David Hanig’s new book “Everything Bends Toward Love” is an exploration of grief and loss through the lens of the author’s experiences with spiritual practices.
A longtime student of mystical traditions, Hanig has practiced meditation for more than 25 years. The poems in this book reveal the influences of Jewish mysticism, Zen Buddhism and Sufism, creating a unique set of poems.
Hanig divides the book into three sections, delineating when the poems occurred in his life, as well as the spiritual practice that inspired the thoughts in the poem. It's an interesting approach to finding meaning, to explore our human desire for connection and self-knowledge.
I found the poems to be more of a dialogue between the author and his audience, instead of being what you might call classic poetry. The poems pose questions, sometimes with answers, sometimes resting on just a reiteration of the question itself. They are simple, yet compelling.
The poems grow in complexity throughout the book, seeking that connection and sense of self, and ends with the poem “Epilogue: Everything Bends.” “Everything bends indelibly in that direction/toward light/toward embrace/toward infinite union.”
What a lovely way to express the spiritual journey the book took the reader on. As we start to see the signs of spring in the sun making an appearance, the buds beginning on trees and the crocuses blooming, maybe some poems will arrive for you. Give yourself some time with pen and paper, and whatever spiritual practice lifts your spirit and see what happens. The changing of the seasons is an excellent time to consider your spiritual and writing practices and see what is working for you. Where are you finding connection and spiritual growth? Community?
Remember Mary Oliver’s advice: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do/with your one wild and precious life?”
Editor's note: David Hanig is a member of The JOLT News Organization's Board of Directors.
Amy Lewis focuses her column on the literary world of Thurston County, spotlighting writers, small presses, book artists, poets, and storytellers of all types. Contact her — amy@thejoltnews.com — if you have a literary event, book, or reading.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here