Residents Get Creative
How putting pen to paper is transforming lives for CENS residents
We all know it’s good to talk. And we all know the potentially devastating consequences of bottling things up. But, men in particular sometimes find it difficult to confide in others. CENS is a charity that strives to build a supportive environment where people don’t feel judged and know that they are not alone.
Therapeutic Tool
So when one resident who found it too overwhelming to verbalise how he felt, began instead to express himself through poetry, we encouraged others to join in. Whether it’s chatting with a trusted project worker or putting pen to paper, exploring emotions and feelings can be a healing process for our residents. What’s more, being creative is a form of mindfulness and is said to put you in a state of ‘flow’, where you are completely absorbed in the moment. In celebration of World Poetry Day, we asked our resident poet if we could publish his work and to share how writing helps him.
Express Yourself
“I am always playing the joker and being the life and soul of the party, and that’s why I find it hard to talk about how I really feel. That’s why poetry is good for me. The words don’t often come but when they do, it just flows. Once I’ve got it all down on paper and read it back, it feels like a relief. I’ve released all this emotion in a positive way. I would say to anyone struggling to give it a go – it stops all the negative thoughts rushing around your brain.”
Patience
This is a poem of what I want to be: I want a business, a plan, a family.
To grow old with stories to share. For my children to ask me, why, when and where?
I want to show I’m worth my weight in gold
And have all I want before I become old.
I want to laugh again and find the one
Sit on the beach under the sun.
Going to move forward with positivity
Don’t rush things to happen, one thing at a time
So things fall together more easily.
One day, one week, one month, one year down the line.
Pace myself for the future, it will all become fine.
I’ll get what I want in life – something to call mine.
By Dale Westaway
