Poetry Will Save the World

Poem, capstone recording, and two live readings from graduation

Poetry Will Save the World

I prefer not to make definitive or 
bold claims. But consider that this 
is neither definitive nor bold, just 
a noted truth. Not that the world 
needs saving. Not that poetry has 
a grand plan. Just that it is nearly 
impossible to act in violence when 
in full attendance of your life, 
which a poem asks of you to be. 
Just that an awakened heart, for 
which poetry is a key, has no desire 
beyond the greatest of desires— 
to love the earth, to protect its 
possibility, and then to pass it on, 
to let it all go. 

- Moudi Sbeity

Photo by Art Institute of Chicago on Unsplash

I graduated on Saturday with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University 🥳 This marks three years of committed work, three years I am grateful for, and grateful to have finished. My degree focus was Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling. That’s a lot of words to say an orientation towards the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of a person through a mindfulness framework. That’s even more words. Let’s just put it this way, I consider myself as a friend along the path. A contemplative guide ready with with a notebook, a pen, and poems. Recommendation to your loved ones and friends across the country is deeply appreciated 🙏 You can read more here: https://www.moudisbeity.com/consulting.

🎤 I had the honor of reading two poems at the graduation ceremony: In Praise Of and The Naropa Bow. Watch below starting at 1:21:40. I would also highly recommend watching Kirsten Wilson’s speech right before mine, starting at 53:40. A rousing delivery with a big heart.

🌱 And here is my capstone presentation for those who weren’t able to make it. I would change a few things about it, though I stand behind the heart of what I shared.