Endless Open Heart: Collaborative Poetry and Image as Contemplative and Restorative Practice

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Pamela Richardson
Susan Walsh

Abstract

In this article, we share how during a time of retreat from our academic careers we engaged in a shared contemplative arts process that included two practices, the first being renga, or linked verse poetry, and the second being Miksang, or contemplative photography. Through our particular collaboration, we sought to co-create a space where healthy habits of mind and open-hearted awareness were nurtured through practices of spaciousness, restfulness, curiosity, and compassion. In this way, we manifested a process that has been restorative for ourselves and that is potentially helpful for other artists, teachers and researchers.


Keywords: poetry; photography; contemplative arts; collaboration; healing.

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References

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