Poetry Pharmacy as a Tool for Wellness

Date: 18 October, Saturday | Time: 16:00 - 17:30 | Venue: Academia Room, L1-S3

Speaker:   Ms Shyamala Narayanaswamy

Programme Description: 
Poetry and poem-making are compelling, sturdy, and effective vehicles in our journey toward wellness. Emotional well-being is important for healthcare workers, as this reduces burnout and improves the quality of care we provide to our patients.

Within this safe comfortable space, you will experience the following :

• 60min poetry circle – facilitated exploration of how poetry makes one think and feel, and attempt to write our very own poem
• 15min poetry pharmacy – fill your own personal “Poetry Prescription” with handwritten poetry scrolls in unique capsules, which create a lasting personal reminder
• 15min informal discussion on wellness and self-reflection

Programme Details: 
The Poetry Pharmacy experience aims to introduce poetic medicine as a personal reflection technique for healthcare workers. It can be a healing technique for patients as well.

Learning outcomes:

1. Expression of emotional responses to poems in a supportive environment, connecting the themes to own lived experiences and feelings.
2. Use written poetry as a tool for self-reflection e.g. identifying at least one poem or verse that resonates with their current life situation or emotional state.

Impact will be measured via pre/post surveys, and direct observations during the session.

1. Participant self-assessment (Likert scale)

• a. Feeling grounded/connected to self
• b. Able to express thoughts and feelings
• c. Confidence in using writing as a tool for self-reflection

2. Observation and informal discussion

• a. Body language showing comfort/relaxation
• b. Participation and mindful listening during discussion
• c. Identified poetry verse(s) which resonates with them

Target Audience: No pre-requisites.

Max participants: 40 pax (assuming a room large enough for 4 concurrent poetry circles of 10pax each)
*More trained facilitators will be brought into assist, dependent on class size who register.