Henry Shukman: How to Tell Stories Through Poetry | How I Write

David Perell interviews Henry Shukman, a poet, novelist, essayist, and long-time meditator, about his journey into writing and meditation. Shukman shares how an encounter with a tramp led him to writing, describing it as a way of experiencing the world more deeply. They discuss the importance of conveying emotional and spiritual experiences through writing, comparing it to Monet's impressionistic paintings. Shukman emphasizes the role of unconscious energy and letting go of control in the writing process, relating it to meditation and reigniting a recognition of mystery. He also shares a poem, "Frozen Lake," and discusses how poetry helps digest life experiences. They explore the balance between logic (Logos) and myth (Mythos), the fear barrier in creative work, and the value of literature in fostering empathy and overcoming shame. Shukman details how meditation has aided his writing by reducing control and accessing deeper parts of himself, and they discuss the importance of consistent writing practice and the role of place in fiction. The conversation concludes with Shukman reading another poem, "First Snow," and a discussion on writing from the heart and embodying experiences in poetry.