The Poetry Pharmacy

A wonderland of words, wisdom and wellbeing

Good times in Bishops Castle

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Dear Friend

How are you feeling today? I hope you’ve woken up in a good place, filled with peaceful Sunday vibes, if not, go back to bed I say! Make this Sunday all about reading, journaling, napping, sofa surfing, give yourself the day off!

I’m feeling high on life because I’ve just returned from a place so magical, it feels as though I’ve stumbled into my own personal wonderland. The Poetry Pharmacy, a store like no other, nestled in the charming market town of Bishops Castle, is a hidden gem that feels like a bookish dream come true!

Imagine a place where words become medicine, carefully curated to soothe, uplift and heal your soul. That’s exactly what I found here, and I’m excited to share all the delightful details of my visit with you.

From the moment I stepped inside this Aladdin’s Cave, I was immersed in a world where poetry and books are the ultimate remedy for the soul. Shelves lined with carefully selected publications, pages that invite you to lose yourself in their rhythm, and beautifully designed stationery, that makes you want to pick up and a pen and start journaling your heart out - honestly this store is a bibliophile’s paradise.

But what truly makes this place special is it’s “Poetry Pills” - a collection of small or large glass containers, filled with poems and affirmations, inserted in a pill, each one labelled for a different emotional or physical ailment. My mind was blown! Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating the challenges of menopause, battling stress or seeking moments of happiness, joy or calm, there is a poetry pill for you. I’m hoping Deb the owner can create a pot of pills for the emotion RAGE, I think it would make the perfect gift for my Rage on a Page students.

These poetry pills are a genius concept that elevates the power of words to a whole new level. For every feeling, for every state of mind, these pills offer exactly the words you need to read. And what a beautiful reminder that sometimes all we need is a little perspective shift - a moment of reflection through poetry - to align ourselves with inner peace and purpose.

For anyone who believes in the power of words ( and for those who are yet to discover it), The Poetry Pharmacy is a haven of bibliotherapy - which is the art of using books and poetry as healing tools. This makes for a beautiful compliment to all kind of therapeutic journaling and writing. Together, journaling and poetry offer a space where your mind, body and spirit can find nourishment in abundance.

For the past few years, words have become a kind of medicine for me, a tonic to soothe my emotional aches and untangle the knots in my mind. So you can imagine, from the moment I stepped through the door, I was mesmerised. I was secretly hoping I could stay there all day and be locked in for the night. Keep on dreaming Tan!

Beyond the poetry pills and the book-laden shelves, there is a small co-working corner, that’s as cosy as it is inspiring. Imagine spending your workday surrounded by poetry, books and the scent of fresh coffee. I could easily picture myself sitting there for hours, writing, reading, drinking coffee and watching people go by. Speaking of coffee, the gorgeous Poetry Pharmacy cafe offers delicious treats that are as nourishing as the words you’ll find on every shelf. It’s the kind of place where you can sit with a steaming cuppa, your journal in hand and let the world slow down for a while. Although I’m sure I’d end up chatting all day long to the members of staff, they were all so friendly and enthusiastic, well wouldn’t you be if you worked in this dreamy store?!

I left the store, not only with a pile of unique books, but with a deep sense of renewal. It was a reminder of how important it is to find those little moments of healing in my everyday life, and how words - when used with intention - can offer the remedy I’m searching for.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost or simply looking for a way to reconnect with your inner self, the act of reading and writing poetry becomes a lifeline, offering clarity and comfort in the simplest most profound ways. When you take the time to immerse yourselves in the words that resonate, you’ll unlock a kind of emotional alchemy. And that’s the magic that oozes out of The Poetry Pharmacy, a place where words aren’t just read, but where they are felt, lived and used to transform their visitors to a more positive state of mind.

As it’s Sunday Word:ship, I’ve curated a few therapeutic journaling prompts inspired by my visit to The Poetry Pharmacy…

1. What words or phrases have healed you in the past? Reflect on a time when reading or writing helped you overcome a challenge.

2. Write about an ailment in your life - whether physical or emotional, that you’d love a poetry pill for. What would the label on your poetry pill say?

3. Describe a place, real or imagined, where you feel the most at peace. What elements make it your sanctuary?

4. What emotions are you currently carrying that feel heavy? How can you begin to release them, one word at a time?

5. If you could write a poem to your past self during a difficult time, what would you say?

6. List five things in your life that bring you joy. Now write a gratitude letter to each one.

7. What’s the one thing that no longer serves you? Write about how it makes you feel and why it’s time to let it go.

8. Write a letter to yourself that encourages self-compassion. How can you use kind words to soothe your current state of mind?

9. Reflect on the power of renewal. What part of your life is ready for a fresh start, and what steps will you take to make that happen?

10. Create your own poetry pill by writing a short poem or mantra that helps you through tough moments.

I dearly hope this newsletter inspires you as much as my visit to The Poetry Pharmacy inspired me! Sometimes, all it takes is the right words at the right moment to remind ourselves that we’re capable of renewal, healing and so much more. Whether through reading, or reflecting, there’s so much power in the simple act of connecting with words. If ever you’re looking to take yourself on an Artist's Date, why not treat yourself to a day trip to The Poetry Pharmacy? Ooh and if you live near London, a new store just launched above LUSH in Oxford Street.

If you’re planning to visit Bishops Castle, you’ll love this quirky, cute market town, filled with a variety of creative entrepreneurs, cosy eateries, eccentric retailers and bustling hotel. There is a whole lot of love in the air, it’s a town curated by an enthusiastic community who obviously love where they live. So many of the buildings have been decorated with vibrant huge pieces of artwork, making the town a feast for your mind, body and soul!

Until the next time,

Take care and stay safe. xx

About me… I’m Tanya Lynch, a mother, a ridgeback owner and the founder of Ease Retreats.  I love what I do, collaborating with authors and creatives, hosting retreats in beautiful venues across the UK.  I’m also a therapeutic journaling coach and through my program Rage on a Page, I help midlife women channel their emotions into something more positive and creative in less than 60 days. Each Thursday I host an online journaling club called Journal with Ease and it’s free for paid subscribers to attend. If you have any questions about the benefits of therapeutic journaling, please reach out and connect. I’m usually on a beach walking the dogs, hosting retreats or hanging out here on Substack.