poet and MFA program director Tess Barry on reading as mindfulness, learning to hear your own voice, and the necessity of finding a community of writers ✨
What a beautiful interview! I love the idea of the "beginner's mind":
"The more I learn the less I know about poetry and writing, about the nature and mystery of the creative process."
This is the gift of the MFA program--a chance to enter the space of the beginner, in community with others. Thanks, Tess, for all that you do to create the space that makes it possible. 💕
Thank you Theresa. We are so proud of you and so looking forward to celebrating with you as you complete your defense and final reading at our June 2026 residency at Trinity College, Dublin. Your manuscript is so fabulous and I can't wait to hold your book in my hands.
So grateful to have you as part of our MFA community and we look forward to having you as part of our alums.
Thanks for your kind words Theresa and can't wait wait to see you in June in Ireland!
The James Baldwin quote, the writing prompt that could be dissected daily, and the mindfulness given space through nature, music, and words - this is what I learned in the MFA with Tess, that beauty matters and worthy writing reflects it.
Thank you Beth, you are a beautiful writer and person. Thanks for your generous words here and I hope to see you soon and hope you are writing. We are so glad to have you as part of our MFA alums.
Really loved the framing of mindfulness as “creating a space where you can open doors to the unexpected and beautiful.” And likening it to watching the robins’ nest!
What a beautiful interview! I love the idea of the "beginner's mind":
"The more I learn the less I know about poetry and writing, about the nature and mystery of the creative process."
This is the gift of the MFA program--a chance to enter the space of the beginner, in community with others. Thanks, Tess, for all that you do to create the space that makes it possible. 💕
Thank you for reading, Theresa, and for all you shared here! What Tess shared about mystery also struck me powerfully <3
Thank you Theresa. We are so proud of you and so looking forward to celebrating with you as you complete your defense and final reading at our June 2026 residency at Trinity College, Dublin. Your manuscript is so fabulous and I can't wait to hold your book in my hands.
So grateful to have you as part of our MFA community and we look forward to having you as part of our alums.
Thanks for your kind words Theresa and can't wait wait to see you in June in Ireland!
Amazing to hear more about Tess's process, of course not too surprising. The prompt! Mind blown.
Thanks for reading, B! I was so grateful to have a window into the behind the scenes. Need to try the prompt, too!
Thank you B! Miss and love you.
The James Baldwin quote, the writing prompt that could be dissected daily, and the mindfulness given space through nature, music, and words - this is what I learned in the MFA with Tess, that beauty matters and worthy writing reflects it.
Thank you for sharing this, Beth! How wonderful that you got to work with Tess in your MFA. She's amazing, isn't she?
Yes. It was a blessing.
Thank you Beth, you are a beautiful writer and person. Thanks for your generous words here and I hope to see you soon and hope you are writing. We are so glad to have you as part of our MFA alums.
Really loved the framing of mindfulness as “creating a space where you can open doors to the unexpected and beautiful.” And likening it to watching the robins’ nest!
Yes Violeta!! I actually thought of you when I read what Tess said about the robin’s nest! 🪺
Thank you Violeta for your kind words.
You and Violeta need to connect in Pittsburgh!! you are kindred spirit poets...xo
Spem in Alium is one of my very favorite pieces of music, & the thoughts on the meaning of "beginner's mind" resonated & helped. Thank you.
I’m so glad this resonated, Maggy! Tess shared so much wisdom. Thank you for sharing ✨
Thank you Maggy for your kind words. It is gorgeous music and so hauntingly beautiful.
Thank you for sharing this stunning music, Tess. I didn't know it and I'm listening now as I write.
I’d love to know more about those mail clubs b/c I love getting and sending mail!
Doesn’t it sound so cool? I’ll let Jessica know you’re interested!