Poetry Medicine for Self-Criticism: When You're Hard on Yourself

This Midweek Pause for Peace, curated by Laura Davis, features Colorado Poet Laureate Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer's healing poem "For When I Am Hard on Yourself." Laura Davis shares how this poetry became medicine during a difficult re-entry from Bali, offering gentle wisdom for anyone struggling with self-criticism, shame, or perfectionism.

Key Questions This Episode Answers

·       How can poetry help with self-criticism and negative self-talk?

·       What are practical ways to practice self-compassion during difficult times?

·       How do you handle re-entry challenges after transformative travel?

·       What does it mean to "soften toward yourself" when experiencing shame?

·       How can mindfulness practices support nervous system regulation?

Featured Content

Poem: "For When I Am Hard on Myself" by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer Host/Curator: Laura Davis

Theme: Self-compassion, healing shame, poetry as medicine

Location Context: Post-Bali retreat re-entry experience

Cultural Insight: Contrast between Balinese values (beauty, creativity, spirituality, community) and Western productivity culture

About Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

Colorado Poet Laureate (San Miguel County 2006-2010, Western Slope 2015-2017). Known for daily poetry practice and healing-focused work. Dedicated to helping others explore creative practice as medicine.

You can subscribe to her daily poetry feed here.

 https://www.wordwoman.com/a-daily-dose-of-poetry/

Episode Highlights & Actionable Insights

·       Body-Heart-Mind Connection: "If you can soften your body, your heart can settle, and if your heart can settle your mind can listen" - Augusta Kantra

·       Memory as Medicine: Plant seeds of peaceful memories to recall during shame spirals

·       Nature Metaphors for Healing: Float like water, soften like milkweed down, become gentle without thorns

·       Self-Talk Transformation: Shift from self-regret to self-remembrance

·       Travel Integration: How to process cultural contrasts and difficult re-entry

Practical Applications

1.     When Experiencing Self-Criticism: Remember moments of floating, peace, gentleness

2.     Body Softening Practice: Physical relaxation as pathway to emotional healing

3.     Shame Response: Use poetry and gentle metaphors instead of harsh self-judgment

4.     Cultural Re-integration: Honor both transformative experiences and present reality

5.     Daily Practice: Subscribe to healing poetry for consistent emotional support

Perfect For Listeners Who Experience:

·       Self-criticism or harsh inner dialogue

·       Perfectionism and shame cycles

·       Difficulty with life transitions

·       Travel re-entry challenges

·       Interest in poetry as healing practice

·       Need for midweek emotional support

·       Nervous system overwhelm

·       Cultural contrast processing

Series Information: Pause for Peace

Each week, host Laura Davis pairs beautiful imagery with meaningful poetry, offering listeners a respite for both heart and nervous system. These midweek pauses provide essential moments of reflection, healing, and inspiration in our complex world.

Join Laura's Community: Subscribe to Laura Davis' Midweek Pause for Peace series for consistent, nurturing content that honors both your need for beauty and your nervous system's need for calm.

The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. You’ll receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems and nature photos, essays on life and the craft of writing, and more.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com/

Learn about Laura’s writing classes, books, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/ 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

Writing About Silence: Memoir Prompts That Transform Your Story

In this episode, Laura Davis explores the profound types of silence we experience in life through creative writing and poetry. Inspired by Ada Limón's "The Quiet Machine," Laura shares a personal memoir about her relationship to different kinds of silence. This episode includes a transformative writing prompt: "Tell me about the kinds of silence you have known." Perfect for writers, poets, memoirists, and anyone using storytelling for healing and self-discovery.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

00:00-03:00 - Introduction: Why silence matters in memoir writing

03:00-08:00 - Ada Limón's "The Quiet Machine" analysis and writing techniques

08:00-15:00 - The silence writing prompt: step-by-step guide

15:00-20:00 - Real examples: Types of silence in personal narrative

20:00-25:00 - Creating safe writing spaces for vulnerable content

25:00-28:00 - Building sustainable writing practices

Featured Writing Exercise:

Core Prompt: "Tell me about the ways you seek silence. Times you've been silent—or silenced. Tell me about the kinds of silence you have known."

Host Bio:

Laura Davis is a six-time HarperCollins author. Her books, including The Courage to Heal and I Thought We’d Never Speak Again have been translated into 11 languages and sold 1.8 million copies. Laura leads writing workshops in the U.S. and internationally that focus on writing as a tool for healing and transformation. She is currently completing a memoir about the dramatic twists and turns of mother-daughter love, The Burning Light of Two Stars www.LauraDavis.net.

Call to Action:

Join Laura's weekly writing classes at https://lauradavis.net/writing-classes/ There are current openings.

You can find information about Laura’s other classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title

Midweek Pause for Peace: "Let Them Not Say" by Jane Hirshfield

Episode Description

Welcome to another episode of Midweek Pause for Peace with Laura Davis. In this weekly series, Laura pairs stunning images from nature with carefully chosen poetry to offer listeners a moment of reflection and restoration for both heart and nervous system.

This week, Laura features the profound and urgent poem "Let Them Not Say" by award-winning poet Jane Hirshfield. This powerful piece explores themes of witnessing, collective responsibility, and the courage required to face difficult truths rather than turning away.

Featured Poem

"Let Them Not Say" by Jane HirshfieldFrom the collection "Ledger: Poems" (2020)

Key Themes Explored

The importance of bearing witness to difficult realities

Overcoming the impulse to look away from pain and suffering

Collective responsibility and shared experience

The tension between beauty and destruction

Finding light and warmth even in challenging circumstances

About the Poet

Jane Hirshfield is a celebrated American poet, essayist, and translator with an impressive literary career spanning decades. Her accolades include:

Author of ten poetry collections, including the National Book Award-longlisted "The Beauty" (2015)

Finalist for the PEN USA Poetry Award for "Come, Thief" (2011)

National Book Critics Award finalist for "Given Sugar, Given Salt" (2001)

Author of influential essay collections including "Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry" and "Ten Windows: How Great Poems Transform the World"

Translator and editor of significant works featuring historical poets, including "The Ink Dark Moon" and "The Heart of Haiku"

Episode Highlights

Laura's reflection on why this poem resonates in our current moment

The power of poetry to help process difficult emotions and experiences

How nature imagery can provide grounding during challenging times

The role of witness and testimony in creating meaning from struggle

About Midweek Pause for Peace

Midweek Pause for Peace is Laura Davis's regular series designed to provide listeners with a moment of calm and reflection in the middle of busy weeks. Each episode combines the healing power of nature imagery with carefully selected poetry, creating space for both emotional processing and nervous system regulation.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive beautifully curated poems, essays about life and writing, writing tips, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/

 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title

Midweek Pause for Peace: "Womanifesto" by Libba Bray - A Call to Action

Episode Description

Join Laura Davis for a special edition of Midweek Pause for Peace that breaks from the usual gentle reflections to deliver something designed to rouse and awaken. This week, Laura features "Womanifesto," a fierce and unapologetic poem written by bestselling novelist Libba Bray in 2017.

Unlike the typical pairing of nature imagery with contemplative poetry, this episode presents a powerful call for activism - a rallying cry that demands we not look away, but instead channel our anger into action and authentic voice.

Featured Poem

"Womanifesto" by Libba BrayWritten in 2017

Key Themes Explored

Reclaiming authentic voice and power

Rejecting societal expectations and constraints

Transforming rage into purposeful action

The cost of silence and performative femininity

Collective awakening and sisterhood

Breaking free from internalized oppression

The power of "unladylike" expression

Why This Poem Matters Now

Laura explains her choice to feature this provocative piece as part of her typically gentle series, emphasizing how sometimes we need to be stirred rather than soothed. The poem serves as a manifesto for women who are ready to shed the "good girl" persona and embrace their full, messy, powerful selves.

About the Poet

Libba Bray is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her bold, uncompromising voice in both young adult and adult literature. Her acclaimed works include:

The Gemma Doyle trilogy (A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, The Sweet Far Thing)

Going Bovine (Michael L. Printz Award winner)

Beauty Queens (L.A. Times Book Prize finalist)

The Diviners series

Under the Same Stars

Originally from Texas, Bray now divides her time between New York City and Paris. Her writing consistently explores themes of female empowerment, social justice, and breaking free from restrictive social norms.

Episode Highlights

Laura's reflection on we need fierce words right now

The difference between destructive anger and transformative rage

How poetry can serve as a catalyst for social change

The importance of authentic expression over social acceptability

Creating space for the "messy, expansive, unraveled" parts of ourselves

About Midweek Pause for Peace

Midweek Pause for Peace is Laura Davis's regular series designed to provide listeners with a moment of calm and reflection in the middle of busy weeks. Each episode combines the healing power of nature imagery with carefully selected poetry, creating space for both emotional processing and nervous system regulation.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive beautifully curated poems, essays about life and writing, writing tips, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

I hope you enjoy this Midweek Pause for Peace. Each week, I pair a beautiful image with a poem—a little something for your heart and your nervous system.

—Laura Davis

Episode Overview

In this transformative episode of "Pause for Peace," host Laura Davis explores Chelan Harkin's profound poem "November 6" - a rallying cry for finding our inner strength when everything seems to be falling apart. Laura reflects on how this poem reminds us of the inner strength that lives in all of us, and how we just need to find a way to tap it. This midweek pause reminds us that our deepest challenges often awaken our most powerful potential, calling us to rise and find the indomitable light within.

Featured Content

Poem: "November 6" by Chelan Harkin

Theme: Rising from collapse and finding inner strength

Format: Poetry reading with inspirational commentary

Duration: Midweek pause episode

Key Themes Explored

Inner Resilience: Discovering strength we didn't know we possessed

Rising from Devastation: Transforming collapse into fuel for growth

Collective Support: The importance of reaching for each other in difficult times

Light in Darkness: Embracing our luminous nature during challenging periods

Integrity Under Pressure: How trials test and strengthen our character

Indomitable Spirit: Finding that which cannot be defeated within us

Episode Highlights

Opening reflection by Laura Davis on the inner strength that lives within all of us

Full reading of Chelan Harkin's stirring poem "November 6"

Exploration of how foundations crumbling can awaken our light

Discussion of burning through devastation to make it fuel

Message about not being afraid of the dark but bringing forth our light

Call to action: "Rise, and find the strength in your heart"

Guest Spotlight: Chelan Harkin

Chelan Harkin is a celebrated poet and inspirational speaker who explores the mystical connections among "the family of things." Her work focuses on:

Published Works:

Susceptible to Light

Let Us Dance: The Stumble and Whirl with The Beloved

Wild Grace

The Prophetess: The Return of The Prophet from The Voice of The Divine Feminine (newest work)

Expertise Areas:

Healing from trauma through poetry

Self-realization and personal growth

Cultivating wholeness and unity

Dismantling barriers that divide us

Mystical spirituality and connection

Speaking & Impact:

Chelan has shared her unique, inspired voice across the country, encouraging others to open their hearts and break down divisive barriers. She lives in Washington State with her children, Amari and Nahanni.

Connect with Chelan Harkin

Instagram: @chelanharkin

Find her published works and speaking engagements

About This Episode's Message

This poem serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges often reveal our greatest strengths. When everything external falls away, we're invited to dig deeper and discover the indomitable force that lives within us - our capacity to rise, to love, and to shine light in the darkness.

Reflection Questions

What hidden strengths have you discovered during difficult times?

How can you use your current challenges as fuel for growth?

In what ways can you reach out and support others during collective struggles?

What does it mean to you to "not be afraid of the dark"?

About "Pause for Peace"

Each week, host Laura Davis pairs beautiful imagery with meaningful poetry, offering listeners a respite for both heart and nervous system. These midweek pauses provide essential moments of reflection, healing, and inspiration in our complex world.

The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/ 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Overview

In this deeply moving episode of "Pause for Peace," host Laura presents Dorothy Oger's stirring poem "For Love" - a powerful meditation on choosing love and compassion even in the midst of personal and global turmoil. This midweek pause offers listeners a moment of reflection, healing, and hope through the transformative power of poetry.

Featured Content

Poem: "For Love" by Dorothy Oger

Theme: Standing for love in troubled times

Format: Poetry reading with reflective commentary

Duration: Midweek pause episode

Key Themes Explored

Resilience Through Love: How to maintain compassion despite personal struggles

Global Consciousness: Expanding our circle of care beyond our immediate surroundings

Hope in Dark Times: Finding light amid worldwide challenges

Presence as Power: The transformative impact of witnessing and open-hearted presence

Peace Through Poetry: Using art as a tool for nervous system regulation and healing

Episode Highlights

Opening reflection on offering presence and love in uncertain times

Full reading of Dorothy Oger's poem "For Love"

Discussion of standing for love "even with a broken soul"

Exploration of choosing light over darkness, love over fear

Message of hope for children's safety and open borders

Guest Spotlight: Dorothy Oger

Dorothy Oger is a trilingual coach, facilitator, speaker, artistic harvester, songwriter and poet. She is a deep listener who reflects complex experiences through poetry and intuitive drawing. She is skilled at creating a sense of safety and trust while encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone. You can learn more about Dorothy’s coaching, poetry and artistic work on her website.

About "Pause for Peace"

Each week, host Laura Davis pairs beautiful imagery with meaningful poetry, offering listeners a respite for both heart and nervous system. These midweek pauses provide essential moments of reflection, healing, and inspiration in our complex world.

The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/ 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Show Notes

Each week, Laura pairs a beautiful image with a poem—a little something for your heart and nervous system every Wednesday.

Episode Title: Hope as Resistance: Poetry & Peace with David Joseph Junior

Episode Description: Welcome to another episode of Midweek Pause for Peace, where host Laura Davis pairs beautiful imagery with powerful poetry to nourish your heart and nervous system. This week, we explore "Hope is a Form of Resistance" by poet David Joseph Junior—a moving piece that reframes hope not as passive wishing, but as an active, embodied practice of courage and defiance.

Key Themes Explored:

Hope as active resistance rather than passive waiting

The intersection of faith, justice, and healing

Poetry as a tool for processing grief and building resilience

The sacred nature of hope in difficult times

How hope becomes a weapon against oppression

Featured Poem

"Hope is a Form of Resistance" by David Joseph Junior

Key Quotes from the Episode

"Hope is not passive. It does not whisper only when the storm subsides. It roars in the middle of the flood."

"Hope wears work boots, not wings."

"Hope is not for the untested. Hope is for the bold."

"Hope is how we resist without becoming what we resist."

About the Featured Poet:

David Joseph Junior is a writer, poet, and storyteller who explores faith, identity, and the quiet places where God still speaks. He writes for "the wilderness-walkers, the midnight wrestlers, and anyone learning to breathe again." Find his work on Substack at Whispers & Wildfires, where "quiet words ignite bold faith, healing community, and justice."

Episode Highlights:

Laura's reflection on hope as embodied practice vs. wishful thinking

Analysis of the poem's powerful imagery and metaphors

Discussion of hope's role in social justice movements

The sacred responsibility of carrying hope forward

How poetry can serve as both comfort and call to action

Resources Mentioned:

David Joseph Junior's Substack: Whispers & Wildfires

Midweek Pause for Peace series archive

Connect with the Show: About "Pause for Peace"

Each week, host Laura Davis pairs beautiful imagery with meaningful poetry, offering listeners a respite for both heart and nervous system. These midweek pauses provide essential moments of reflection, healing, and inspiration in our complex world.

The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/ 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

Each week, Laura pairs a beautiful image with a poem—a little something for your heart and nervous system every Wednesday.

Today's featured poem is Don’t Hesitate by Mary Oliver.

Mary Oliver was a beloved American poet who won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Her poetry is known for its focus on nature, vivid imagery, and unadorned language. She found inspiration in the natural world and was known for her solitary walks in the wild. Don't Hesitate can be found in Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver.

You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive beautifully curated poems, essays about life and writing, writing tips, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

You're Invited on a Virtual Vacation to Bali:

Ready for a free virtual vacation to Bali? Join Laura Davis as she invites you along on her 10th sacred journey to this spiritual island. Experience temple ceremonies, meet traditional healers, and immerse in Balinese culture through her Substack posts and Notes. It's the next best thing to being there!

Plus: discover her handpicked July Substack recommendations as a bonus.

Laura's Five Substack Recommendations for July

The Feral Stack by Summer Koester: Cultural commentary for curious misfits @summerisferal, The Feral Stack

Forager Field Notes by Michelle Dowd: Healing through creativity for cult survivors@mdowd, Forager Field Notes

Everyday Ambassador by Annelise Riles: Global change through local action @Anneliseriles, Everyday Ambassador

For the Love of Nature by Sue Kusch: Essays on place and natural connection @SueKusch. For the Love of Nature

The American Pamphleteer: Truth-telling for rebels and resistersExclusive Writing Workshop Opportunities @ladylibertie1, The American Pamphleteer

Upcoming Memoir Workshops with Laura

In-Person Intensive Workshop:

Title: "The Art of Memoir: Crafting Compelling, Vivid, True Life Stories"

Location: Villa Maria del Mar, Santa Cruz, California

Dates: November 3-7, 2025 (5-day retreat)

What You'll Learn: Inner voice connection, healing through language, "story beneath the story" techniques

Registration Link: https://lauradavis.net/memoir-retreat-santa-cruz-november-2025

More Info: https://lauradavis.net/workshops

Online Masterclass:

Title: "How to Write About What You Can't Remember"

Format: 5-week interactive Zoom course with private Substack classroom

Schedule: Tuesdays, September 30 - October 28, 2025

Time: 12:00-2:30 PM ET / 9:00-11:30 AM PT

Unique Feature: Community feedback system via private Substack

Registration Link: https://lauradavis.net/online-memoir-course-fall-2025

Course Details: https://lauradavis.net/memory-memoir-workshop

You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/ 

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

Each week, Laura pairs a beautiful image with a poem—a little something for your heart and nervous system every Wednesday. 

Today's featured poem: At Albany Bulb with Elaine by Alison Luterman.

Alison Luterman is a poet, essayist and playwright. Her books include the poetry collections In the Time of Great Fires (Catamaran Press), Desire Zoo (Tia Chucha Press), The Largest Possible Life (Cleveland State University Press) See How We Almost Fly (Pearl Editions), and a collection of essays, Feral City (SheBooks). Luterman's plays include Saying Kaddish With My Sister, Hot Water, Glitter and Spew, Oasis, Touched, and the musicals, The Chain (with composer Loren Linnard), The Shyest Witch (with composer Richard Jennings, and song cycle We Are Not Afraid of the Dark (with composer Sheela Ramesh). You can find her at: https://www.alisonluterman.net/

You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/

Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive beautifully curated poems, essays about life and writing, writing tips, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.

You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe