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Allowing Now: A Book of Mindfulness Poetry
...And goodness knows
we are all as welcome
as we ever were here,
in the holy, flowing hold of now.
This is a book of mindfulness poetry, in the tradition of Mary Oliver, Maya Angelou, John O’Donoghue, the ancient wisdoms of Rumi and the most recent inspirational Instapoets.
The thirty poems in this selection are intimately alive to the teachings offered by the smallest life moment. Some, like the title poem, “Allowing Now”, address the topic of mindfulness head on, more explore related themes like self-compassion, inter-being and creative acceptance.
These thoughtful and lyrical poems do not shy from life’s challenges or pains, but explore with startling clarity and kindness the mysteries of daily experience. They remind us what it is to live openly and freely, as alert witnesses to the unfolding moment, and how to reach out to others from that place of presence.
Living like this is a practice Orna Ross teaches online through daily meditation and f-r-e-e-writing practice. Here her medium for mindfulness is the magical, mystical power of poetry.
Though we’ve only recently started to use this word for it, poets—and poetry readers—have always cultivated this magical and mysterious truth that lies at the heart of mindfulness.
When we move more deeply into the moment we’re in, dormant faculties waken. Insight, imagination, intuition, inspiration are all magnified. We see more, perceive more, know more.
It’s a miracle of recreation, the profoundest possible homage to the miracle of creation itself.
In this collection, you’ll find many poems that celebrate that miracle, poems about birth and rebirth, writing and creative flow practice, passion and perfection. There’s a selection of haiku, the Japanese mindfulness-moment poetry, and many tributes to nature. There are explorations and declarations of love, including a poem about why true love never hurts.
While not shying away from adversity or suffering, this selection of inspirational poetry takes you deep inside the perceptions of a poet for whom the everyday is always a treasury of creative
we are all as welcome
as we ever were here,
in the holy, flowing hold of now.
This is a book of mindfulness poetry, in the tradition of Mary Oliver, Maya Angelou, John O’Donoghue, the ancient wisdoms of Rumi and the most recent inspirational Instapoets.
The thirty poems in this selection are intimately alive to the teachings offered by the smallest life moment. Some, like the title poem, “Allowing Now”, address the topic of mindfulness head on, more explore related themes like self-compassion, inter-being and creative acceptance.
These thoughtful and lyrical poems do not shy from life’s challenges or pains, but explore with startling clarity and kindness the mysteries of daily experience. They remind us what it is to live openly and freely, as alert witnesses to the unfolding moment, and how to reach out to others from that place of presence.
Living like this is a practice Orna Ross teaches online through daily meditation and f-r-e-e-writing practice. Here her medium for mindfulness is the magical, mystical power of poetry.
Though we’ve only recently started to use this word for it, poets—and poetry readers—have always cultivated this magical and mysterious truth that lies at the heart of mindfulness.
When we move more deeply into the moment we’re in, dormant faculties waken. Insight, imagination, intuition, inspiration are all magnified. We see more, perceive more, know more.
It’s a miracle of recreation, the profoundest possible homage to the miracle of creation itself.
In this collection, you’ll find many poems that celebrate that miracle, poems about birth and rebirth, writing and creative flow practice, passion and perfection. There’s a selection of haiku, the Japanese mindfulness-moment poetry, and many tributes to nature. There are explorations and declarations of love, including a poem about why true love never hurts.
While not shying away from adversity or suffering, this selection of inspirational poetry takes you deep inside the perceptions of a poet for whom the everyday is always a treasury of creative
49 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2019
4 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Orna Ross
57 books245 followersOrna Ross is an award-winning historical novelist, poet, and founder-director of the global non-profit for self-publishing writers, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
An international bestseller, she enjoys book sales in 120+ countries worldwide and her awards include the Goethe Historical Fiction Grand Prize Award for fiction, Gold Literary Titan award for poetry, the Romantic Novelists Association's Indie Champion Award, The Writers' Digest's Top Websites for Writers, and The Bookseller's Top 100 people in publishing.
In what she describes as “the best move of my writing life”, Orna took her book rights back from her publishers in 2011. The experience has made her a passionate advocate for the commercial and creative empowerment of authors through self-publishing and selective rights licensing.
An international bestseller, she enjoys book sales in 120+ countries worldwide and her awards include the Goethe Historical Fiction Grand Prize Award for fiction, Gold Literary Titan award for poetry, the Romantic Novelists Association's Indie Champion Award, The Writers' Digest's Top Websites for Writers, and The Bookseller's Top 100 people in publishing.
In what she describes as “the best move of my writing life”, Orna took her book rights back from her publishers in 2011. The experience has made her a passionate advocate for the commercial and creative empowerment of authors through self-publishing and selective rights licensing.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 26, 2019
‘Allowing Now,’ is an exhilarating and thought-provoking selection of poems that speak to soothe the heart and settle the disquieted mind. The brilliance in selected imagery is evocative and pulsating, whisking the reader into the moment — the now of each word and every line. The poet’s introduction to the collection offers insight on mindfulness allowing for layered interpretations of her poems. Orna Ross has certainly rekindled my joy in celebrating the natural world, landscapes, the sacred, and the individual, in refreshing the soul with her ability to craft words and poetic lines that sing, dance and tell a story of hope and wonderment — connecting events and a sense of place. A keepsake collection to return to for mindful contemplation.
October 25, 2019
Allowing Now is not just a collection of good poetry. It is an exercise in wellness. It is not programmatic in any way, but its intentionality both provides space for, and evokes imagery of those everyday mundane glimpses of profound beauty that are typically overlooked, overrun, and driven past.
Slow down. Breathe deeply. Read a poem.
Slow down. Breathe deeply. Read a poem.
January 24, 2022
This was just spot on brilliant. Orna Ross was so very gentle and clear in helping the reader understand mindfulness and what one can accomplish by staying in the moment. I plan on using this book of poetry whenever I practice mindfulness. Kudos to the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2022
There is nothing like a moving piece of poetry. A poem that takes readers on a journey filled with imagery and tangible feelings is a comforting thing indeed. However, the most beautiful thing about poetry is that virtually every situation life throws our way can be addressed in a way that will impact readers, give them hope, and make them feel validated. Truly well-written poetry takes readers’ breath in the first stanza and keeps them captivated to the last line. Orna Ross’s Allowing Now: A Book of Mindfulness Poetry is a prime example of verse designed to captivate readers and make them feel heard.
This beautifully written collection of poetry provides readers with timely selections and gives readers tips for appreciating each poem. Ross is careful to explain that mindfulness poetry has quite a different purpose than most other examples of this genre. There is a specific way to approach reading and thinking when absorbing this work, and Ross breaks it down in no uncertain terms in the book’s introduction.
Readers who love haiku will be excited to see that Ross has included many in this style. Ross gives readers exquisite three-line gems that will stir not only vivid imagery but will inspire readers to try their hand at their own haiku. In addition, Ross’s work would make an excellent example for teachers to share with students in introducing this writing style.
“Here is Where: Salema Moods II” is my favorite of Ross’s longer works. As a melanoma survivor, I felt her words strike a chord. There is a certain level of sadness intertwined with hope in this particular selection. The rhythm and cadence are truly beautiful and lend themselves well to the poet’s goal of mindfulness.
Allowing Now: A Book of Mindfulness Poetry is heartfelt, moves readers, and spans a variety of topics. This thought-provoking collection will appeal to any poetry fan looking to delve into a complete body of work by a single poet. It is easy to absorb Ross’s entire book in a sitting, and it is perfect for a reread. In addition, Orna Ross gives readers something others sometimes lack–hope.
This beautifully written collection of poetry provides readers with timely selections and gives readers tips for appreciating each poem. Ross is careful to explain that mindfulness poetry has quite a different purpose than most other examples of this genre. There is a specific way to approach reading and thinking when absorbing this work, and Ross breaks it down in no uncertain terms in the book’s introduction.
Readers who love haiku will be excited to see that Ross has included many in this style. Ross gives readers exquisite three-line gems that will stir not only vivid imagery but will inspire readers to try their hand at their own haiku. In addition, Ross’s work would make an excellent example for teachers to share with students in introducing this writing style.
“Here is Where: Salema Moods II” is my favorite of Ross’s longer works. As a melanoma survivor, I felt her words strike a chord. There is a certain level of sadness intertwined with hope in this particular selection. The rhythm and cadence are truly beautiful and lend themselves well to the poet’s goal of mindfulness.
Allowing Now: A Book of Mindfulness Poetry is heartfelt, moves readers, and spans a variety of topics. This thought-provoking collection will appeal to any poetry fan looking to delve into a complete body of work by a single poet. It is easy to absorb Ross’s entire book in a sitting, and it is perfect for a reread. In addition, Orna Ross gives readers something others sometimes lack–hope.
October 30, 2019
Orna Ross's book 'Allowing Now'; A Book of Mindfulness Poetry is a collection of moments of presence, periods of inspiration and insight, and clear, deep observations of beauty and value in the everyday and the extra-ordinary.
It is the kind of book one will keep close, perhaps by the bedside, for dipping and delighting and drawing calm, joy and solace in our hectic world where allowing 'what is' can be a challenge.
Great appreciation for your talent and dedication, Orna, may there be many moments of mindfulness and a multitude of beautiful, carefully crafted poems.
It is the kind of book one will keep close, perhaps by the bedside, for dipping and delighting and drawing calm, joy and solace in our hectic world where allowing 'what is' can be a challenge.
Great appreciation for your talent and dedication, Orna, may there be many moments of mindfulness and a multitude of beautiful, carefully crafted poems.
November 1, 2019
This book is a collection of meditative moments. I've been using it to ease into my days, reading a poem as I wake. And letting it tuck me in as the last thing I read at night. Beautiful. Quieting. Layered with emotive wonder.
June 10, 2020
Great book on mindfulness.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews