Pause for Peace: Instructions on Not Giving Up

Episode Title: Pause for Peace: Instructions on Not Giving Up — featuring a poem by Ada LimónEpisode Description: In this Midweek Pause for Peace, Laura Davis brings a poem by Ada Limón — former U.S. Poet Laureate and the first Latina to hold that position — that finds in the natural world an answer to the question we are all quietly asking. "Instructions on Not Giving Up" does not offer easy comfort. It offers something better: the sight of a tree deciding, after everything winter did to it, to leaf out anyway. Paired with peaceful imagery and a writing prompt, this episode is an invitation to find your own instructions.What Laura Covers in This Episode:Why Limón's vision of the natural world arriving after winter speaks so directly to this particular momentHow a poem can model resilience without demanding it — offering permission rather than prescriptionThe writing prompt Laura offers alongside this poem: an invitation to write your own instructions on not giving upAn introduction to Ada Limón, 24th Poet Laureate of the United States and National Book Critics Circle Award winnerAbout Host Laura Davis: Laura Davis is an acclaimed author and writing teacher with over 35 years of experience helping writers craft powerful, authentic stories. She is the author of seven books, including the award-winning memoir "The Burning Light of Two Stars," which won the BookLife Prize in 2021. Laura is also co-author of the groundbreaking book "The Courage to Heal."Through her Midweek Pause for Peace podcast series, Laura pairs carefully selected poetry with peaceful imagery to support listeners' emotional wellness and nervous system regulation.Each week, host Laura Davis pairs beautiful imagery with meaningful poetry, offering listeners a respite for both heart and nervous system. These midweek pauses provide essential moments of reflection, healing, and inspiration in our complex world.Perfect for: Anyone seeking Laura Davis' signature blend of poetry and peace, those managing stress and anxiety, and listeners who appreciate thoughtful, heart-centered content.About Ada Limón: Ada Limón is an acclaimed American poet and the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States, serving from 2022 to 2025 — the first Latina to hold the position. Known for her exploration of the intersection of nature, humanity, and personal emotion, she has published six books of poetry, including The Carrying, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. Learn more about her work at adalimon.com: https://adalimon.com/CONNECT WITH LAURA DAVISJoin Laura's Community: Subscribe to Laura Davis' Midweek Pause for Peace series for consistent, nurturing content that honors both your need for beauty and your nervous system's need for calm.The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support her work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. You'll receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully crafted reflections, prompts, essays on life and the craft of writing, and more.Subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com/Learn about Laura's writing classes, books, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe