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My Unique Way
She Bleeds Sestinas takes readers on a journey to explore the intersection of spirituality and art and guides them on their own spiritual journey. Why was this an important book for you to write?
For about a decade, I taught yoga and meditation classes in San Diego. I taught people from all walks of life, all ages, all backgrounds. It satisfied me to witness the depth of peace and connection that we could all access together in a kundalini yoga class (a unique and demanding form of yoga). In those classes, I experienced an introspective level of human solidarity and interpersonal peace that I have not experienced in any other context in life. When I learned that the supposed “master” of Kundalini Yoga was a rapist, I stopped teaching, abandoned those teachings, and studied yoga philosophy to figure out what on Earth went wrong here! Writing poetry helped through grief, and it helped me to learn. When those kundalini yoga exercises as taught by yogi bhajan were not possible for me anymore, I used intellectual inquiry and critical sensitivity to approach yoga. When my corrupt teacher lost power and hold, writing sestinas in seclusion helped me make it through the grief.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this collection of poetry?
I needed to share the idea of the Rainbow Body that rare yogis and meditators can achieve through esoteric daily practices. Plus, I wanted to explore writing about reincarnation, the death process according to yogic wisdom, and the vital role dissolution plays in yogic perception and yogic ways of being. The ideas are esoteric and steeped in Eastern mysticism. The deep realms of yoga philosophy are esoteric, and I find that the only way for me to learn about the esoteric is to write. Also, kundalini shakti travels through the body in spirals. Sestinas are spirals. There were embodied poetics that I was attempting with connecting kundalini energy with writing sestinas.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I have an advanced degree in Chinese language and literature. I married a Chinese man and his family is my family. We traveled to China a lot. I have also studied Gurmukhi and Sanskrit. Learning other languages is humbling, but it does marvelous wonders for a writer writing in English. Learning foreign languages strengthened my mind, expanded my imagination, and inspired fresh ideas for me. I am wanting to learn Tibetan language next. I’d also love to speak Welsh, Gaelic, and Italian.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this collection?
In writing this collection, I set a goal that each poem should try to expose shadow dimensions of consciousness. I also set a goal that all the poems relate to each other. Also, each poem is a sestina, though many of them do break the rules of sestinas. Breaking the rules was also an important goal because the yogic austerities I had practiced for many years now felt like arbitrary dogma taught by a rapist. Naturally, I was feeling rebellious at the time, but I also need to find my unique way to approach yogic teachings and philosophy. Thank you for asking.
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Following characters from realms of the fantastic, sacred, ethereal, and realistic, She Bleeds Sestinas is an imaginative journey exploring the intersection of spirituality and art. A collection of poems which pairs Shaivite yoga practice with French formal poetry, this book offers a unique discipline to meditate and transcend grief. By imagining the poetic form of the sestina as the ideal companion for Kundalini Shakti—the powerful energy that moves up and down the spine in spirals—the connected poems seek to both enrich and derail the sincere spiritual seeker’s journey through daily practice.
She Bleeds Sestinas presents a unique perspective on spirituality, combining poetry and yoga to create a powerful tool for personal transformation. Both poetic and practical, it provides readers with the guidance they need to navigate their spiritual journey with grace and discipline.
She Bleeds Sestinas
Rebecca Jane’s She Bleeds Sestinas presents a tranquil journey of self-discovery, blending her morning yoga rituals with the craft of sestina composition by night. Over time, her affinity with yoga permeates her poetry, culminating in a collection ripe with profound meaning.
The book is thoughtfully segmented into thematic sections that progress from insights into the writing process to allegorical stories steeped in myths and legends. Each chapter imparts a distinct essence, such as in ‘Ghostwritten,’ where Jane dissects poem structures and openly shares her emotions about writing. She further explores open-ended narratives, presenting a broad spectrum of reflections that span ancient wisdom, personal growth, and her own tastes.
She Bleeds Sestinas is refreshingly original, showcasing a perspective intricately interwoven with Jane’s lifestyle. The poems gradually reveal more about her and her outlook on life, covering a broad array of themes, including nature, history, and philosophy. Particularly engaging is the continuity throughout her work, where collective reading provides deeper insights. Moreover, the prose encourages reflection while preserving an intriguing mystique, as evidenced in ‘Tell Us What You Think,’ where each question calls for careful consideration.
Despite its innovative and unique character, some portions of this collection may pose a slight challenge for some readers. Terms linked to Hindu teachings and myths may be unfamiliar to a broader audience. I think the addition of a glossary to clarify these terms might have enhanced the book’s accessibility, extending its appeal to more diverse readers. Yet, Jane’s poetry retains a clear and melodious quality. The synthesis of life lessons, yoga, and poetic form in She Bleeds Sestinas makes it an ideal read for those seeking contemplation and a connection to age-old wisdom.
She Bleeds Sestinas, with its special blend of creativity and insight, will undoubtedly resonate with those in pursuit of thought-provoking verses and an understanding of ancient wisdom. It is a collection not merely to be read but to be experienced, offering a window into a world that is both personal and universal.
Pages: 105 | ASIN : B0CBNCMJQZ
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