Rupi Kaur on leading her readers on their journey of self-exploration
The poet, artist, and writer speaks about her new book 'Healing Through Words', what inspires her to write, and how she tackles nervousness.
It seems like Rupi Kaur has two lives; one day she is getting ready for the red carpet, and the next day she is running chores at her parent’s home in Canada. It is because of her life’s dichotomy that her empowered thoughts and messages have helped her connect with her fans. Born in Punjab, India, Kaur immigrated to Canada when she was a child. In her works, she vocalises discrimination against women, femininity, South Asian identity, and the search for love. Having spent a few days in Los Angeles touring for her book, Healing Through Words, she spoke to Harper’s Bazaar via Zoom, before heading to Latin America, Asia, and Oceania.
The tour ends in April, and only then would she have some time to rest. “I am sad because the last few months have been so much fun for me—at the same time, it will be good, as I will have ample amount of time to write my next book,” Kaur adds. Since the release of Milk and Honey in 2014, the collection has sold over 2.5 million copies in 25 languages, spending more than a year on the New York Times best-seller list.
Healing Through Words, which released last year in India, is a collection of long prose poems that will be very different from the first short ones that went viral on social media.
Kaur’s plate is full; she is writing and illustrating a children’s book, an essay, and even a memoir. “I have several books going on at the same time, but I never know which one I am going to finish first”, she shares. Kaur adds that her preferred platform is a novel, and other platforms, like television, too, interest her.
When it comes to her writing, the artist follows a sacred ritual to make the most of her mornings—so that she does not lose her writing vision. On usual days, she wakes up and enjoys her cup of coffee with a toast... But on tours, Kaur prefers beginning her morning with a special coffee, along with a side of sweets, as she picks up a notebook to write.
“When I am sad, I do not feel any hope. If that happens, I think: what is the point of writing anything? It’s never going to be good enough. Being happy does help, but I think what helps the most is feeling strong,” Kaur adds.“I notice that good things also come when you are happy.”
Music, Kaur believes, serves to inspire her just like the folk songs from Punjab. “It’s all this poetry that really inspires and helps me focus.”However, when she sits down to write, she can only concentrate if it’s instrumental... “In the setting where I write, I have candles, teas, cookies, and snacks—depending on the day. This session can last an hour or several hours,” Kaur adds candidly.
Before we say our goodbyes, the poet enthusiastically shares tips to get rid of nervousness... Like the day she met Emma Watson. “The minute I found myself getting nervous, I said, ‘stop it right now.’” And I remember it being one of the most beautiful conversations I’ve ever had. It was someone I looked up to, and it was a beautiful meeting.”
Kaur also suggests putting on some music and dance to the tunes to feel less nervous. “I travel with a sound box, and we have a private party for up to three people backstage,” Kaur jokes.
When it comes to inspiration, she reads The Alchemist, “everything is possible, just believe.” Singer Rihanna serves as an inspiration for the Canadian poet as well. “Without pretense, Cher, too, has become a huge inspiration for my world tour.”
And if there is one thing that she knows how to manage well, it’s the storytelling of the things Kaur gets into.
Healing Through Words by Rupi Kaur is available on amazon.in