I attribute the rise in mental health issues to the absence of poetry in society. It's vanishing not just from everyday life but unfortunately from schools too, both in the West and in Western-based schools in the East.
Teenagers are perpetually consumed by preparing for entrance exams to so-called prestigious institutions that ultimately lead nowhere. Alternatively, they spend their time swiping right and left on dating apps, seeking transient partners for fleeting relationships. Gone are the days of love letters, romantic courtships, and dancing under the moonlight while thinking about the one you love.
Psychological research shows that engaging with poetry and other forms of literature can significantly enhance emotional intelligence and empathy. A study by the University of Toronto found that individuals who read fiction regularly have higher levels of empathy and better social skills.
Poetry, in particular, can serve as a powerful tool for expressing complex emotions and processing experiences, offering a therapeutic outlet that is shockingly missing in today's education systems.
Furthermore, the American Psychological Association reports that creative activities, such as reading and writing poetry, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. In an age where academic pressure and social media are leading to increased mental health issues among teenagers, the lack of poetic engagement exacerbates the problem.
Let's welcome the next generation, who will likely be even more demented than ours.
A life that doesn't allow you to say "Ah ha!", "Wow!", or "Ufff!" after hearing Tagore, William Blake, Kabir, Bendre, or Masti, is as good as living in a coffin in a graveyard.
The absence of such moments of wonder and inspiration stifles the human spirit and deprives us of a deeper connection to our own emotions and to others.
Incorporating poetry back into our lives and education systems is not just about preserving art; it's about nurturing mental well-being and fostering a more empathetic, emotionally intelligent society.
Allow a little madness in your life to become sane again.
Chanshi Meditations
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#art #poetry #mentalhealth #wellbeing #meditation #awareness
