Podcast Summary: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily Episode: 1295 – Wind Ode by Sharon Olds Host: Maggie Smith Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1295 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, guest host Maggie Smith takes listeners on a contemplative journey through personal reflection and poetic appreciation. Taking over from regular host Major Jackson for this episode, Smith shares her insights on processing stress and the therapeutic effects of physical activity, setting the stage for a profound exploration of Sharon Olds' poem, Wind Ode.

Personal Reflections on Stress and Healing

Maggie Smith begins by recounting a pivotal moment from her past, where her therapist imparted crucial advice during a period of intense grief and stress:

“Years ago, during a time of intense grief and stress, my therapist said something to me, something that I've carried ever since. She said, you can't think your way out of this. You need to find ways to process the stress your body, not just in your mind.” ([01:05])

Smith shares her initial skepticism about this advice but acknowledges its impact:

“I laughed. Would that actually help? But I understood what she was suggesting. I needed a physical release, a way to offload the stress I was carrying.” ([01:30])

The Therapeutic Power of Physical Activity

Embracing her therapist's guidance, Smith turned to running as a means to alleviate her stress. She describes the transformative effects it had on her mental health:

“I started running and lo and behold, it helped. I felt better, clearer, more focused, less harried. I slept better.” ([01:43])

Her morning routines involve running or walking, which serve as grounding rituals that help her stay connected to her surroundings and maintain mental clarity:

“I like breathing the fresh air and feeling the sun on my skin. I like seeing my neighbors pushing their children in strollers or walking their dogs. I like paying attention to my surroundings.” ([02:05])

Smith emphasizes the importance of sensory experiences in grounding herself:

“Sensory experience grounds me. It gets me back into my body and out of my head.” ([02:15])

Introducing Wind Ode by Sharon Olds

Transitioning from her personal narrative, Smith introduces the day's featured poem, Wind Ode by Sharon Olds. She describes the poem as an ode—a celebration and praise—that underscores the significance of attention as a form of love towards the world:

“Today's poem is an ode, a poem of praise or celebration. It reminds me that attention is a form of love. If you love the world, give it the gift of your attention.” ([02:30])

Smith encourages listeners to engage deeply with their senses and surroundings, highlighting the transient nature of life:

“We are only here on this planet for a short time. We might as well soak up every last bit.” ([02:50])

Reading of Wind Ode by Sharon Olds

Smith proceeds to read Sharon Olds' Wind Ode, bringing the poem to life with her expressive narration. The poem delves into the natural world's dynamics, personifying elements like water and wind to explore deeper existential questions.

Excerpt from the Poem:

“I saw the water ruffled like a duck, as if its ruffles arose from within. I saw clouds scudding across as if by their own will.” ([03:15])

The poem progresses to intimate observations and philosophical musings:

“Who is the mother of the wind? Who is its father? O ancestor, O child of heat and cold?” ([04:50])

Reflections on the Poem

After the reading, Smith reflects on the poem's themes and its resonance with her own experiences:

“Wind Ode invites us to ponder the elemental forces that shape our existence and our perception of the world. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the unseen forces that influence our lives.” ([05:00])

She connects the poem to her earlier discussion on grounding and sensory awareness, emphasizing how poetry can illuminate the mysteries of life:

“In sharing poems, we take a moment to pause and acknowledge the world’s magnitude, and how poets illuminate that mystery.” ([05:10])

Conclusion

Maggie Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of integrating poetry into daily life as a means of reflection and emotional processing. She acknowledges the collaborative efforts behind The Slowdown, highlighting the contributions of producers, composers, and the production team:

“This week's episodes of The Slowdown were written by me, Maggie Smith. The Slowdown's regular host is Major Jackson...” ([05:13])

Smith invites listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms, encouraging them to make The Slowdown a part of their daily routines for continuous inspiration and connection with poetry.

Key Takeaways

• Physical Activity as Therapy: Maggie Smith emphasizes the significance of physical movement in managing stress and maintaining mental health.

• Sensory Grounding: Engaging with the environment through the senses can provide clarity and reduce mental clutter.

• Poetry as Reflection: Reading and reflecting on poetry, such as Sharon Olds' Wind Ode, serves as a powerful tool for personal and collective introspection.

• Attention as Love: Giving attention to the world around us is a form of love and appreciation, enhancing our connection to life.

Notable Quotes

• Therapist's Advice: “You can't think your way out of this. You need to find ways to process the stress your body, not just in your mind.” ([01:05])

• Impact of Running: “I started running and lo and behold, it helped. I felt better, clearer, more focused, less harried. I slept better.” ([01:43])

• Importance of Sensory Experience: “Sensory experience grounds me. It gets me back into my body and out of my head.” ([02:15])

• On Attention as Love: “If you love the world, give it the gift of your attention.” ([02:30])

• Reflection on Wind Ode: “Wind Ode invites us to ponder the elemental forces that shape our existence and our perception of the world.” ([05:00])

About The Slowdown

The Slowdown is a daily poetry ritual hosted by Major Jackson, produced by APM Studios in partnership with The Poetry Foundation, and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. The podcast features a diverse range of poets, from Emily Dickinson to Amanda Gorman, offering listeners a moment of calm, inspiration, and connection with poetry each day.

For more episodes and to subscribe, visit slowdownshow.org or find The Slowdown on Instagram at @slowdownshow.