ABOUT THIS EPISODE
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
CONNECT WITH LAURA DAVIS
Join Laura's Community: Subscribe to Laura Davis' Midweek Pause for Peace series for consistent, nurturing content that honors both your need for beauty and your nervous system's need for calm.
The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support her work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. You'll receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully crafted reflections, prompts, essays on life and the craft of writing, and more.
Subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com/
Learn about Laura's writing classes, books, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe
