An Ode to Squidoo: Thanks to Victor Hugo

Hugo is known for novels and plays. This is as it should be, because he is a master at both. One of the meaningful things I did in Paris was to read the Hunchback of Norte Dame in the park just across from the cathedral, with the cathedral in view.

He has also written beautiful poetry, much of it in traditional styles.

On a trip to France, I learned of a mode of poetry that he created, one that can be used by all of us to write beautiful poems, to meditate, to pray or for therapy. I hope that many of you will use this for fun and for self awareness. It works individually and with groups. Try it and see what you can do.

8 lines about the same subject or 8 random line as they some to mind. Don't think too hard, or edit thoughts.

1. I love Suidoo

2. My first lens was a success!

3. I am becoming obsessed

4. My house is getting messy

5. Seth Godin is a genuous

6. I meet new people

7. People hear me

8. The most inexpensive hobby in the world

Mirroring the Wonder of Chartre

My first experience was in a group in France. Our last day together we stayed in Chartre to walk the labyrinth. We had been traveling together for a over week and had gathered to discuss our adventures. But instead of just having the typical discussion, the leader asked us to write 4 lines about our experiences.

She then asked for 8 lines from the group, people volunteered one line each. And then what happened was magic.

Using Victor Hugo's innovation we wrote a poem that touched each of us profoundly. Using random lines from some of the members, we wrote a poem that was a representation of all of our experiences.

Note: The spiritual practice of labyrinth walking is similar to the poetry. You follow a set path, yet feeling like you are wandering lost, and have an unique spiritual experience.

So Lets Do It

That first poem was wonderful. But, I figured, it only worked because we didn't know what was coming. I was wrong. I also thought it would only work in a group. I was wrong.

Note the order. Just take your own 8 lines, number them and followed the template.

Ode to Squidoo

1. I love Squidoo

2. My first lens was a success

3. I am becoming obsessed

4. My house is getting messy

2. My first lens was a success

5. Seth Godin is a genuous

4. My house is getting messy

6. I meet new people

5. Seth Godin is a genuous

7. People hear me

6. I meet new people

8. The most inexpensive hobby in the world

7. People hear me

3. I am becoming obsessed

8. The most inexpensive hobby in the world

1. I love Squidoo.

It Never Ceases to Amaze Me

This started as a simple lens to tell people how to use Victor Hugo's method to write poems and all the possibilities that ensue.

While demonstrating I decided to use lines about Squidoo.

That lead to my changing the title to incorporate the Squidoo angle.

I looked up quotes and found that Godin and Hugo shared thoughts, a century apart, that fit together.

Then in trying to find how to spell unconscious I found an interesting link which is posted below, under links.

Its a steam of consciousness.

Then I realize that both the Hugo poetry method and Squidoo are both best when people allow their minds to be free while still following a structure with intellectual and spiritual honesty

I then come up with yet another connection between the two methods. The biggest difference is that lots of people know about Squiddo and very few do about the Hugo poetry method, but then Squidoo helps me spread the word about Hugo's method.

It is becoming Quantum and I am thinking of butterflies.

I could go on like this, but I am breathless and my head is spinning. I must stop.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

I love reading novels in the spot where the story happens. I was thrilled to read The Hunchback of Notre Dame in the shadow of the cathedral.

Look beyond the page and you will see the shadow.

You Can Probably Think of More. Please Share Them With Us on the Guest Book

A group activity tool for group leaders

1. You can use it as an ice breaker, or for the wrap up.

2. Use it as a pre and post test for workshops. All kinds, no matter what the subject of the group.

3. Use it for all ages, kids, teens, old folks and everyone in between. If they can write or even say a line, they can do this.

Use for individuals

1. For fun

2. For spiritual discernment

3. For problem solving

4. Jeremy Taylor tells us that every dream has multiple layers. Get your dream journal, write down 8 lines from a dream, and see what you get. This should shake things up and stimulate new thought.

5. Or take lines from 2 to 8 recent dreams and do it. The cross pollination will be fascinating.

I followed this link from here and found this great lens which gives me another idea.

Taking one of Editor Dave's ideas, writing things down, you can just write down lines about the thought. Again, don't strive for great, or edit thoughts, just write them down. Then at the time or later, use the method and see what else comes up. Have some fun, get creative.

You have got to get the Action Figure.

And the books will be an education better than an MBA! I picked a few out, but Amazon will lead you to more. Buy them all!

A variety of videos by and about Seth Godin and Squidoo.

Some are serious and some are silly. But they are show tribute to a man who is the Guru of Viral Marketing.