The idea of a 'Third Space' is a increasingly popular phrase, first coined by the sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book The Great Good Place. Fundamentally, the term refers to locations outside work and home where people gather for the pleasure of good company and conversation, but the meaning is swiftly becoming more subjective, more personal. After our recent newsletter, we have been reflecting on the value of these third spaces, and what it is that- beyond the textbook definition- makes a third space really feel like one.
Our answer, and potentially yours too, involves a feeling of comfort and calm; a refuge where time gathers, as opposed to running away from us.
The Poetry Pharmacy intends to evoke this in our day-to-day approach, and cultivate an environment where community and rest are second nature. For those seeking that ‘third space’ feeling, we have put together a short guide for making the most of what the Pharmacy has to offer; we hope these encourage you to sit, slow down, and unfold your day in our company and in the company of others!
-
A hot drink and a poem at the Dispensary café
At the Dispensary, we prescribe you permission to unwind. Our staff give a little poem to every café customer, with the aim of prompting an extra moment of respite while you refuel.
If a longer restoration is needed, the café is a perfect place to get cosy and leaf through some interesting books; some optimal pairings include herbal tea with a nature anthology, a creamy chai with an uplifting fiction, or some love poems with indulgent chocolate cake. Relax and listen to the soft music- music that settles you down rather than hurries you around.
-
Engage with workshops, readings and other events
The Pharmacy hosts regular events and social sessions at our shops, from open mics, to book groups, writing and other creative workshops and more. There is a variety for you to enjoy with family/friends, or go solo and meet like-minded people to expand your own bookish community!
Our Oxford Street bookshop has hosted a series of Poetry Walks: exploring literary London in small groups with editor Liz Ison, breaking out of our comfy bubble into the wider world. To hear more about upcoming events, sign up to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram.
-
Take a slow journey through the shelves
Unlike many bookshops, our books are organised by broad emotional states, for you to browse more by intuition than by any alphabetical list. The goal is to lead our readers on a journey across genres and themes that may not have been considered otherwise, and to focus on the warm feelings of literary discovery- rather than on shortening the hunt. Of course, if a specific book just can’t wait, our lovely sellers will show you where to find it.
-
Have a poetry consultation and receive a personal prescription
We offer personal consultations with our Shropshire Poetry Pharmacists, who will recommend poetry pills based on a thoughtful and considered discussion of your needs.
We hope that these sessions will not only provide you with the perfect literary medicine, but also inspire self-reflection and grounding. This is also a good option for when you can’t access us in-store, since we offer online consultations too!
‘I think the combination of being carefully listened to; being taken to idealised places through the ‘consultation’, putting your feet up on the chaise longue and then having a hand-picked poem is always a winning combination. Everyone loves it; it has an effect both light and profound.’- our founder, Deborah Alma.
-
Take part in our online courses and coaching
Another great option for those who are unable to visit our shops are the courses on our website, which are designed to provide participants a sense of shared creative growth. We hope to give space for writers and readers of all stages to fill your empty notebooks, engage with poetry or maybe expand your practice or simply pick up a new creative hobby!
In our newsletter, we reflected on the idea that a poem can be in itself a third space:
‘A poem offers a temporary but meaningful belonging- an interior space where reader and writer meet, and where the self can be both discovered and seen.’- Deborah Alma.
So to finish off our list, here are some ‘spacious’ poems which invite you in, encourage slow breaths and help you take a break from the hubbub.
________________________
The dream of my life
Is to lie down by a slow river
And stare at the light in the trees-
To learn something by being nothing
A little while but the rich
Lens of attention
- extract from 'Entering The Kingdom' by Mary Oliver
________________________
Here is my hut beside the hilly sea,
A sweet, small resting-place, so soft and warm,
Though framed by desolate immensity,
And rocked within the arms of every storm.
Each home where love abides is even so,
A steadfast joy beneath a changing sky;
And all the storms of life that round it blow
Are but its cradle and its lullaby.
- 'The Hut by the Sea' by Ethelwyn Wetherald
________________________
A pair of grey wagtails fly low,
gold-bellied, over the rushing river.
Their bodies translate water
to sunlight, sunlight to water.
Nothing is worth more than this day.
- extract from 'This' by Kathryn Bevis
________________________
And finally, here is a link to lovely visual reading of 'The Peace of Wild Things' by Wendell Berry
Written by Ifor Lawson
