EP31 | Joy Harjo - The Power of Collective Healing

Thomas speaks with internationally renowned performer, writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States, Joy Harjo. They discuss the power of poetry to open our awareness, allow access to greater knowledge, and connect with other humans throughout history. Joy shares what drew her to poetry, and how her work is deeply rooted in her ancestral lineage. She and Thomas explore how to attune to the living ancestral field that we inhabit, and how to reckon with historical trauma through storytelling rituals and ceremonies. Joy also reads an excerpt from her 2021 memoir, Poet Warrior: A Call for Love and Justice, and shares two poems, This Morning I Pray for My Enemies, and For Calling the Spirit Back from Wandering the Earth in Its Human Feet. Key Points: 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Finding poetry and one’s divine mission 07:27 Reading snippets from Joy’s books 19:27 The significance of listening 21:38 Poetry as a doorway to the unknown 25:02 Conflict and humanity in storytelling 31:02 Creating fluidity and healing with words 37:59 Channeling your inner knowing 46:29 History never rests 51:41 How poetry and visual art amplify the abstract 57:40 Final thoughts Sign up for updates by visiting our website: