Spiritual Poetry That Heals: 10 Short Poems to Spark Curiosity + Wonder
Words carry energy, especially when they carry intention. These short poems won’t take you long to read, but they’re fueled by awareness and compassion — two of the most spiritual experiences I can think of. That’s why I consider spiritual poetry so healing: it can illuminate the path back to stillness and love, for both the writer and the reader.
“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring—these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” — John Burroughs
Spiritual poetry, which is honestly what I think most poetry to be, plants us in the moment. You can’t help but be totally immersed in the moment when you’re meditating on something that's right in front of you.
Presence heals. Acceptance heals. Curiosity heals. Stillness heals. Wholeness heals. Connection heals. Reverence heals. And all of that can happen through a poem. How wonderful simple can be.
Spiritual Poetry Heals: 10 Snippets from My Healing Journal
1. A miracle is known not by its fullness alone,
But by its emptiness.
Even a blank piece of paper is a miracle,
Like a sky is worthy even if
The stars are hiding.
— Whole and Worthy
2. A beam of light
Streaming through the window
Reminds me of who I am.
— Serendipity
Two of the most essential words you can speak are “I am.” The rest is just details that you get lost and found in.
3. Discomfort is a strengthening process,
If we let it be one.
Pain is an awakening,
If we can allow.
— Allowing
4. Enemies become friends
Deliberately,
Rarely by accident.
— Unconditional
5. Freedom tends to be about
What we release.
Clutter confines.
Space liberates.
— Freedom
Poetry opens doors that you didn't even know existed, the ones you can only see when you sink into life.
6. I take my steps slowly.
I like to feel my life
As I live it.
— Feeling
7. Crazy things can lead us down
New dirt roads.
If they’re paved with grace
Here and there,
They might just take us home.
— Dirt Roads
8. Hold love in your heart.
Let it go and do not hold.
Let it pour through your soul
And into your life –
Be happy to see it go.
Writing poetry is a brilliant way to heal because the poems don't have to be pristine to shine awareness on your life.
9. Carrying
Your own lantern is the
Best way to
Find the light.
— Be Light
10. This is who I am:
The rest between two breaths
And the space between each step;
The width of the sky
And the depth of the sea;
The invisible link between you and me.
— from I am
. . .
Tell me:
Which of these poems is your favorite?
Tell me in the comments. I read every single one, and I'd love to know!
With love,
Jen
P.S. Want to spend your time on earth in awe and wonder? Go visit my shop for prints of handwritten poems and other words of hope and heart. If you forget what matters or how much of a gift it is to be here at all, you’ll have something to remind you.
Comments on this post (10)
Love this so much …… 10 ❤️
— Clair Hill
Hi Daniel, you’re absolutely welcome to share this poem. You can cite it with my name, and yes “Whole and Worthy” is its title. Thank you!
— Jennifer Williamson
Want to share the first poem on this page as part of a report in a chaplaincy clinical pastoral education cohort I am in (seven people, confidential.) I understand that you wrote the poetry yourself in a journal and want to know the proper way to cite it (is “Whole and Worth” a published work?)
Thank you and blessings
— Daniel Geretz
Simon, thank you for asking! As long as you credit my name (you can credit healingbrave.com too if you want, but that’s not necessary), and you’re not selling the final product for financial gains in any way, you can certainly reproduce this poem for this event. I’d be honored to contribute to the cause! You can always email me (jen@healingbrave.com) if you want to send any photos or have any other questions! :)
— Jennifer Williamson
Hello again Jennifer! and l meant to say l would be happy to credit you on the place setting.
Best wishes,
Simon
— simon
Dear Jennifer,
I am the arts coordinator for Extinction Rebellion, an international movement of people concerned about the urgency of climate change. I read your short poem I take my Steps Slowly, and found it very affecting – concise and beautiful.
I would like to ask permission to reproduce this poem for a ceremonial meal we will have during a two week long protest in early October, where we will mourn the loss of species and biodiversity, but also celebrate the spark of life we each have.
This is how l would with your permission like to reproduce the poem:
The poem would be reproduced on a square of white cloth to be used to represent a place setting, on which is printed a black disc and the silhouette of a spoon. There will be 100 of these made. l will hand print them myself. I can send an image to give you an idea if you would like.
I will not use it unless l have your permission, and l will understand if you do not want it to be used.
If you would give permission, as a thank you I would be happy to send you one the the place settings, along with photographs of the ceremony.
Many thanks for your time, and your poetry,
Simon
Bristol UK
I take my steps slowly.
I like to feel my life
As I live it.
— Simon
Thank you so much, Embraze! It’s a peaceful feeling to know that you’re connected to everything, somehow even the “smallest” things <3 Jen
— Jennifer Williamson
Reading through all these mini poems are indeed renewing. The second one about ‘beam of light’ and serendipity is humbling. God bless
— Embraze
Hi Tobi, this makes me so happy! Thanks for telling me this and I hope your workshop loves the poetry as much as I loved writing and sharing it. :)
— Jennifer Williamson
Hi! I was just browsing to find some healing poetry I could use in a yin/reiki workshop, and I stumbled upon this page. Love the mini-poems about Freedom and especially the I AM one at the end. :)
Beautiful and thanks for sharing!
-Tobi
www.yogawithtobi.com
— Tobi