Pause for Peace: Kindness

Episode Title: Kindness: A Midweek Pause for Peace with Naomi Shihab Nye

Episode Description: In this week's Midweek Pause for Peace, Laura Davis shares "Kindness" by acclaimed poet Naomi Shihab Nye. Laura pairs the poem with peaceful imagery in her signature style, exploring the deep connection between loss and the capacity for tenderness. This episode offers a moment of grounding for anyone who has found compassion on the other side of grief.

What Laura Covers in This Episode:

·       Laura introduces Naomi Shihab Nye and reflects on why this poem resonates so deeply

·       Laura explores the poem's central idea that kindness is learned through loss and sorrow

·       Laura reflects on how grief can deepen rather than diminish a person's capacity for connection

·       Laura offers listeners a grounded, imagery-paired pause for the heart and nervous system

About Host Laura Davis

Laura Davis is an acclaimed author and writing teacher with over 35 years of experience helping writers craft powerful, authentic stories. She is the author of seven books, including the award-winning memoir "The Burning Light of Two Stars," which won the BookLife Prize in 2021. Laura is also co-author of the groundbreaking book "The Courage to Heal."

Through her Midweek Pause for Peace podcast series, Laura pairs carefully selected poetry with peaceful imagery to support listeners' emotional wellness and nervous system regulation.

Each week, host Laura Davis pairs beautiful imagery with meaningful poetry, offering listeners a respite for both heart and nervous system. These midweek pauses provide essential moments of reflection, healing, and inspiration in our complex world.

Perfect for: Anyone seeking Laura Davis' signature blend of poetry and peace, those managing stress and anxiety, and listeners who appreciate thoughtful, heart-centered content.

About the Featured Poet

Naomi Shihab Nye is a Palestinian American poet, essayist, and novelist, born to a Palestinian father and an American mother; she spent part of her adolescence in Jerusalem before settling in San Antonio, where she calls herself a "wandering poet." Author of more than thirty-five books, including "Different Ways to Pray" and "19 Varieties of Gazelle" (a National Book Award finalist), her work explores cultural connection and shared humanity through everyday life. Her honors include Guggenheim and Lannan Fellowships and the Wallace Stevens Award. "Kindness" appears in "Words Under the Words: Selected Poems."

Learn more about Naomi Shihab Nye and her work at: https://poets.org/poet/naomi-shihab-nye

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