In November we celebrated Certified Listener Poet Cohort 12, as we gathered for a beautiful practicum poetry reading filled with compassion, insight, and the quality of deep reflection that continues to shape this community. Congratulations to our newest Listener Poets!
As we reflect on 12 cohorts of Listener Poets, we’ve gathered a few favorite insights from graduates in response to the question:
Looking back on your experience, what would you want to share with members of the next cohort?
“You don’t need to bring anything but your true self. Trust that.”
“Don’t get hung up on perfection. instead, get hung up on accuracy and honesty.”
“Learn how to hold a safe space. Be prepared for the uneasiness of vulnerability and the joy of connection. Open your heart before your mouth.”
“I’d encourage the next cohort to ‘soak it up,’ recognize the gift in being with strangers that have a passion for active listening and healing the world.
I would also ‘warn’ them that they will likely become more self-aware, insightful and open to their own needs for being heard by a compassionate listener and to be prepared for emotion and tears – which means the process is working.”
“Trust whatever guided you to take on this practice. A curiosity. A Conviction. An intention. Whatever part of you led you to apply. Let that piece of you know there’s so much you’ve already done to be a poet listener. The rest of the story is to keep listening.”
Upcoming Cohorts
This milestone closes our cohorts for the year, and we're really looking forward to a full year ahead:
- Winter Cohort 13: February 2-6, Monday through Friday, 10am-5pm ET (waitlist open)
- Spring Cohort 14 (traditional five-week course): March 30 - April 30, Mondays and Thursdays 3-6pm ET (spots available)
- Summer Cohort 15 (one-week intensive): June 15-19, Monday through Friday, 10am-5pm ET (spots available)
- Fall Cohort 16: September-October, exact dates TBA (interviews open soon)
If you're interested in joining a future cohort (or someone you know is interested), we’d love to meet with you!