Our human ideas about ownership are pretty limited. You can see that from the look in the eye of this seabird I met. He was daring any human to say who really owned this shoreline.  Sometimes, we humans can get pretty territorial about our creative ideas and the things we make, too–art, writing, or perhaps a sacred pecan pie recipe.

I’m starting to get it: everything I make is meant to be shared. My brilliant ideas aren’t the result of brain power or effort. They come from somewhere beyond me, and must continue out beyond me as well. The point is, everything I make and do is not mine. I don’t own it. I can’t draw a boundary around it. Sadly, sometimes I try to do this, when I’m thinking in my limited way.

When I take a liberal, giving attitude toward my art, there is always more of it. There are new creative ideas, new projects, new works flowing to me all the time. If I start getting hung up on my ideas and what I feel I own, I soon grow stagnant.

What amazing idea came to you today, that you knew was not yours alone?

Whenever I read a beautiful poem, I feel nourished and warmed and I wonder why I don’t read more poems. The thing is, if we don’t have poetry in our daily routine, it’s hard to make a time and place for it. And it’s not exactly something we have to do. Ah, but did you know you can get paid to read poetry?

Not in dollars. But in lasting benefits. Reading poetry will bring you the benefits of more creativity, intelligence, peace, refreshment, and a stronger immune system. (Okay, I made up the part about the immune system, but I think it’s probably true.) Here are five ways to get more poetry into your life this year.

1) Have poetry OUT where you are. At the kitchen table, bathroom counter, refrigerator.  Place a poem at your place at the table (or at everyone’s place, for that matter), and leave it there all week. Open a book to a poem you like, and set down a stone to lay the page flat. Read when you eat.  If you take vitamins, take a poem along with your supplements.

2) Subscribe to the Writer’s Almanac. Read the poem of the day first thing in the morning (it shows up pretty early in your Inbox).

3) Go to a poetry reading. If you’re lucky enough to live in Portland, Oregon, January is our birthday celebration for the amazing poet William Stafford. There are 26 inspiring readings taking place around the area, sponsored by the Friends of William Stafford. Come to the reading I’ll be hosting at the Cascade Park Community Library on January 16!

4) Listen. You can hear poetry every day if you will really listen to lyrics of music you have on, or to your kids making up stories when playing. If you have a grandparent handy, notice the lilt of old phrases and quaint sayings.

5) Go back to your first favorite poem. If you haven’t thought of it for a while, find it. Put it in your email signature. Turn a phrase of it into a login password you use every day. Read it when you brush your teeth before bed.

Why deprive yourself? Poetry is calorie-free, adds brain power, helps you win at Scrabble, boosts your self-esteem, makes people fall in love with you, reminds you what is important to you, strengthens your intuition, aids you in making life choices, and introduces you to the most amazing people you’ll ever know.

Are you approaching your creative work with the attitude that you are nobody unless a certain outcome happens? This is how it is for a few characters from Carl Sandburg. Enjoy a glimpse at Rutabaga Stories.

I feel so lucky to live in Portland (the Washington side!) and enjoy our community of writers, poets, artists, and creative thinkers.  Today, everywhere I turn, I encounter creativity in someone who is sharing their wisdom.  After a 5 a.m. journaling session and a lovely nap, the day began with an email conversation with Laura Stanfill, fabulous editor of Brave on the Page, an exciting new book featuring local writers. Next, I nailed down my spring teaching schedule at Clark College, thanks to the patient and fabulous program manager, JoAnn Ames.  I shared a word with the inspirational Mary DeYon, author of What Does Love Have to Do With It.

I touched base, then, with my new web advisor, Alex at Threadesign, who made this new website possible with his top-notch skills and generous spirit.

If that wasn’t enough, I was then blessed to attend a poetry reading by the delightful, funny, and esteemed Matthew Dickman. I couldn’t take notes fast enough, trying to capture all my favorite phrases.

After these word adventures, I slipped in (a little late), to my watercolor class taught by the kind, talented Lee Baugham. There was chocolate to nibble, and I got some great advice on my painting from the gifted artist beside me.

And then, I went for a walk along the Columbia River, just as the sun was bursting from the clouds, dancing among the golden fallen leaves.

Lucky me.