Using Poetry to Understand the Spirituality of Whistling

Creative Writing
"Using Poetry to Understand the Spirituality of Whistling"
Taught by Takudzwa Chikepe

In this workshop, "Using Poetry to Understand the Spirituality of Whistling", participants will embark on a unique journey to interpret the meaning of whistling and explore various types of whistles. The advantages of whistling include being easily understood by animals, especially birds, dogs, and sheep, physical relaxation, creating coded communication, enhancing focus and concentration, social connection, cognitive coordination for brain health, conveying emotions, mood enhancement, improved breathing, and stress reduction. Disadvantages may include varying social perceptions, inappropriate timing, cultural sensitivity, noise disturbance, and misinterpretation.

Poetry is revealed, as we navigate the space between the advantages and disadvantages of whistles and whistling; spirituality emerges as we contemplate on matters dearest to our hearts while crafting whistling-inspired poetry. Why were people created with the ability to whistle? One might say, "The ability to whistle is often associated with joy, playfulness, and a carefree spirit. It could be considered a simple pleasure that adds to the overall experience of life, reflecting the Creator's intention for humans to find joy in their existence".

Participants will have the opportunity to whistle, listen to selected music inspired by whistling, craft short poems from these songs; write poetry stemming from the whole experience, introspect and meditate, and contemplate the various spiritual dimensions this session may evoke. It is like finding a needle in the sand. This marks the second workshop aiming to inspire participants to discover poetry in music, musical elements, and all aspects of life-activating our spiritual, poetic, and creative selves beyond the borders and boundaries of our fears. Join us, also in the spirit and wisdom of Henry David Thoreau, who said, "When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times and to the latest."
*This will be a community workshop open to all. Non-Duke users, please email anna.wallace@duke.edu to reserve a place in the class.