What We Can Learn from Wild Geese: Mary Oliver and Using Her Creative Works for Therapeutic Purposes
In the realm of American poetry, few names shine as brightly as Mary Oliver. Known for her poignant observations of the natural world and her ability to stir emotions through her words, Oliver’s works have captivated readers for decades. Her poetry is not only a testament to the beauty of nature but also a source of solace and inspiration for those seeking healing and self-discovery.
Before we delve into the therapeutic potential of one of Oliver’s most beloved poems, “Wild Geese,” let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable woman behind the verses. Mary Oliver, born in 1935 in Ohio, had a deep affinity for nature from an early age. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, she sought solace in the woods and fields surrounding her home. This connection with the natural world would become a defining theme in her poetry.
Oliver’s poetry exudes a sense of wonder and reverence for the ordinary miracles that surround us. Her keen observations and ability to infuse the mundane with transcendent beauty have garnered her a loyal following. Interestingly, she often wrote while walking in nature, a practice that allowed her to immerse herself in the very subject she sought to capture in her verses.
Now, let’s turn our attention to “Wild Geese,” a poem that embodies the essence of Mary Oliver’s therapeutic power. This poem invites us to shed the burden of societal expectations and embrace our true selves. It reminds us that we don’t have to strive endlessly or conform to a rigid ideal to find belonging and purpose. The poem begins with a gentle assurance:
“You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.”
These lines serve as a profound reminder that we are deserving of love and acceptance just as we are. We need not subject ourselves to self-imposed hardships or suppress our desires to find fulfillment. Instead, Oliver encourages us to embrace the authenticity of our desires and passions, allowing our bodies and souls to revel in what brings us joy.
Furthermore, “Wild Geese” acknowledges the inherent struggles of human existence. Oliver invites us to open up about our despair, our loneliness, and our pain, assuring us that we are not alone in our suffering. She writes:
“Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on.”
This recognition of shared experiences fosters empathy and creates space for healing through shared vulnerability. The poem beautifully juxtaposes our personal struggles with the ceaseless motion of the world, reminding us that while we may feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things, we are still an integral part of the tapestry of life.
Now, how can we harness the therapeutic potential of “Wild Geese” in our healing journeys? Here are a few sessions that can be facilitated using this powerful poem:
- Letting Go of Expectations: Encourage participants to reflect on societal expectations they have internalized and explore how these expectations have influenced their self-perception. Invite them to write down their desires and passions, allowing the “soft animal” of their bodies to guide their aspirations. Emphasize self-acceptance and the importance of nurturing what brings them joy.
- Sharing Stories of Despair: Create a safe and supportive space for individuals to share their experiences of despair and loneliness. Use “Wild Geese” as a catalyst for conversations, encouraging participants to express their emotions openly. Through this process, participants can find solace in the knowledge that their struggles are not isolated but part of the universal human experience.
- Connecting with Nature: Take participants on a nature walk or organize a session in a natural setting. Encourage them to observe and reflect on the beauty around them, drawing inspiration from the sensory experiences. Have them write their own verses inspired by the landscape, invoking a sense of belonging and interconnectedness with the world.
- Imaginative Visualization: Guide participants through a guided visualization exercise, using the imagery from “Wild Geese.” Encourage them to visualize themselves as wild geese, soaring freely through the vast expanse of the sky. This exercise can help foster a sense of liberation, inviting participants to embrace their place in the world and acknowledge the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese” offers us a sanctuary of solace and self-discovery. Through its gentle words, it reminds us that we are deserving of love, connection, and fulfillment. By incorporating this poem into therapeutic sessions, we can tap into its transformative power and guide individuals towards healing, self-acceptance, and a deeper connection with the world around them. Just as the wild geese call to us, so too can Mary Oliver’s words call us back to our rightful place in the family of things.
