Poetry as Therapy: Rachel McKibbens at TEDxFlourCity 

I strongly identify with Rachel's experience with the intersection of mental health and poetry. Spoken word and the communities I have heard and shared poetry in have been a crucial component of addressing childhood trauma for me. Rachel, thank you for putting your song out into the ether.

I haven't read much by McKibbens but her poem, "Seducing The Magician", left me awestruck. I hope to follow her career more closely; also, great talk at TED.

What an amazing speech, de profundis speaking. Thank you Rachel for sharing with us.

That was one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed, and one of the most beautiful poems I have had the pleasure of hearing.

I have personally experienced writing prose as both screaming aloud and praying silently. Healing is iterative; once the courage to write comes we move form a lost voice to one being found. Upon recital we develop what Joe Ehrlman calls a _Coherent Narrative_. Next, due to these previous victories we are stretched to the point of surrender and share our truth before a live audience. Then we are gifted by witnessing others heal because of the courage, faith and persistence placed in our care.

she's a force of nature

Books that I found interesting and helpful by Rachel Blumleke and Jasmine Bond called Talk Poetry and Talk Therapy about what it is like to live with PTSD and recovering from abuse; very educational for those not understanding, with many references to self helps. Awesome. Thanks for shining the light on this subject. We are all responsible for our own actions and not aware of the violence, judgment and negativity we reflect unknowingly that can send others into trauma.

It is really wonderful!!! Rachel does a great action to help people to express. And her voice and power are great. I agree with Karol Toribio...would you please write Spanish subtitles in these interesting videos, please?

Wow! Sing! We need this medicine. ❤

I think creative work can be your worship--. I have always been uncomfortable in institutions, they seem too large, and yet too confined at the same time. people need people; i know that. but i can only handle a few real relationships. Im a distracted mess most of the time. wheels in the brain that i sometimes wish would pause occasionally. it makes me seem selfish to some. i think - always lost in thought. pursuing ideas that demand instant attention. And when i m ready to give words to my inner -most turmoil or content. when im ready to let the ache in my gut fire back out at the world- without the violence it seems to demand. i prefer a guitar in my lap, knowing the rest of the family is asleep. safe. 5am coffee -a quiet room, the dog sleeping on her chair, and mystery hanging in the dark morning beyond.

A bold bearer of honesty.

This is exactly how I feel....

Thank you.

amazing.. really amazing

brilliant...............x

amazing.

❤❤❤❤