Gringo living in the time of the Colombian Violencia with all its horror and political chaos. My writing world expanded with each life experience until I was able to write a ground-breaking novel titled Citadel. Enraptured with fiction, I had ignored poetry until events unfolded, which led me to write Josie Delgado, a Poem of the Central Valley and Satori, Poems. With each publication, I understood more of Thom Gunn's wisdom. I have learned the effectiveness of collaboration with other writers. Robert J. Ray and I co-wrote The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery a how-to that demystifies writing of the mystery. You can find my published work here: http://www.amazon.com./author/jackremick  

Ruben Rodriguez, our guest for this month's episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast, is a highly accomplished editor and English teacher. He shares with us the intriguing story of how he first ventured into the world of editing and teaching. From a young age, Ruben had a deep appreciation for literature and storytelling, which led him to pursue a degree in English. Throughout his academic journey, he discovered his talent for editing and his ability to bring out the best in written works. His passion for working with writers and helping them refine their stories is evident in every project he takes on. Ruben's experiences have taught him the importance of not only understanding the technical aspects of editing but also fostering a nurturing and collaborative relationship with writers. In this episode, he shares valuable insights on the creative process, the challenges faced by writers, and the fulfillment he finds in helping them realize their literary visions. Ruben J. Rodriguez received his degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in English from UCLA, magna cum laude, was an editor of Westwind magazine, has read his works at UCLA's Powell Library, co-edited the L.A.-based poetry anthology Coiled Serpent, and currently works as a freelance editor, including with Tia Chucha Press, and as an English teacher through IANT Education with a focus on creative writing. He recently started a YouTube channel focused on book reviews and discussion of literature, To Readers It May Concern. Listen to his YouTube Channel Here

In this January 2024 episode, I'll discuss poetry. Poetry became my outlet, my means of processing and articulating the complexities of my dual identity. Through the rhythmic words and vivid imagery, I could capture the nuances of my emotions, the clash of cultures, and the struggles of navigating between two worlds. It allowed me to explore and embrace the beauty of both sides of my heritage, while also acknowledging the challenges and conflicts that arose from it. Poetry became a form of self-discovery and self-expression, a way for me to make sense of my place in the world. It provided solace and comfort in times of confusion and uncertainty, offering me a sense of validation and understanding that I couldn't find elsewhere. Poetry became my therapy, my self-help, and my sanctuary, guiding me through the complexities of my bi-cultural upbringing and shaping me into the person I am today. In my teens, I had a poetry notebook I would carry with me everywhere, treasuring the words I had carefully written. However, one unfortunate day in the bustling streets of Chicago, my three-ring binder slipped from my grasp and scattered its contents in the wind. Helplessly watching as my precious poetry scattered into the air, I felt a deep sense of loss. Unlike today, where technology allows us to back up our work easily, back then, everything was typed, and I didn't have a copy of my poetry. Despite this setback, I refused to let it deter me from my passion. I continued to write, pouring my emotions and thoughts onto paper. Over the years, I have managed to compile my poetry into four books, each representing a different phase of my life. "Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2" was published in 2022, previously published were "Inspire Me: Perception" and "Follow Akashic Dreaming Through Time" in 2019. My first book, "Inspire Me: Raw," was released in 2017, marking the beginning of my journey as a published poet. Currently, I am eagerly working on the third installment of the Inspire Me Series, titled "Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams." In, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams I hope to take the readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It delves into the depths of one's subconscious mind, exploring the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform. Through imagery and thought-provoking verses, I hope this book encourages readers to explore their innermost desires, embrace their passions, and awaken their true potential. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, the complexities of human emotions, and the mysteries of the universe, the poems in my new collection offer a unique blend of introspection and inspiration. With each turn of the page, I invited you to delve deeper into your dreams, discovering new perspectives and unlocking hidden truths. As the third installment in the Inspire Me Series, Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams promises to be a soul-stirring addition to any poetry collection. As the new year begins, I am excited to share a glimpse of my upcoming book, "Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams." Within its pages, you will find a collection of heartfelt poems, including one titled "Shade of Being." This poem delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring the various shades from beginning to end that make up our being. "Shade of Being" is a reflection on my journey of self-discovery and the power of embracing our finite nature. For those who can't wait to dive into my upcoming book, a sneak peek of "Shade of Being" can also be found in the "Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2." Let this new year be a time of inspiration, growth, and awakening as we embark on a poetic journey together. Shade of Being I stand on the beach, absorbing the indigo sky. The whispering breeze surrounds and envelops me as I breathe. It cools the soul. The waves creep up and work with the sand to mold my feet on earth. The Sun's desert colors—rays of light peak through the singing ocean waves, sounds of release and content. There I feel light, floating slowly over the water. I'm not afraid as I'm swept towards the light of eternal energy. The sea creatures do a singing infinity dance by my side. The sparkling eyes of these mammals transform my essence. I'm not alone. How long I have waited to go into the depths of the ocean where emotions ease life's pains as they bathe the skin in harmony. No entanglements, no reins holding me. I turn to see my past and see the shadows of my family and friends holding onto the remaining essence of the sand encasing my life, my experience, the memorable existence of each footstep we walked together. Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 (Amazon) https://poeticresurrection.com/   Music A String of Hope by Mikael Hellman Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7077-a-string-of-hope License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Happy New Year to all! As the year comes to an end, I want to wish everyone an amazing New Year filled with love, joy, prosperity, and most importantly, good health. We often take our health for granted, but it truly is the foundation for enjoying life's many blessings. Amidst a global pandemic, I named this extended podcast season "Life," using it as a tool for introspection and helping others do the same. But now, as we enter a new season, I plan to shift gears and focus solely on fictional literature. We will continue to showcase authors and poets and their creative processes, while also inviting literary agents, publishers, and editors to share their insights and educate us on the industry. This year we had amazing guests and I want to say thank you to them. Bex Rose – Poet author of Health via Poetry. Rocco Jarman - a Poet – author of Stepping Through, Philosopher and Podcaster. Kevin Palmieri - Founder & Co-Host of Next Level University Podcast Kelly Keefe - Creator of The Heartspace.co, and a Reiki Master Teacher. Jim Marshall - Author of Septemics. Rha Arayal - a nineteen-year-old British Nepali Poet – author of Encapsulated Emotions Cindi Buckley – Author of Love Awakens You Phyllis Leavitt – Psychotherapist and author of America in Therapy Rachel Hanfling – Emmy Nominated Producer and Motivational Speaker Barbara Ann Briggs – Poet and Author Pilgrimage on the Path of Love, William Mackenzie-Smith – Medicinal Alchemist Healing Tune in for the new season as it should not only be entertaining but educational. Many blessings and Happy New Year.

It is our pleasure to have Bex Rose, Poet and Mental Health Professional, as a guest on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast. She shared her poem called A Subconscious Mind, which talks about depression from her book Mental Health via Poetry. We had a fascinating conversation about the poem and her personal story of growing up in Brooklyn, New York writing poetry with Tourette's, then transitioning to become a mental health clinician. Tune into this touching and entertaining interview to learn more about Bex's inspiring journey. A Subconscious Mind What are these thoughts The if, and, why, What is this feeling I get As if I'm ripping apart from inside Why has my internal drive Become so weak Why am I too depressed to even open my eyes To even sit up and think Can't even make it to my own kitchen sink Not even thirsty for a drink It's lawless The pressure to be human Eat, think, sleep like a person, it's arduous It is not involving the effects of any one single event I wish my time could be better spent Society's pages depend on a therapy book So quick to not even take a real look So quick to hand us the bottle than to ask us how to spell out the name I'm not so easy to belittle with labels Each diagnosis on paper Can become quite easily a fable Remedied with quick-think drugs bought from any store and self-help label Not knowing there's also drugs on the corners underneath the table Waiting For us to crave more Why do we have to think and be challenged to want to search for more When we're left un-adored In majority, for the very same reason you referred us to get help in the first place I am not a charity case I will not just fall in line I will make use of this time As I tiptoe between the tattered line Between each tear-stained work of mine I speak For others whose medication has rendered them mute and subconscious How dare you try to band-aid depression as if it's a rouse I think rather that it's abuse To be this overlooked Well I stand here let-loose I will tell you with my rhymes The enforced societal standard behind each bind Left on the "mentally unequipped" Considered Drones of the unkind These vastly purged minds It's exhausting Left unchecked it could be an easy departing Why should I let that be the case too I am as much a human being as are you If I had a presumed fully capable mind and funds I guess I would sue But you'd stay there thoughtless Wondering how this mess started to involve you Feeling targeted you alone Truth oftentimes is that You don't even bother unless it happens to one of your own   Biography  Bex Rose is a born and raised Brooklynite and native New Yorker who is both openly gay and active in the social work community. As a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHC), Bex is a Program Director for a NYC based non-for-profit. She has a background in family focused evidence-based practices as well as upper leadership administrative management. Additionally, her work extends beyond community-based services and extends into her private practice – Candor's Call for leadership development, coaching and consultation.   Despite a dysfunctional childhood and diagnosis of OCD and Tourette's she has been able to cultivate success in her field and through many social media platforms. Her most recent book “Mental Health via Poetry” speaks to the duality of a role as a clinician and experience living with Tourette's. Bex hopes to utilize social media platforms to continue promoting healthy conversations, collaborations and content around mental health, creativity and positive representation. Get her book: Mental Health via Poetry https://linktr.ee/Bexrose https://www.candorscall.com/

Rocco Jarman, a guest poet on the Poetic Resurrection podcast, read his poem; They Might Have Told Us. The message was clear: awareness of our behaviors and beliefs influences all aspects of our lives. The tone was one of reflection and self-examination, so that we might overcome ourselves. "Sacred does not need to have anything to do with shared or imposed ideas of religion or god, or whimsy. It is simply the answered wish to discover something deep, foundational and meaningful about this world and our sense of very private gratitude and belonging, we get from that encounter." ~ Rocco Jarman Rocco is an Australian Philosopher Poet and Podcaster. He has an unorthodox and autodidactic mastery of human psychology which provides cutting and insightful observations on all levels of personal psychological, interpersonal and societal dysfunction and specifically the path to effective remediation and stable actualization. Rocco's own idiosyncrasies have proven to be his greatest assets, which are an undiagnosed neurodivergence, a mistrust of teachers, sycophants, systems and hierarchies, and an irreverence for the restrictive silos of academia. This has resulted in him being an autodidact across many fields such as psychology, philosophy, behavioral science, psychedelics, project delivery, corporate leadership, agile, history, social engineering and relationships. Rocco has an extraordinary mind, with a way of looking at the world, our journey through it and the blind curve we are stuck on, which beautifully reconciles the scientific and the sacred, and provides insights which land like a drink of fresh water after weeks in the desert.   They Might Have Told Us they might have told us when we were young:   self-ownership is a kind of leadership where you do not expect of yourself to master the world around you but rather, it is an allowing of mistakes.   they might have said not to get so hung up on the successes or failures of a moment,   they should have said to allow yourself to try, and not expect to get it right first time, allow yourself even perhaps, to give up on things that are no longer meant for you, or were never truly yours to begin with.   they might have let us know that the path to wholeness involves asking no one but yourself for permission, and wearing all regrets like a meadow wears the morning mist and afterwards the dew.   they really should have told us. but they did not know themselves. because no one told them.   and now, no one else is coming. © Rocco Jarman, October 2021   Instagram.com/@rocco.jarman Website is roccojarman.com  Substack is https://eyeswideopenlife.org  

On this episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast, we have Kevin Palmieri as our guest. Kevin offers his wisdom about personal growth and maturation. We talked about the variations between having low and high self-regard and trust in oneself, and how those variables impact our goals and ambitions. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge about what it means to be alive. Kevin Palmieri is CFO, Founder & Co-Host of Next Level University, a Global Top 100 Self-Improvement Podcast with more than 1,350 episodes and 800K+ listens in over 125 countries. In Kevin's own words: Some people find rock bottom... I found out that rock bottom had a basement. In my mid 20's... I had it all. I had a beautiful girlfriend, high paying job, sports car, my dream body... but I still ended up sitting on the edge of a bed debating suicide. After my rock bottom moment, I went all in on holistic self-improvement. I was determined to overcome my anxiety, depression and to finally live the life I'd always dreamed of. Years later, I now host a podcast that impacts hundreds of thousands of people in countries all over the world. At this stage, I've helped grow the podcast into a multi six-figure business, and I've recorded well over 1,300 episodes. I've also given hundreds of speeches, trainings and coaching calls with people all over the world. The main thing that changed was ME. I focused on learning what I didn't know (unlearning a lot too), and my life started to shift. I love talking about Consistency, Commitment, Habits, Mindset, Confidence, Fear, Relationships, Limiting Beliefs and everything in between. I believe in a heart-driven but NO BS approach to holistic self-improvement, and I look forward to teaching even more people about what it really takes to get to the next level! Check out the Next Level University Podcast

I'm thrilled to introduce Kelly Keefe, the founder of Heartspace.com and a dynamic presenter. She speaks about her vocation and shamanic practices with enthusiasm. Tune into this enjoyable episode as we delve into the world of Heartspace. Kelly Keefe is the creator of The Heartspace, an organization founded in 2016. She's a Reiki Master Teacher, Transformation Guide, and Vibrational Artist who specializes in helping people tap into their innermost feelings. Kelly has written both fiction and nonfiction books. She globally offers coaching sessions, Reiki training courses, and group transformation programs to help guide individuals through life-altering transformations. Her book 'Rise Above Fear' encourages readers to understand fear and embrace it as a way to move past any obstacles they may have created for themselves. Kelly loves living boldly and hopes that others will too.

Our guest for this month is Jim Marshall. We have an educational discussion about his book Septemics. We posed a hypothetical story to experience an in-depth look at the inner workings of the book in relation to personality, behavior, and insight. Jim Marshall is a polymathic intellectual who has devoted over 50,000 hours to the study and practice of multiple dimensions of human potential and development. He received a classical education as an honor student at a Jesuit Military Prep School, was accepted into engineering school while still a junior in prep school, and attended college on academic scholarship. He graduated college with a Bachelor of Science cum laude. While still an undergraduate, he began the study of “alternative” Arts and Sciences which today would be described as Transformational and Holistic. Eventually, he became a professional practitioner and, after 28 years of formal education, had a long career as a Human Development Engineer. Jim has integrated the best aspects of the most advanced techniques on the planet, and expanded their limits by his own Research & Discovery. He has successfully treated and/or trained hundreds of clients over a 40-year career, and is the inventor of Septemics and several consciousness-expanding systems. His areas of expertise include psychology, philosophy, theology, parapsychology, science, engineering, mathematics, law, literature, history, music, organization, metaphysics, military science, political science, physical culture and education. Visit the Septemics website Septemics on Amazon

Our guest this month was the young poet Rha Arayal. We had a captivating talk about her poem ‘The Girl That I Am/The Girl That I Should Be,' how to handle growing up bicultural, being published at sixteen, and more. It was delightful to speak with her; it's amazing to see someone that age demonstrate such inner strength. Rha Arayal is a 19-year-old British Nepali writer living in Wales. She enjoys examining the balance of nature and nurture, especially the notion of an Asian Welsh identity, as well as exploring racism and kindness and other aspects of humanity in her writing. Her debut poetry collection, Encapsulated Emotions, was published with Genz Publishing in 2021. When she's not writing, she loves watching American vampire shows, practicing martial arts and buying second hand books. Poem: the girl that I am/the girl that I should be she crouches on the floor wearing mud-encrusted flip-flops there is a red shawl wrapped tightly around her waist it holds her brick phone which has run out of battery it holds her aching back like PVA glue wrapping around jigsaw pieces   she reminds herself that she is no one just a village girl who cuts grass for the cow her mother milks it and loves it her father carries the milk on a motorcycle into town   this world may be alien to you but it is almost home to me but it nearly happened to me but it also never did and for that, I am grateful   she isn't scared of snakes winding up her legs her skin is slightly cracked and is darker than mine sun cream is too expensive and the village shops only sell instant noodles   she isn't afraid of cows or spiders or the dark they stomp and crawl and engulf her life they are a crucial part of her life they are alien to me   so many sources of brutality of nature and of rich cultural love surround her like her red shawl which is split at the seams   her grandmother owns the other half my grandmother, who cries to me on the phone my grandmother, who I hope is hanging on like crimson threads swaying in the wind oblivious to snakes and cows and spiders and the dark   Instagram @encapsulated_emotions Click here for a copy of her poetry book Encapsulated Emotions on Amazon  

This month's special guest is Cindi Buckley, the author of Love Awakens You. We had an enjoyable time talking together, where she told me about her experience going from working in a corporate job to writing her book. We had a great time talking and sharing stories, , and I was also able to take a look at her incredible collection of crystals (which wasn't caught on camera/audio). She talked to me about how cancer impacts both the body and the mind. After 15 years in the corporate world in logistics and software consulting, Cindi changed her life's direction in her early 40's. For the last 20 years, she has helped hundreds of people through meaningful life transitions, such as the death of a loved one, opening to spirit and finding the courage to make a change for the better. She published her first book Cosmic Unity and became a student of A Course in Miracles. Cindi Buckleys book: Love Awakens You is available on Amazon. http://cindibuckley.com Connect with her on Linkedin and Facebook Cindi refers to this book in the discussion of a course in miracles. The Disappearance of the Universe on Amazon

Our guest on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast is Phyllis Leavitt, a psychotherapist and author. We discuss her upcoming book America in Therapy where she utilizes her thirty-year practice in psychology and relates it to the state of the country. This is an interesting and informative episode where the dynamics of family and relationships is discussed and applied to what is currently happening in our country. Phyllis Leavitt graduated from Antioch University with a Masters' Degree in Psychology and Counseling in 1989. She co-directed a sexual abuse treatment program called Parents United in Santa Fe, New Mexico until 1991 and had a small private practice before going into private practice full time. She has been a psychotherapist treating children, families, couples, and individual adults for 32 years, and has worked extensively with abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their aftermath, and some of the most important elements for healing. An author of two published books, A Light in the Darkness and Into the Fire, that focus on her spiritual journey, and she is presently working with a professional editor on the book I have written called America in Therapy. She lives in Taos, NM and she's mostly retired now, focusing on writing. Her website is www.phyllisleavitt.com. “Writing has always been my path and my practice. For most of my life, I have sought deeper connection in some form—to myself, a higher consciousness, and a greater understanding of the meaning and purpose of human existence. I have participated in a wide variety of spiritual practices, healing modalities, a deep connection to nature and art, and in the blessings and challenges of relationship and motherhood. I became a psychotherapist over thirty years ago and did many years of therapy myself. Through it all, writing has been my constant companion and guide. It has gotten me through the darkest times in my life, brought me the greatest wisdom and fulfillment, and it is now my primary creative pursuit and the way I seek to share all that has been given to me. I have written two books about my spiritual journey—A Light in the Darkness and Into the Fire—and I have just completed my third book about bringing America to therapy. Both my inner work and all my psychological experience over many years, have taught me that, for the most part, we are as emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy as our human environment and the family systems we live and participate in. Some of us make it out of the most abusive conditions despite a lack of support or a map to follow, but many of us do not, and what I have found is that we are all at risk from abuses that go unchecked and continually fuel a cycle of violence. My new book is dedicated to helping make common knowledge everything I have learned about how we can repair our fractured human relations in ways we can all implement in the lives we currently live. My deepest wish is that we both understand the severity of the dangers we face from escalating divisiveness, hatred, and violence, and, at the same time, feel hopeful that no matter what our sphere of influence, we can each play a meaningful part in restoring ourselves to peace, safety and caring reconnection to one another. My deepest hope is that together we bring to the Family of America the same healing we are learning to bring to individual families— and thus to all our children, who will inherit everything we leave them.” Phyllis Leavitt lives with her husband in Taos, NM. She has three amazing grown children and three beautiful grandchildren and is a lover of art, nature and gardening. She has a Masters Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University and has had a private psychotherapy practice for over thirty years. She is recently retired and is now focused on writing.  

This week on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast we have Emmy nominated producer and motivational speaker, Rachel Hanfling. We had a great conversation about her life and career journey. I learned so much from Rachel. We laughed and had a great time discussing the art of giving speeches. Rachel is an inspirational media coach and communications coach who has helped countless individuals reach their goals in the world of media. With her vast experience in the industry, she has developed a unique approach to coaching that helps her clients become successful communicators and storytellers. She believes everyone has a story to tell, and it's up to them to find the courage to tell it. With Rachel's help, you can learn how to craft your story in order to make an impact on those around you and achieve success in your career. Bio: Emmy-nominated Rachel Hanfling is your guide to clear, confident, charismatic speech. A former producer for Oprah and Anderson Cooper, she's coached clients to land deals on Shark Tank, sell out on QVC, dominate worldwide speeches, generate explosive sales, nail workplace politics and more. She's taught at Harvard, internationally, and across the US. Rachel is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is a mom to twin boys and a dog in New York City. To learn more about Rachel, visit https://www.rachelhanfling.com/  

In celebration of World Poetry Day held every March 21st. I'll be reading some of my poetry and since it's an international event, I will also read them in English and in Spanish. "Arranged in words, coloured with images, struck with the right meter, the power of poetry has no match. As an intimate form of expression that opens doors to others, poetry enriches the dialogue that catalyses all human progress, and is more necessary than ever in turbulent times." Audrey Azoulay – Director General of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The following poems are from Inspire Me: Raw. The poem Citizen and it's Spanish translation Cuidadana are read and performed. Also, Forget and it's Spanish version Ovide and to add a little humor because not all poetry is dramatic or traumatic, we have the poem Go-Go Boots.   Inspire Me Series Book 1 & 2             Contains Inspire Me: Raw, Inspire Me: Perception and five poems from the upcoming book Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.

Barbara Ann Briggs is this week's guest on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast where she discussed her journey into meditation and how it has helped her with her writing. She also shared a reading of her poem Alone which reflects the power of spirituality in helping to create meaningful content. She also graced us with a reading from her book: Pilgrimage on the Path of Love chapter 11. She's currently working on her book: The Secret of Creative Abundance: Alignment with Your Spiritual Nature. Barbara Ann Briggs believes that meditation can be a powerful tool to help writers unlock their creative potential. Through her poetry, she encourages writers to use it as a way to find inspiration, focus on their craft, and even access higher levels of consciousness Bio: Barbara Ann Briggs is a poet, podcaster and the author of two books. She has over twenty years' experience as a freelance journalist and has had numerous articles and essays published in both print and online media. A practitioner and teacher of Transcendental Meditation for over thirty years, Barbara hosts a bi-monthly podcast called Essence of Life, which has a rapidly growing audience. She was on the faculty of the Maharishi University of Natural Law where she developed courses on poetry, art, creativity and consciousness. The Facebook page for her debut novel, Pilgrimage on the Path of Love, has garnered 2,500 likes. Barbara was born in Manhattan, New York. Her mother came from Vienna, Austria and her father from New Orleans. Needless to say, she loves music! Barbara, who currently resides in India, has travelled widely and considers herself a "citizen of the universe." You can get in touch with Barbara Ann Briggs at the following links. Barbara Ann Briggs Website Essence of Life Podcast   Pilgrimage on the Path of Love Book (from human love to spiritual love) Please view and subscribe to her YouTube channel: Spiritual Wisdom – Barbara Ann Briggs

Life - A Poem and Prayer for the Grieving I recently lost my mother and even though we knew it was coming, it was still a very difficult loss to accept. This poem and affirmation prayer is for those who are grieving. I've had many suggestions, but one of the most helpful that I have received is to set aside time to grieve. Pick a time and review the experiences, videos, notes, and other communications from the past loved one. May you find healing in this process. Bound Sorrow sweeps through my soul like The sword of yesteryear Waves of sorrow smash upon my heart Reminding me of you                       Of your love                       Of your kindness I drown in the eventual stillness, gasping for air Why was life so unfair to you? But it's me who doesn't let go It's me who feels guilty for not suffering your loss longer If I hold on to that feeling, then the memory                       Of you doesn't slip away Miss the feeling of our etheric touch I dreamt of seeing your soul last night but I had tied a rope to it You kept trying to fly away But I kept pulling you back—You turned to me, broken Today I cry and let you go—release you from the earth plane The rope unties and I see your smiling soul fade away   Dear spirit, God energy, higher self, universal knowledge, thank you for hearing this prayer as I need strength during this challenging time. I turn to you for guidance and love. May I be strong. May I have the strength to accept my grief. I understand I feel grief because I have loved. I know who has passed, would not want me to live in sorrow. May I cherish their memory and remember them with fondness. May I find peace. I understand my grief has pushed other emotions and responsibilities aside. Yet, I can accept it. May I have the knowhow to work with grief. May I cope with this endless sadness and constant heartache May I accept my loved one is no longer suffering. Help me see the good in my life. Guide me through my loss. May I feel loving kindness. May I forgive myself for the things I've done or not done. May I accept that there was nothing I could have done to change what happened. May I heal from the silencing of their voice and touch May I set time aside to remember their memory Thank you for having this beautiful soul in my life. I will cherish them and let their soul be free. May I feel safe. I send my love. Thank you for hearing my prayer. Blessings   The poem Bound is from: Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 Music: Parting of the Ways - Part 1 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4195-parting-of-the-ways---part-1 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

In this episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast, we have William Mackenzie-Smith. We discuss the various medicinal properties of CBD, CBDA, and THC for healing purposes. We laugh about youth mishaps with cannabis and how everything is dosage. His journey with shamanism, ayahuasca and soul retrieval. A really interesting, informative and enjoyable episode. Tune in! William Mackenzie-Smith Bio Described as an alchemist by LA Weekly, William Mackenzie-Smith was a photographer and cinematographer in England before moving to the United States where he began his study of shamanism and ethnobotany. A life-changing trip to the Amazon confirmed his belief in the healing power of plants and on his return, he successfully treated his own skin cancer with topical cannabis. Soon he was making medicine for family and friends and Mackenzie Medicinals was born. Mackenzie Medicinals supplied major dispensaries in the L.A. area with cannabis oils, oral tinctures, and topical oils for many years. The family owned company has won numerous awards for almost all their products. Full legalization brought changes to the medical cannabis landscape and Mackenzie Medicinals is currently in the process of launching unique and potent formulas that combine CBD and herbs to target specific conditions.   You can reach William at Instagram @mackenziemedicinals    

In Loving Memory of Martina Aviles Welcome to the January episode. As, many of you might know, I have slowed down the podcast over the holidays. I thought I would get a head start and work on creating new episodes and possibly have more episodes during the month. Well, that didn't happen. On January 3rd I lost my mother and I dedicate this episode to her. She had had dementia for several years but after several falls which lead to brain bleeds, which she bounced back from and we thought it was getting better. On January 2nd I saw my mother at the nursing home via FaceTime and she was being her fisty self and my sister was by her side. My mother had a habit as we were children to always kiss us on the forehead. My sister kissed her on the forehead several times and mom had this big smile on her face. I said "look at her smile", it was beautiful. The feeling that I received from her smile was as if she was stating: "It's okay to go now. I know love." I couldn't sleep that night, but I also accepted that if she wanted to leave us, it was okay. I didn't want her to suffer. Those words are hard to say, but I felt I was being selfish because knowing her personality, she didn't want to live the way she was living. She passed the following morning. To state I miss her is an understatement. I don't know how to feel. There's an emptiness and numbness. I flew to Chicago for the wake and the funeral. It was surreal. She looked as if she was sleeping in the coffin. I spoke at the wake and told a funny story about my mom and the next day at the funeral I read the poem I wrote about her called "Warm" because that's how she was. The poem which I will read at the end of this podcast states how she kissed me on the forehead. This poem is several years old. Synchronicity is strange, isn't it? I am mourning. The APA Dictionary of Psychology states "mourning is the process of feeling or expressing grief following the death of a loved one, or the period during which this occurs. It typically involves apathy and dejection, loss of interest in the outside world, and   in activity and initiative. Bereavement and grief are similar in definition but different. Wikipedia states the following: Grief is the response to loss, particularly to the loss of someone or some living thing that has died, to which a bond or affection was formed. Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, grief also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, cultural, spiritual, and philosophical dimensions. While the terms are often used interchangeably, bereavement refers to the state of loss, while grief is the reaction to that loss." Death of a Parent - For an adult As you get older, many expect it to be easy to lose a parent because you have had many years and it's expected. It's not easy. Especially when the parent is loving and caring. Wikipedia: "When an adult child loses a parent in later adulthood, it is considered to be timely and to be a normative life course event. This allows the adult children to feel a permitted level of grief. However, research shows that the death of a parent in an adult's midlife is not a normative event by any measure, but is a major life transition causing an evaluation of one's own life or mortality. Others may shut out friends and family in processing the loss of someone with whom they have had the longest relationship."   I've been studying grief and what to expect and work through during this difficult time. I've enrolled in grief consulting, taking a meditation course on grief, and learning to be kind to myself during this process. I know I will dip in and out of grief. As mentioned to me, it never goes away, but it can subside. There was a card made from the funeral home in honor of my mom. My mom was religious, and we picked the following poem to match her beliefs and how we felt about her. Our Mother's love, had no strings attached. It was unconditional, truly unmatched. She stood by us, through thick and thin. She was strong in faith from deep within. Everything she did, was with us in mind. A giving Mother, the unselfish kind. She lived her life, with little regret. Our cherished memories, we will never forget. She put us first, above everything. For her now, God's angels sing. Though invisible, to our eyes, thus. She will always be, watching over us. She's in heaven now, with all her family who has passed. She is with her glorious host, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.   As a lover and writer of quotes, I find knowledge in them. Here are some quotes that have comforted me: "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."  Author unknown "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." Marcus Tullius Cicero "Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve." Earl Grollman "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love." Washington Irving "Grief changes shape, but it never ends." Keanu Reeves "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." Marcus Tullius Cicero I wish anyone that is going through grief to be kind to themselves. Some helpful self-care tips that have helped me are: Meditation—there are many great apps that are free I.e., Insight Timer in which I am a teacher there. https://insighttimer.com/sonia.iris.lozada Prayer–whether religious or secular. There's a healing feeling to them Wayne Dyer once stated and I paraphrase—Prayer is when you talk to God and meditation is when you hear God. We can interchange God with higher energy, higher self, universal knowledge. Whichever is your belief. Keep a journal Keep in touch with family & friends. Pamper yourself Be kind and patient with yourself Seek help Take it one day at a time. Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of water. Avoid using excess alcohol, medications or drugs to mask the pain. Try to keep up basic hygiene. Remember basic grooming and appearance. Get enough sleep but if you can't sleep, just lie down, close your eyes, and rest. Get some kind of exercise. Even walking can help relieve stress and tension. If at all possible, try to maintain some type of a normal routine such as sleeping and eating at your regular times. This is the poem Warm from Inspire Me: Perception and also in the newly released compilation book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 Warm   Loving smile Warm embrace Gentle forehead kiss Singing me to sleep   Sad child Needing safety Warm drops cascade face She wipes them   Years pass Fragile in time Wrinkled smile Love's blank gazes   Destiny gifted you Being loved, a blessing Devotion everlasting Ease in loving you, mom   Thank you so much for joining me on this podcast. I wish you love, happiness, and many blessings. https://insighttimer.com/   Relaxing Piano Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4273-relaxing-piano-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

It's that time of the year where most of us reflect on what we did or didn't do in 2022. Looking forward to an upward emotion in 2023. I'm hopeful. Even though, like many others, I've had a challenging year in various aspects of my life. I feel hopeful and excited about the new year. It might be a dream, but I'm okay with it. We need to flourish with possibilities. As many know from my podcasts and blogs, I love comedies, enjoying a quiet evening with family and friends and quotes. Salvador Dali "Have no fear of perfection—you'll never reach it." Dr. Seuss "You'll never get bored when you try something new. There's really no limit to what you can do." Pablo Picasso "Action is the foundational key to all success." Alan Cohen "Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect." Antonio Banderas "Expectation is the mother of all frustration." C.S. Lewis "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." Melody Beattie "The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written." Taken from the Loving Kindness Meditation May you be happy, May you be healthy, May you be safe, May you live with ease Que seas feliz, que estés sano, que estés a salvo, que vivas con tranquilidad   I wish you a safe and Happy New Year.

Life, grief and the holidays. During this time of the year is when many of us reflect on those we love who have passed and other changes in our lives where there's a loss. Be it a family member, friend, pet, or a career. We all grieve in various ways. In this episode, Adriana Avila M.S., LMFT explains what we feel and what we can do to help ourselves during challenging times. A must listen. Grief, what describes your grief? Grief is unique to each and one of us. There is no wrong or right way to grieve, and it can turn your world upside down. Grief needs to be acknowledged, expressed, and spoken about to bridge our sadness to joy, hopelessness to hope, and powerlessness to empowerment. I, like you, have felt the depth of grief, and when I thought I would never find hope again, day by day, hope started showing up in my life. My relationship with grief led me on a path, a journey, and a deeper connection with myself and others. Because of my life experiences, life led me on a professional grief journey. My trainings include: training with grief expert, David Kessler through his grief educator program, Paul Denniston, founder of grief yoga, trauma informed yoga, and I am also EMDR certified. I have learned to embrace my life journey, and I am humbled by those that I work with in my practice. I guide you to tap into your strengths, your resources, at your pace and your time, with kindness and compassion. I offer individual therapy, group therapy (pet loss groups, healing after loss groups and grief and trauma informed movement groups) and I also enjoy speaking at events. Part of my self-care/self-love is hiking, yoga, reading books, spending time with my dogs, and running.     Adriana Avila, M.S., LMFT-116562 EMDR Certified, Grief Yoga Certified, Trauma Informed Yoga Facilitator Grief Educator (Trained by David Kessler).  https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/ https://griefyoga.com/ https://grief.com/

Jeanette Yoffe is the guest this month on Poetic Resurrection. We discuss her life as an adoptee, her solo show, we laugh and get emotional in this episode. Tune in to hear this amazing woman enlighten us about adoption. November is adoption month. Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T. earned her Master's in Clinical Psychology, specializing in children, from Antioch University in June 2002. She treats children with serious psychological problems secondary to histories of abuse, neglect, and/or multiple placements. She has specialized for the past 20 years in the treatment of children who manifest serious deficits in their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development. As the Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy Inc. A mental health center in Los Angeles providing services to families, children, teens, and adults connected by foster care and adoption. Learn more here. Jeanette's desire to become a child therapist, focusing specially on adoption and foster care issues, derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system. Her personal experience has informed her education and provided insight into the unique stresses involved with these issues.  For more info visit JeanetteYoffe.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteyoffe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanetteyoffe/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanetteYoffe   These books are available on Amazon and Audible. What's Your Name, Who's Your Daddy? What's Your Name, Who's Your Daddy? Audible What is Adoption? What is Foster Care? Working with Traumatized Children, Teens and Families in Foster Care and Adoption      

Why do we feel helpless? What causes helplessness? I'm usually independent but currently what makes me feel helpless is the state of the world. I know I can't change the world by myself. But I can do something big or small to help the community. So, how can I give back? One way I give back is with this podcast. I search for topics that can help the listener ask introspective questions. The only one that has the answers to those questions would be the person asking them. I sometimes get those ah-ha moments, and I might have asked myself the same question many times. Sometimes, it's just the phrasing of the question. The Cambridge Dictionary defines helplessness as: The feeling or state of being unable to do anything to help yourself of anyone else. GoodTherapy.org: Feelings of helplessness can be fueled by trauma, grief, stress, mental health conditions, isolation, and many other factors. "The loneliest moment in someone's life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly." F Scott Fitzgerald. "It takes courage to grieve, to honor the pain we carry. We can grieve in tears or in meditative silence, in prayer or in song. In touching the pain of recent and long-held griefs, we come face to face with our genuine human vulnerability, with helplessness and hopelessness. These are the storm clouds of the heart." Jack Kornfield "One of the biggest defects in life is the inability to ask for help." Robert Kiyosaki Asking for help is difficult, especially when you don't know what to ask for. You just need help. I have found myself in this dilemma many times. Sometimes, just stating you need help will let others know you need help. I was once told when I asked for help that I surprised them because I needed help, since I usually look like I can do it all. I can't, it isn't possible. A few suggestions I've tried on asking for help. Talk to someone you trust. Write it down. I wrote several books of poetry to get through my emotions. Meditation helped me be clearer minded, so that I can ask for what I needed. Always be kind to yourself. You are valuable. Know your worth. The poem for this week is Frozen from Inspire Me: Raw and also in the compilation book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 and 2.   FROZEN Sitting on a stoop in a barrio of Chicago Summertime and everyone's outside Escaping sweltering heat from Un-air-conditioned apartments   Everyone vocalizes in Spanish accents Puerto Rican, Mexican—some Gypsies too It's Bucktown in the sixties   No attention to their surroundings Cars breezing by—open windows Giving relief to drivers   A two-year-old Trotting down the sidewalk—Mom unaware   He steps out onto the street Pounding heart—can't speak!   I see, but no words Feel guilty, but can't move He walks and hits side of moving car Is thrown into the gutter His mom screams, but he's okay Life continues. Reliving that moment…   I did nothing. I froze.   Many Blessings   https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/helplessness   Music: Kevin MacLeod: Parting of the Ways - Part 1 Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4195-parting-of-the-ways---part-1 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Our guest is Leon Conrad, an author, educator, and story structure consultant and author of the recently released book Story and Structure: A Complete Guide. In this episode, we discuss harmony and how it relates to writing. We review different styles of writing with an emphasis on poetry. I was listening and learning at the same time. He's entertaining and if you want to know about story structure, this episode is for you. Story and Structure: A complete guide is about story—as a dynamic force of life. More importantly, it's a book about how to find harmony—by following story back to its source, so we can find more flow in our lives. What excites me most is that story has a purpose. Story generally appears when we face problems. Most story structures arise because we face different kinds of problems. There are problems we can easily solve ourselves, for instance, and others we can't easily solve without a little help from our friends. It's the differences in the kinds of problems that we face that give rise to different story structures. Website leonconrad.com—find the latest information, social media and contact. Amazon: Story and Structure: A complete guide.

As I start season five, I give much thought to what this season is. I'll call it life, because that is what happens when we are making plans. Life sometimes defies us, challenges us, yet what I have learned is that it teaches us to move forward and when we refuse to move forward is when we see and feel the challenges. I've learned to stop and ask why. Why am I going through this? What am I to learn? What is my lesson? I find life can be challenging when I want it to go in one direction, but that isn't what my heart and soul wants. As Roy T Bennett states from his book The Light of the Heart “Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” In this season, the theme is life and what we can make of it. The dreams we have. The people we love. Caring for ourselves and others. This is life, and it is a gift to cherish. Let go of anger, hate, anxiety, fear, depression, jealousy and resentment, but don't suppress them. Face them and let them go, so that you can be free. Your body will be grateful, those around you will see the lightness in your being. Be love and know that you have always been love. Here are a few quotes on love: Lao Tzu “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Rumi “Love will find its way through all languages on its own.” Jesus Christ “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Dalai Lama “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Taylor Bennett of Thriveworks writes: Spiritual love can refer to love rooted in a spiritual connection that helps us find meaning and purpose in our lives. These spiritual loves can serves different purposes. Some are meant to walk with us through life, while others are meant to teach us lessons. Learning from these lessons can be challenging and taking responsibility for our actions is the first step into finding love for ourselves and others. I close this episode with another quote from Roy T Bennett “Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.” Many blessings. Music: Timebeing by Airtone Thriveworks Spiritual Love Sonia's current book: Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2

This has been my longest season and mainly to be honest I just didn't know what theme I wanted for the next season. I feel it should be about life. It's been challenging for many and myself so I figured let just discuss life's journeys. I'll be having more guest and as you probably have notice I've changed Poetic Resurrection Podcast to every two weeks with one guest per month and releases on either of these days: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. We discussed the following topics in this season. I've added the links in the notes. Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 Available on Amazon   Ep16 We discussed the difference between Emotional and Mental exhaustion with a reading of the poem “Love and Blessings” from the Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 Ep 15 Prioritizing and promises and why we break them. Ep 14 Self-forgiveness – letting go of feelings and emotions and why we prolong self-forgiveness. A reading of the poem “Alliance” from the Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 Ep 13 Doreen Calderon a fellow actor and transformational coach. We discuss acting, our experiences and how it led her to assist other actors in recognizing their talents. EP 12 Thierry Kehou from Lampblack and Poets and Writers Magazine. We discuss publishing and his journey in translating to English literature from black Francophone. Ep 11 Expectations – what are expectations and are they beneficial to our life now. Ep 10 Evelyn Eccard from Bravo Leadership – we discuss the importance of employment, leadership and what makes us happy. Ep 9 Paul Meixner a military veteran discussing what Memorial Day means to him. Ep 8 Mark A Pearson, an entertainment attorney discusses copyright law. If you want to know about copyright law this is the episode to listen to. Great advise. Ep 7 Memories – this is a heartfelt episode for me as I discuss my mom's dementia during Mental Health Month and read the poem “Memories”. Ep 6 Diana Rosen – poet. We discuss her journey and she reads her poems “Bus Stop Story” and “Nectarines: from her book High Stakes and Expectations. Ep 5 Overwhelmed Yet Excited. When we acquire our desires only to be overwhelmed by them. A reading of the poem “Vulnerable” from the Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 Ep 4 Martina Reisz Newberry poet reads Glyphs in the Canyon from her book Glyphs. Ep 3 In observance of poetry month. A reading of the poems “Silhouette, Food and Tomorrow” from Inspire Me Perception Also, available on the Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 Ep 2 Inspire Me Raw for poetry month. Reading of the poems “Citizen, Forget and Go-Go Boots”. These poems are also available on the Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2. Music Gotama, song Buddha Nature

The last couple of weeks have been emotionally and mentally challenging. Not physically, even though I know that's something I should pay more attention to. Why are enjoyable moments in our lives fatiguing? I did a list. Traveling—exhausting. I wish they could beam me to where I want to go. As much as I enjoy being in different destinations. The airports, airplanes, ground transportation. Much of it is hurry and wait. On my trip to Chicago, the airplane from Burbank airport took off an hour late. Which I missed my connecting flight in Phoenix and had to wait six hours before getting on another plan. I was traveling for fourteen hours and I was tired. I arrived in Chicago the next day. Visiting my parents—loving. I miss them and wish I could visit more often. They're in Chicago and I live in Los Angeles so I've been going back every six to eight months. Auditions - Exciting! I've had three self-tapes and one held at the casting office. Two commercials, a movie and a TV pilot. I love auditions. I'd love booking the jobs more. I was wondering why I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted. Emotionally because my parents are elderly and I want to make sure I'm there for them. Is there more I can do? How do I make their lives easier? I guess all I could do is to be there for them. I send them blessings and love every night. When parents get elderly, that question you don't want to ask is: Will this be the last time I see them? It breaks my heart when I think of it. Well traveling. Anyone that travels often knows the airports and all transportation can wear on our mental and physical energy. That's why so many of us need a vacation from the vacation. I've found that I need a day or two off from traveling just to center myself. Leaking pipe. I arrived back on Tuesday night to find my bedroom had a leaking pipe, which I didn't notice because I had shoes on. Then, as I prepared to go to bed by taking a shower after a day of travel, I stepped bare footed onto a wet rug. I called the manager, and he got a plumber out that night. It was 9pm when I called him. The plumber came—a nice guy and left around midnight. I was exhausted and went to bed with the wet rug. The next day when I woke up, and it smelled like mildew. Wow, how long has this leak been going on? It didn't smell the night before and believe me, I would have smelled it. So, the next day, I didn't go to work, but I need to take out anything I needed from the room so they can do the repairs. As tired as I was, I wasn't upset. That was surprising with everything that's been going on. I just accepted that what is, is. Getting upset wasn't going to get me anywhere. I just wanted to sleep. I was looking around the internet to find more info on being exhausted and I found this information from Healthline. It's a very good article and I've put the link below if you want to read further. "Generally, "mental" tends to refer to cognitive skills, like thinking, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. "Emotional," on the other hand, has to do with feelings, including your ability to identify, process, and express them. You might notice emotional exhaustion when navigating difficult, painful, or unwanted feelings, such as: grief sadness anger loneliness anxiety Both mental and emotional exhaustion can leave you feeling detached, unmotivated, apathetic, and trapped. The challenges you're facing might seem impossible to overcome, and you might feel too drained to keep trying. If burnout comes to mind, you're on the right track — burnout can stem from emotional and mental fatigue." With all that has happened in the last few weeks and its inconveniences, because truth be told. Life is good. I appreciate any insights I receive. I meditated on why all this was happening and all that would come up with is self-care. So often we lead our lives with "having to do this or that" and leave our welfare for the last item on this list, if we even list it. So, I'm going to take care of my mental, emotional and physical health. My book releases and sad to say the podcasts are still here. I can work on it later. The poem for this week is Love and Blessings from Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2   When thoughts Overwhelm your being Send love   When worrying about the family And wanting to care for them Send love   When sleep evades When thoughts repeat Send love   When finances diminish And needs remain unmet Send love   When feeling defeated When feeling alone Send love   When feeling fear That life isn't fair Send love   Sending love Doesn't cost anything Sending love Brings us to the present   Sending love and blessings to you   Music: Passing Time by Kevin Macleod        https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-exhaustion

Prioritizing and Promises. This past weekend, I had everything planned. I was going to organize my guest/craft room by taking everything out and only keep what I will actually use and need. I woke up early on Saturday and then realized that I had an audition self-tape. On Friday, I remember replying to my agent that I will look at the sides for this TV show. Something was nagging at me to look at the sides in the morning. I figured I would clean the room then spend the rest of the day reviewing them. Didn't realize this was an important audition and merited much of my weekend. I like to memorize my sides (script section) because it makes it easier to perform. As I read the breakdown and reviewed the sides, I realized I needed a coach and a reader to help me learn the lines. Saturday was gone and even though I spent most of the day learning lines, they wouldn't stick. After making a list and prioritizing what I needed to do, I saw the problem with memorizing my lines. I just couldn't get away from breaking a promise to myself, YET AGAIN. The truth is housework will always be there. My sister pointed that out to me and she's correct. I had a great opportunity to work on a funny script. I asked a friend if she knew anyone who's a coach and can help me with the lines. She did. I set an appointment and headed to Ojai with my friend for the day. Well, at least I thought it would be for about three or four hours, but no, it was the day. The coach was great. Why wouldn't he be? He's also a stage director and had brilliant advice on the character. We were able to record it there. I am grateful to him and my friend who, by the way, drove. The fact that I actually hesitated to stop everything I was doing to delay this great opportunity surprised me. Why would I do that? I dream of opportunities like this. Was it fear? Was it not feeling that I'm good enough? Louise Jackson states: “We often have opposing desires, feelings, beliefs, and ideas. These can create internal conflicts and struggles that mean clashing forces feel like they're fighting each other inside your brain. And expecting dramatic change overnight is incredibly stressful. …Trying to do too much at once makes you way more likely to break your promises to yourself.” Yes, this was me. I had opposing desires and ideas. I rather be working on my creative endeavors, acting, writing and my podcast, yet, I like calmness. For me, calmness comes from a clean and organized home. I've started so many projects around the house only to leave them partially finished. I've worked on all my creative projects, just not the chores. Think about this same scenario, but played out in your relationship with yourself. You break your promises so many times you can start to doubt yourself. Even if your intentions to change are good and pure, it can be difficult to change because you lost credibility with yourself. Ayodeji Awosika So, what to do? I left the housework behind and decided not to beat myself up. Maybe I set too large an expectation. I then learned the script lines, got coached and recorded my self-tape. I understand that the biggest hurdle I had was that I didn't want to once again break a promise to myself. I learned to practice self-kindness and to acknowledge that I might have perceptions (ideas) for the day, but life happens and there are gifts in the unpredictability of it. So, I'm taking my sister's advice and I'm spending an hour or less on clearing the guest room every day until it's done. Be kind to yourself. Understand life happens and many blessings.   Music: Island Vibes from DreamHeaven Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6481-island-vibes- License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   https://hackspirit.com/how-to-stop-breaking-promises-you-make-to-yourself/ https://medium.com/swlh/how-to-stop-breaking-the-promises-you-make-to-yourself-5406808aec13

Forgiving yourself means letting go of the feelings and emotions associated with what went wrong. You let go of any resentment or anger. It may be easier to do this when forgiving others, but many find it hard to do this for themselves. Betterhelp.com. What causes us to prolong self-forgiveness? Why is it easier to forgive another–and yet, difficult to forgive ourselves? Can we find joy in the chaos? Is it our own anger, bitterness, and stubbornness? When these feelings are felt, it's a sign for us to forgive–ourselves or others. Focus on the emotions. It's a process of learning to forgive ourselves. Sometimes it's difficult to understand why we feel a certain way. Is it part of our story or experiences? Understanding how we feel is opening a door to forgiveness. I practice mirror work. If I can look at myself as I state my mistake/misunderstanding, I can move on. This is difficult because we don't want to feel at fault or vulnerable. Yet, vulnerability is strength. I write feelings/emotions down when I find them challenging to accept. Journaling or my pros & cons list goes something like this example. Why do I feel this way? Then I list pros & cons. Pro: They needed to hear how they made me feel. Pro: I felt empowered for the moment. Con: I hurt them more than I imagined. Con: I responded too strongly to what the situation merited. Another method is I write a letter to myself using handwriting. Not a computer/phone or any electronic means. I address the wounded child within me. Can I forgive that child? Sometimes, it takes several letters before I can see the truth within myself. Practicing kindness to myself can lead to letting go and eventually joy. We've all heard that we are our worst critics and we can be. For me, it's the constant repetition of the situation. It repeats the many scenarios that could have happened. Could've, Should've, and would've are not our friends. It can take us down a rabbit hole which I have found to cause anxiety over a situation that might happen. I ask myself what caused the breaking point? Was I too tired? Not enough sleep? Not feeling well? Did they push my buttons when I needed support? I've learned the hard way to bite my tongue because I came from the philosophy that honesty is the best policy. What I have learned is that it is not. Kindness is the best policy because honesty is just an opinion. One person's truth is not mine and vice versa. I have found that just pulling off the bandage and apologizing and making amends is best for me. What can you do to fix the situation? Be sincere in the apology. Know we might not remedy the circumstances, but understand that we all make mistakes and we need to learn how to forgive ourselves. I've had a situation where I was wronged. They never apologized and even though I have forgiven them, the relationship changed. There was a loss, and I realized my part was my perceptions were not in line with the truth of our relationship. I needed to be responsible for my beliefs. What part have you had in a relationship? Was it your perceptions? Were your needs not being met? Were your needs in alignment with theirs? Expectations of others can lead to misunderstandings. Expect what is true and forgive yourself when your perceived needs are not met. Self-forgiveness is a learning process and the sooner we learn the process, the calmer and faster we can move on. "Choosing to forgive ourselves is a great act of compassion. Our compassion towards ourselves will radiate out into the world towards others. You will experience peace, joy, and humility. Your vibrational energy will rise. There are so many benefits to Self-Forgiveness.  I have come to learn that healing is truly from the inside out." Belinda Haverdill from Spiral Path. There's a list of various in-depth articles that can help in your journey to self-forgiveness in the notes. The poem for this week is: Alliance from The Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 and will appear in my upcoming book. Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams. This poem also appeared in the June podcast under expectations. Alliance Sometimes my essence aches because of the many adventures and events others have had without a mention, and I wasn't there. Is it me? Is the perception of what they sense I am determining my behavior, my thoughts? We spoke of holiday two summers long set for the third. The third visit around the sun and I asked when are we going? I don't know, was the answer. Facing the truth—via social media as I view the celebratory drink in hand with another. Visiting the places of visual beauty, of distant land we planned. Why not explain? Why falsehood? A sadness took over me. Was it them? Was it me? Was it my perceptions of childhood memories that stood in the way of the truth? A truth that hasn't existed in decades. A long ago feeling attached to a person whom I've surrendered my alliance. Taking responsibility for my emotions as I breathe and let go. Let go of my ideas of the past. Do I blame them? No, I'm accountable for my beliefs. Will we plan again No. Our characters detached the blinders I wore since childhood. Abandoning my memories and allowing myself permission to move on.   Many blessings.   Follow me at: https://poeticresurrection.com/ Podcast: https://poeticresurrection.podbean.com/ https://poeticresurrection.podbean.com/e/awakening-dreams-expectations/ Helpful links: https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/alphabet/view/11/forgiveness https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-forgive-yourself#3.-Think-of-each-mistake-as-a-learning-experience https://www.lifehack.org/837308/self-forgiveness https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/self-esteem/what-is-self-forgiveness-and-why-is-it-important-to-your-mental-health/ https://positivepsychology.com/self-forgiveness/ https://www.spiralpathhealingartscenter.com/post/self-forgiveness-as-a-spiritual-practice https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/deepak-chopra-how-to-forgive-yourself_2 https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_healthy_way_to_forgive_yourself https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/ Music: Passing Time by Kevin Macleod

This week on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast we have Doreen Calderon a friend, fellow actor, and transformation coach. We discuss acting experiences and how they led her to assist actors in recognizing their talents with self-awareness and acceptance. Stay tuned for a must-listen episode for performing artists.   The Recognized Actor Doreen Calderon coaches experienced actors and artists who work in the industry, but crave more.  She reliably helps professional artists wake up to the deepest and best they have inside them, then shows them how navigate their world with ease and grace. Clients gain clarity and understanding around the nature of the artist, the nature of the industry, and the nature of life. The Recognized Actor (founded 2012) has evolved from a postcard company, to a marketing company, and now is pure coaching. Doreen's seasonal Action Groups combine goal setting, individual coaching, resources and community over the course of three months. Private sessions are tailored to the individual's current needs. On Monday mornings, she facilitates her FREE on-line forum, “Now What?”, for those who already know the business, but yearn for deeper discussions around it. Her motto: “Quit thinking so much, just show up, and play!”  Doreen Calderon, is a Los Angeles-based actor, originally from Chicago. Conservatory trained, she worked in both legit and improv theater for ten years before arriving in L.A.. Recently, she was in the Oscar-nominated Live Action Short, Please Hold, now available on HBOmax. She can be seen in Maya Rudolph's new AppleTV sitcom, Loot, (Ep. 2), as well as the Season Two premiere of ALLBLK TV's, For the Love of Jason. In 2021, she shot four national union spots (AT&T, Hyundai, and Bank of America) as well as scenes for upcoming, Hulu and HBO projects. Past credits include: Riverdale, Call Me Kat, This is Us, Animal Kingdom, etc. She currently performs and teaches with Cold Tofu - the nation's first Asian-American comedy group. The Recognized Actor FB:  https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedActor/ WEBSITE:  https://www.dcdesign8.com/ IG: @the.recognized.actor NOW WHAT?:  https://calendly.com/recognized/now-what Professional Actor IMDb:  https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0129522?s=b2c088ce-2349-cb8a-d1b2-47dcc7a38d31&site_preference=normal IG:  @doreen_calderon    

In this week's episode, we speak with the multifaceted Thierry Kehou. We discuss publishing and his journey in translating to English literature from the black Francophone diaspora. We discuss Lampblack, a non-profit organization and magazine publishing Black writers globally that helped create. He's the Director of Programs & Partnerships for Poets & Writers where they offer Mapping the Maze, a professional development workshop for writers who are  ready to make a concrete plan to get their work published. Thierry Kehou is a founder and board member of Lampblack, and a writer and literary translator from French. He holds a BA in Individualized Study from New York University's Gallatin School and an MFA in Creative Writing from Rutgers University Newark. His writing has appeared in Departures Magazine, The Huron River Review, Lampblack, and elsewhere. His working translation of Francis Bebey's Three Little Shoeshiners has received support from the Breadloaf Translators' Conference and was longlisted for the 2020 John Dryden Translation Competition. He was the guest speaker at the French-American Foundation's 35th annual Translation Prize held in 2022. His translation of Haitian writer Jean d'Amérique's debut novel Soleil à Coudre will be published by Other Press in 2023. He is currently working on a novel. Lampblack website: https://www.lampblacklit.com/ Lampblack Twitter: @lampblack_lit Lampblack Instagram: @lampblack_lit Email: lampblacklit@gmail.com

This week on Poetic Resurrection we're going to discuss expectations. Why do we expect? What do we expect? I believe it depends on the circumstances. If I pay a vendor for a service or a product, I expect it to work. I also expect that this vendor has more knowledge than I do. For example, I expected I would do an episode last week. Well, I also expected to have the internet I pay for but that was not the case. It took me three days to get back online. It's good to be aware of expectations. Are they realistic? Are we expecting someone to act in a certain way? Expecting others to act according to a preconceived notion then we might have can lead to discontentment? Is that a requirement you'd like others to have of you? Sometimes, when we know the other person well, we expect them to behave a certain way. But people change and they should be allowed to change. There are many expectations that we have and, as I mentioned the vendor. Let us discuss expectations of ourselves and others. Many expectations are connected to our perceptions of how situations and events need to work out. At the same time, who's to say we're correct? Questioning our perceptions and seeing how they relate to our expectations can enlighten us on what we find important in our lives. Psychology Today "First, merely expecting something to happen will not make it happen. For many of us, it is difficult to let go of the idea that expecting something to happen will make it happen." I did this with affirmations. If I state it long enough and with conviction, I expect it would happen. I certainly would be thrilled about it. "Second, human beings have a natural tendency to pin their hopes for happiness on fulfilled expectations."  My experience with this is perceptions. Our perceptions are if I move to a home, city, country, etc. Then I would be happy. It can be a new job, a new place, or a new relationship. I feel I had to ask myself: why am I wanting to do something different outside myself? Is it me? Am I running from something, someone, or myself? I'm going to go wherever the change is. Is this a pattern in my life? Psychology Today: "The problem of expectation occurs when we expect something to happen without good reasons for that expectation. Expecting life to always turn out the way you want is guaranteed to lead to disappointment because life will not always turn out the way you want it to. And when those unfulfilled expectations involve the failure of other people to behave the way you expect them to, the disappointment also involves resentment. Let go of expectations and find something to be grateful about, even when things do not turn out the way you hoped, and you will experience serenity rather than resentment." "I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values - and follow my own moral compass - then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own. Michelle Obama" The poem for this week is Alliance from my upcoming book Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams. You can also read it in my compilation book Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2. Alliance Sometimes my essence aches because of the many adventures and events others have had—without a mention and I wasn't there. Is it me? Is the perception of what they sense I am—determining my behavior - thoughts? We spoke of holiday - two summers long—set for third. The third visit around the sun and asked—when are we going? I don't know, was the answer. Facing the truth - social media—as I view the celebratory drink in hand with other. Visiting the places, of visual beauty of a distant land we planned. Why not explain—why falsehood? A sadness took over me—was it them? Was it me? Was it my perceptions of childhood memories which stood in the way of the truth? A truth that hasn't existed in decades. A long ago feeling attached to a person whom I've surrendered my alliance. Taking responsibility for my emotions as I breath and let go. Let go of my ideas of the past. Do I blame them - no – I'm accountable for my beliefs. Would we plan again – No. Our characters unveiled the blinders I wore since childhood. Abandoning my memories and allowing myself permission to move on. Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 is available on Amazon https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cui-bono/201802/the-psychology-expectations   Music: Pachabelly by Huma Huma

This week on Awakening Dreams our return guest is Evelyn Eccard from Bravo Leadership Int'l (BLI).  In this episode, we discuss what is important to us when it comes to employment, leadership, and what makes us truly happy with ourselves and others. Mentorship and coaching are reviewed (see link below for the previous episode). We discussed the Great Resignation and how employment expectations have changed. Tune in to this informative episode. It might be that AHA moment that is needed in your life. Evelyn Eccard is the founder of Bravo Leadership International. She named the company after listening to a friend yelling out "Bravo, Bravo" at a tennis tournament. When the player won, she purposely looked for that solo voice yelling "Bravo" and rewarded him by tossing him a tennis ball. She appreciated him and his encouragement throughout the game. That's when Evelyn knew the name BRAVO was perfect for her business. Evelyn said "My intention is to up-level people's mindsets through training and coaching and help them become a better version of themselves. I want to cheer them on.  Bravo!  Bravo!" Throughout her career, she has chosen positions in which she has positively impact the company's culture by training and developing executives, management and hourly employees.  She trained everything, but her passion is leadership. She applied the leadership principles within her Sales team and saw first hand, the positive impact (increase engagement, dedication, and productivity).   Soon after, her team was sought after by other departments as well as corporate head quarters.  They wanted leaders who had the experience of being on her team.    Evelyn had a vision of taking what she has learned in her 25+ year career and making it available to others.  She knows there are many managers out there struggling because leadership training isn't a priority in many organizations. Companies would rather deal with constant problems that arise vs. training their managers to lead.  That thinking tends to cascade throughout the organization.   LEADERSHIP IS A LIFESTYLE Bravo trains and coaches managers so they become LEADERS.  We teach leadership so that leaders can create the environment in which all of us can work to our natural best.  This produces trusting teams. Evelyn's goal is to train managers to become exceptional LEADERS.   Bravo consist of Evelyn Eccard and Stacey Aveling.  Both are certified John Maxwell Team member and passionate about leadership with over 20+ years of experience.  They specialized in leadership, communication, customer service and sales training.  Bravo believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating long term partnerships with a purpose, developing all levels in an organization and always striving for significant outcomes. When working with Bravo, you should expect a collaboration with transparency and consistency.   Our goal is to up-level your thinking so you can be the BEST version of YOURSELF. https://www.bli.life/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynlozadaeccard https://poeticresurrection.podbean.com/e/perceptions-of-employment-mentoring-coaching/

Today, on the Poetic Resurrection - Awakening Dreams we celebrate Memorial Day with guest Paul Meixner. Memorial Day is a holiday in the United States honoring the active-duty fallen soldiers. In 1966, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York the birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo was chosen because they had been celebrating their version of Memorial Day since May 5th, 1866. They honored fallen soldiers by putting flags and flowers on their graves, and close their businesses for the day. There is much emotion when it comes to soldiers. I know this is probably going to cause some controversy, but I feel if you go to war and are willing to die for your country then we as a country should take care of veterans for life.  In observance of Memorial Day, veteran Paul Meixner discusses what it was like to be in the military and what Memorial Day means to him. This is a brief and heartfelt interview. An introspective talk about his military journey. Paul Meixner is a former US Army Infantryman turned Filmmaker and Weapons and Tactics instructor. You can follow his adventures on Instagram @Mav11B and follow his podcast @ThunderPunkRadio with his co-host @FlirtCheap.  Joshua Scott info: https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-chief-warrant-officer-2-joshua-michael-scott/885652    

This week on Poetic Resurrection Awakening Dreams we have attorney Mark A. Pearson. This is a must listen and save episode covering copyright law. It's so informative, we discuss copyright law for authors, artists, musicians, and other creatives. If you have a question about creative copyright, this episode is a must listen and should answer many of your questions. Mark A Pearson is the principal counsel at ARC Law Group, a law firm focused on advising Creative, Talented, and Entrepreneurial clients in the areas of business, entertainment, sports, and technology law. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but with clients in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Nashville, Mark is a former award-winning television producer who spent the past decade advising some of the hardest working acts in the music business, including international touring arts Con Brio, Front Country and DJ Mark Farina, as well as serving as production counsel for Academy Award nominee, Borrowed Time. Recently awarded the Governor's Citation Medallion for his service to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy® Award), Mark also advises leading entertainment companies Rock the Bells (LL Cool J), Twitch, TuneGo, Caffeine, and Fandor. You can reach Mark via www.arclg.com.

In honor of Mental Health Month, we discuss memories. Why do we forget them? What causes us to forget? How do we comfort a loved one who has dementia? The last couple of months have been challenging in that my mom isn't well, but grateful that she is quickly recovering. Last year, we needed to move her into a nursing facility because of her dementia. It was heartbreaking. Seeing this vibrant outspoken woman's life change prompted me to find a comparison between depression and dementia. I've noticed not only my mom but some others I have known who have suffered from depression are also going through some form of dementia. Can this be true? I looked for a spiritual correlation between the two and didn't find one that dealt with spiritualism alone and did not have an organized religion association. What I was looking for was are we made to lose cognitive skills in order to forget our depression? Is it a form of letting go of the past? Lao Tzu quoted "If you are depressed, you're living in the past. If you have anxiety, you're living in the future. If you have peace, you're living in the present". A study of the association between depression and dementia by HealthDay News reported on WebMD. "Depression is a risk factor for dementia, researchers report, and people with more symptoms of depression tend to suffer a more rapid decline in thinking and memory skills. While the study found an association between the two, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship." A Healthline article on vascular dementia "Vascular dementia is caused by a narrowing or blockage in the blood vessels that provide blood to your brain. This reduced blood flow deprives your brain of much-needed oxygen, which can damage your brain very quickly. Numerous conditions can cause this reduced blood flow to your brain, including: high blood pressure diabetes aneurysm or blood clot heart attack stroke Of those, stroke is the most common cause of vascular dementia. Vascular problems, such as stroke, high cholesterol, and hypertension, aren't related to Alzheimer's disease, as they are with vascular dementia. There is no known cause of Alzheimer's, though your risk of developing it increases with age." I guess I'm trying to make sense of memory loss. I'm at the stage in my life where many of my friends and family are dealing with a loved one with dementia. It saddens me to see such beautiful people with beautiful lives lose their history. The poem for this week is Memories—dedicated to my mom; from my upcoming book Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams. This poem is also in my book Inspire Me Series Book 1 & 2 with excerpts from my upcoming book. Memories Today I go through my mom's memories I go through her pictures I go through her life's stories I find her in the past The memories she has forgotten The ones from long ago That linger in the glimpse of her life Today I go through my mom's memories The ones she has tucked away The ones her strokes cheated from her The painful memories erased What can I do to make your life easier? What can I say to erase your traumas? Do I ignore—when you forget? Do I keep your sadness in my heart? Today I go through my mom's memories The disappointments she kept close to her heart The wanting to be loved yet feeling abandoned The simple dreams she was deterred from The disappointments fade The abandonment fades The sadness lingers Today I go through my mom's memories And merge my memories with hers Feeling the sadness, the disappointments Wishing the sadness to fade I love you, mom   Inspire Me Series: Book 1 & 2 AARP article on the Difference Between Dementia & Alzheimers Symphony of Soul - Dementia a Spiritual Perspective WebMD - Scientists Shed Light on the Link between Depression & Dementia   Almost Bliss by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5032-almost-bliss License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

This week we have Diana Rosen. She reads several poems Bus Stop Story and Nectarines from her book High Stakes & Expectations. We discuss her journey from a journalist, and non-fiction writer to her current poetry book. Listen in to this great story. DIANA ROSEN is an essayist, poet, and flash writer with credits in online and print journals here in the U.S., Australia, U.K., Canada, and India, including Existere, Ariel Chart, Rattle, and As It Ought to Be Magazine. She is also the author of ten nonfiction books and co-author of three others. She currently contributes content on food and beverage to various websites, and just released her first full-length poetry, "High Stakes & Expectations" from The Tiny Publisher. Diana lives in Los Angeles where her backyard is the 4000+ acre Griffith Park, The largest urban green space in the country. To read more of her work, visit www.authory.com/dianarosen. To purchase her book visit www.thetinypublisher.com/shop. Bus Stop Story The first thing I notice is the fine line of beard outlining his strong chin up to the side of his shiny bald pate. He walks restlessly, rubbing a forefinger along his left temple. Next to me another man poses the usual bus stop questions: Has the Number 50 come? You been waiting long? You work around here? The sound! The sound! Searing right through me it starts like a hum then goes higher, louder, from ah ah ah ah to AYE AYE AYE AYE, the man with the fine line beard flails his arms like a bird ready to soar, whirls and whirls then falls into the street like a boulder tumbling down the side of a mountain. The questioner and I rush to him. Still flailing, his right hand clenches my left wrist like a crushing vise. We turn them over on their sides now, the questioner says calmly, his cigarette dangling from his matter-of-fact mouth, no more putting sticks in their mouths to hold down the tongue. As we roll the man onto his side, his hand drops heavily from mine, his huge shaking body becomes quiet. I've called the paramedics someone else says, they'll be here soon, and with that, the chartreuse truck rolls up and medics step out, into their official roles. The Number 50 arrives and I climb aboard. The questioner remains with the epileptic. I can't shake the sound or the feel of his grip. A few weeks later, the man with the fine line beard is back at my stop. I rub my left wrist. Our eyes do not meet.   NECTARINES IT'S A HECKUVA FRUIT! Juicy warm, broiled with goat cheese and honey, a must to bring my dad just to hear him laugh, recite again from his favorite Carl-Reiner-Mel Brooks recording, with the 2000-year-old man, velvet caped and gravelly voiced, who reveals he once dated Joan of Arc, married hundreds of times, had 42,000 children and not one came to visit!   I don't care. But they could send a note, write, “Howya, Pop!   True, Dad didn't date Joan of Arc, but he did date Pearl, his memories kept in the thick album Of Kodak black and whites with curvy edges slotted Into triangle black corner holders pasted on dull Cream pages, captioned, “Me and Pearl!” or, “Pearl And Me” or, my favorite, “Guess Who?”   That Mom had no compunction about this totem Of his life before us said a lot about their marriage ‘til death did part them. My stepmother helped Dad buy a new suit and tie to meet Pearl and her husband for lunch following her surprise call. You know what happened. Civil conversation. The ride home longer than to the restaurant, the scrapbook returned to the shelf. Dad didn't even reach a century much less two millennia yet to the end, smiled to see another fuzz-less peach, sweet nectar of summer, its smooth skin not unlike Dad's with its signature blush of red.   I still miss our calls.   What's the secret to your long life? Reiner asks. Nectarines! I love that fruit. It's a heckuva fruit!   Get your copy of Sonia Iris Lozada's new book: Inspire Me Series Book 1 and 2

Overwhelmed yet Excited Have you ever wished for a certain situation to happen, be it a career, family event, or a relationship, only to be overwhelmed when it does? There's excitement there to see how a dream is materializing and then the overwhelmed button seems to turn on just when you feel your life is going your way. Is it because we're not prepared? Can it be that we anticipated a different scenario? What we perceive is just that—a perception. This happened to me lately. As an actor, you want more opportunities to audition. More auditions equal more possibilities of booking a job. Got a new agent, and I assumed the experience I have had in the past, would continue. It didn't. I've been going out on many auditions. It's so exciting to audition and book one or two here and there. Great! I love it! The situation of feeling overwhelmed happened when I didn't alter my regular routine to accommodate the change. I was trying to do it all. There are several situations in life that needed to be altered. How do I schedule my auditions, regular job, book launch, writing more stories, and still be able to interview/write/edit my podcasts? I love doing my podcast, so let's move that to the weekends. Writing—I can do it early in the morning or do I move it to the evening? Will I be too tired to do it in the evening is my question? Creativity comes from quieting the mind. So how do I decide? I'm thinking of meditating before I write. I'm concerned that I'll be too tired and just fall asleep. It's happened and I don't doubt it'll happen again. It's okay. One thing I've learned in life is don't fight your body because, in the end, the body will win. The pandemic is tapering off and my employer wants me in the office. I believe the answer I'm looking for is balance because life is good. So, what is being overwhelmed, excited, and balanced? Overwhelm According to the GoodTherapy website, the definition of overwhelmed is emotional overwhelm is a state of being beset by intense emotion that is difficult to manage. It can affect your ability to think and act rationally. It could also prevent you from performing daily tasks. Excitement Whereas excitement is an emotional state marked by enthusiasm, eagerness or anticipation, and general arousal (APA Dictionary)/ Balance Is a harmonious relationship or equilibrium of opposing forces or contrasting elements. Can we do it all? I believe you can make the most of these situations. First, ask yourself what is really important to you? What are you willing to let go of? Can you write out a pros and cons list for each situation? Quiet the mind. Do some meditation, and go for a walk. Do something that brings you joy, right here, right now. Life changes and so can you. Let go of what no longer serves your life. Follow your dreams. We are resilient. Much gratitude. A reading of the poem "Vulnerable" from Inspire Me: Raw. Until next time when I'll have more questions. Many blessings.     Music Mesmerize by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1500005 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

This week we are honored to have Martina Reisz Newberry return to the show. We discuss her poem Glyphs in the Canyon from her new book Glyphs. We reflect on life's questions of reincarnation, thoughts, dreams, and perceptions. Martina Reisz Newberry is the author of 7 books of poetry. Her most recent book is GLYPHS, due out in May 2022 from Deerbrook Editions. She is also the author of BLUES FOR FRENCH ROAST WITH CHICORY, available from Deerbrook Editions, the author of NEVER COMPLETELY AWAKE ( from Deerbrook Editions), WHERE IT GOES (Deerbrook Editions), LEARNING BY ROTE (Deerbrook Editions), RUNNING LIKE A WOMAN WITH HER HAIR ON FIRE: Collected Poems (Red Hen Press), and TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME (Unsolicited Press). Newberry has been included in The Cenacle, Cog, Blue Nib, Braided Way, Roanoak Review, THAT Literary Review, Mortar Magazine, and many other literary magazines in the U.S. and abroad. Her work is included in the anthologies Marin Poetry Center Anthology, Moontide Press Horror Anthology,  A Decade of Sundays: L.A.'s Second Sunday Poetry Series-The First Ten Years, and many others in the U.S. and abroad. She has been awarded residencies at Yaddo Colony for the Arts, Djerassi Colony for the Arts, and Anderson Center for Disciplinary Arts. Passionate in her love for Los Angeles, Martina currently lives there with her husband, Brian, a Media Creative. THE GLYPHS IN THE CANYONS I've forgotten those times between                                        wakefulness and dozing and sleep. I know something happened,  but I can't recall what it was. It's like trying to recall where  I was just before I was born.   My friend tells me that this is the                                            reason I should never fear death.  She says, “You don't know where you  were before you were born, so why  fret about where you'll be after  you die?” This is wisdom I can  acknowledge, but from which I glean                                     no comfort and it is comfort  I want more than nearly any thing. I want the great eyes of God to turn my tears to opals and the  great tongue of God to tell me that    life and death are the same--that I                                         will keep loving and making love, and  walking and humming, and wanting and holding, and will never lose  my appetite for joy or for potato chips and onion dip and ice cream.   Between wakefulness and dozing                                          and sleeping, what is there to know? Who do I serve awake/asleep? Who do I honor when I doze? And why is wakefulness the stain on all this embalmed paradise? Her previous episode on Poetic Resurrection can be listened to here. (We are part of the Amazon Associates program and proceeds go back into the podcast) Glyphs is available on Amazon Her other books are also available on Amazon and other book retailers.