For many years, I practiced spoken-word poetry – and even have had the privilege of stage performance. What I learned from years of performing has been greatly used in my everyday life. I learned much about myself- but most importantly I learned how to use my own voice. Now that I have a job that is seemingly nowhere near the poets’ circle that I once found myself in, I am realizing that poetry and stage performance have helped me in other aspects of my life -including my current job.
Here’s how:
Spoken word can enhance your confidence at work.
Being a spoken-word artist has allowed me to have the confidence to approach a leadership role. I found a certain esteem in poetry that I don’t think I would have had otherwise. It gave me a sense of purpose and that allowed me to feel as though I could become more than what I once saw myself as. I am still learning to access that purpose in my current role, but I feel the remnants of my past poet’s journey still working in me.
Spoken-word poetry gives you a voice that you can still access.
As a person who didn’t realize her voice before spoken-word poetry, I can say that I am still reaping the benefits of finding it through spoken word poetry. The stage helped me to express myself, and as I find myself on a different stage, I still feel as though I can still access that voice when I need it.
Poetry can be the entry point to self-expression and expressing yourself in other venues – including workspaces.
Poetry – both written and spoken – is a form of self-expression and is personally the greatest benefit of speaking and writing it. From that place of expression, I’ve been able to gain the freedom I never had before. I am still learning all the benefits of self-expression at work, but at the heart of it is the platform that still resides within me.
All in all, poetry and spoken word have plenty of benefits you can transition into other roles in your life. However, many art forms can be used to strengthen you at work and other aspects of your life. Although my journey may have been different from yours, I think many can agree that art in society has greater benefits than just on a page or only on one stage.
How do you think art can benefit you in your everyday walk and life?