Do you ever rely on your intuition when you’re at a crossroads? Today’s guest has trusted in this power for most of her life, and it’s led her to where she is today. Joy Harjo is a poet, musician, and author, and an inspiring female figure among Native American artists and the broader poetry community.

More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/poetry-listening-with-joy-harjo

Joy hit a major crossroads while taking her pre-med courses, where she had to decide whether to follow the more conventional path or commit herself to what she truly felt connected to. You’ll love her profound insights on the importance of listening and following your “inner knowing”, along with her tips for self-renewal and honoring your creative side.

Show Notes:
-What Joy was like as a little girl, how she coped with the unique challenges within her family, and the important relationship she built with her ancestors. [2:20]
-After music was literally taken away from her, the chance to attend an American Indian art school “saved her life”. [8:54]
-On the challenges Joy faced as a young wife and mother, and her process of building a better life for herself. [12:30]
-How she reconnected with art and started writing while attending medical school. [15:53]
-“I know beyond knowing that this is the path I’m supposed to take.” How Joy found the courage to follow poetry. [21:06]
-On connecting to your intuition (or “the knowing”), listening to the voices of your ancestors and your own spirit, and resisting the conventional path. [24:04]
-How Joy stays fluid while creating/performing across a range of artistic mediums. [29:30]
-Joy’s tips for paying attention to your creative impulses and making time for them. [32:50]
-Joy shares about the importance of learning to listen, changing your beliefs to open up what’s possible, and picking up the saxophone at forty. [36:38]
-“Perhaps the world ends here.” Joy closes by reading one of her gorgeous poems. [40:29]

References:
Majo's website – majomolfino.com
Joy's website – joyharjo.com

Music by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs – carolynpennypackerriggs.com

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