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Be Cool, Think Like a Poet
I’ve always been fascinated by poetry. I grew up in a tiny town in the far North of Russia with almost no knowledge of English, so I read only Russian poetry at that time. And trust me, Russian schools make you read lots of poetry.
Some poems stirred my mind, and I read them repeatedly until they were imprinted in my brain. Some poems left no trace in my memory. Some were on the exam and had to be learned, regardless of whether you liked them or not.
Poetry captivates our minds not only because it offers an unconventional account of the conventional. It promotes empathy and creativity, as well as makes us experience strong emotions. Besides, both reading and writing poetry can enhance “flow” experiences, improve social relationships, and help in the search for the meaning of life.
Ok, cool. If it was an article about the benefits of poetry, that would be the last sentence. But it’s not. Because I think there is something we can learn from the people who wrote all these beautiful, touching, and memorable poems. There must be something in the way they perceive the world, the way they think and stir our minds that are overflown with a shitload of everything.
I personally don’t think that poets are super happy people, so don’t take this article as a guide for a happier life. In fact, a poetic view of life can be pretty…
