TAPESTRY by Solitaire Parke

The variety of poetry out now is huge. But what is the point? Maybe you like poetry that rhymes, or just something that causes you to feel things that take you away from the daily grind and think deep thoughts. Put simply, poetry is a type of literature, or artistic writing, that attempts to stir a reader’s imagination or emotions.  Language is arranged by the poet carefully for its meaning, sound, and rhythm.

But why is it good for your brain?

1. Like listening to music, poetry triggers an emotional response. MRIs have shown that certain regions in the brain’s right hemisphere light up and are activated, linking reward and emotion.
2. Poetry isn’t just about reading words, but it’s also about understanding the sounds, meanings, and emotions of them.  When the brain connects all these things at one time, its function peaks and strengthens your overall mental health.
3. Encouraging self-reflection and boosting memory is another reason poetry is beneficial.  Studies have shown that MRIs display that poetry causes the part of the brain that activates during daydreaming to light up. The reader often re-reads and even memorizes the words. It can help improve a person’s memory making it more receptive to retention of other information as well.

Poetry is everywhere. So how do you get more poetry into your life?

Listen to music

Read greeting cards

Poetry Books (reading them out loud gives you extra brain engagement)

Many calendars have poems for each day

You might try writing your own poetry – just feel and write the words

Each time you read or listen to poetry it’s beneficial to your brain. It provides pleasure, offers wisdom, provides emotional expression, and can be a form of remembrance, consolation, and healing. In any case, you activate brain function, and your overall mental health will thank you!

Solitaire

www.solitaireparke.com