the power of poetry

Troubled by questions all my life,

Like a madman I have been

knocking at the door.

It opened!

I had been knocking from inside.

~ Untitled poem by Rumi

Today I joined a webinar hosted by Inspired to Learn with guest speaker Ross Nichols, editor of Poetry for Coaching. This unique Anthology brings together poems and the stories entwined with them, written by coaches, counsellors and therapists to inspire others with their insights.

The session explored the value of poetry in coaching and and supervision. How it can help us when we need something a little different to reach new insight or connection.

It was striking how many people in the group (Ross included) hadn’t connected with or enjoyed poetry at school. Yet later in life, we began to discover how powerful it can be to express something complex, emotional or transformational in just a few carefully chosen words.

Poetry has a way of touching what ordinary language can’t quite reach.

Ross identified nine ways poetry can support reflection and growth which really stayed with me. Why might I turn to a poem? Because as a result...

I feel connected to another person’s experience.

I’ve gained insight into my own experience.

I am present to my emotions and able to go deeper into myself.

It helps me to reframe my experience.

I’ve gained a fresh perspective.

It has provoked new ways of thinking about myself and my situation.

It reminds me to appreciate my uniqueness.

I feel better equipped emotionally and spiritually for this stage of my life journey.

I’ve realised I’m not alone – others have walked the same path.

Each of these captures something of the quiet power poetry can have in a coaching or supervision space. It can unlock emotions, offer perspective and connect us with the shared human experience.

Sometimes a few lines of verse do what rational thought and logical analysis cannot – they speak directly to the heart, making sense of what felt inexpressible.

For me, the session was a reminder that poetry doesn’t need to be understood in an academic sense. It simply needs to be felt.

In coaching and supervision, that feeling can be the spark that opens a door to deeper reflection and meaning.

Therefore I leave you with an invitation... to re-read Rumi's short poem at the top of the page and notice of the nine outcomes, which resonates most with you?