Poetry as a Path to the Divine: Drew Jackson’s Journey of Faith and Writing

Episode SummaryIntroduction to Drew JacksonWelcome to the Living from the Heart podcast. Today, we are honoured to have Drew Jackson, a poet, speaker, and public theologian, known for his profound works such as God Speaks Through Wombs and Touch the Earth. Drew’s poetry has been featured in various esteemed publications, reflecting his deep commitment to contemplative spirituality.A Contemplative JourneyDrew shares how his spiritual upbringing, particularly influenced by his mother, shaped his contemplative approach to life. He discusses how he discovered a sense of belonging within the contemplative tradition and how this recognition has deeply influenced his writing.Writing as Spiritual PracticeDrew reveals that his writing is, first and foremost, a spiritual practice. He began to write poetry as a way to process the tumultuous events during the pandemic, especially around issues of racial injustice. For Drew, writing became a way to explore questions, to sit with the tension, and to converse with both his inner self and the world around him.Inspiration and InfluencesDrew draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, from hip-hop artists like Nas to poets like Lucille Clifton and Langston Hughes. These influences are reflected in his poetic style, which seeks to capture the depth and complexity of human experience.Encountering the Divine Through PoetryDrew shares a poignant experience of encountering the divine through his writing, particularly in processing grief after the loss of his mother. Writing has allowed him to access deep emotions and to bring them to the surface in a way that is both healing and transformative.Living from the HeartWhen asked about the phrase “living from the heart,” Drew reflects on the importance of living from a place of union with the divine, where one’s deepest self is fully known and loved. For Drew, this means living authentically, free from the need to project a false self, and grounded in the knowledge of being beloved.A Closing PoemTo conclude, Drew reads his poem “I Think It Was Brunch,” a reflection on the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus, highlighting the transformative power of presence.Links:Drew’s website - Click HereNelson’s website - Click HereSoulStreamThe Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit soulstream926.substack.com