From Nature's Wisdom to Personal Growth through Mary Oliver’s poem “Swan”

Abstract

Ecopoetry blends artistic expression with ecological awareness, exploring how nature impacts human well-being, development and behavior. Connecting with nature, often referred to as "nature connectedness," can lead to personal growth and change, positively impacting both individual well-being and environmental stewardship. Reading can be an effective intervention to foster nature connectedness and its associated benefits. Mary Oliver is one of the most well-known poets drawing inspiration from nature. Her poem “Swan” connects readers to the natural world through vivid depictions, challenging them to think about their own lives and journeys of transformation. The poem was selected for bibliotherapy using the Hynes and Hynes- Berry (2012) criteria and it was analyzed through their model which offers a structured pathway to deepen the therapeutic engagement with the text. The poem’s structure mirrors a dialogue, creating space for diverse interpretations and personal meaning, and its themes encourage readers to integrate new perspectives, prioritize moments of awe and actively seek growth and purpose. “Swan” can act as a catalyst for self-reflection, emotional processing and personal growth, serving as a valuable tool in various bibliotherapeutic contexts.