In this emotionally rich episode of the Suicide Zen Forgiveness podcast, host Elaine Lindsay sits down with poet Icess Fernandez Roja to discuss her debut poetry collection, 'The Opposite of Breathing is Cement.' The collection explores themes of identity, love, mental illness, and suicide. Icess shares her personal journey of overcoming suicidal ideation and how it led to writing poetry as a means of healing and reaching out to others experiencing similar struggles. The conversation delves into the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, providing support for those in need, and the power of finding and sharing hope through creative expression. The episode highlights the significance of talking about mental health openly and using one’s experiences to help others feel less alone. Icess's story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative potential of art in navigating the darkest of times.

00:00 Introducing Icess Fernandez Roja and Her Poetry on Mental Health

00:42 The Mission of Suicide Zen Forgiveness Podcast

01:25 A Deep Dive into Identity, Suicide, and Healing Through Poetry

08:29 The Journey from Darkness to Diagnosis

14:59 Finding Hope and Purpose Through Sharing and Connection

20:40 The Power of Kindness and Community in Healing

24:12 Using Art to Open Conversations on Mental Health

27:11 Revolutionizing Customer Service: A Personal Touch

28:23 The Power of Genuine Compliments

29:54 Breaking the Cycle of Robotic Interactions

30:50 The Impact of Positive Feedback

31:13 A Lesson in Kindness from a UPS Driver

33:06 Sharing a Poignant Poem

37:59 Navigating Depression and Suicide Ideation

40:15 Preemptive Measures Against Depression

48:11 Finding Hope in the Smallest Things

49:47 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Summary

Icess Fernandez Rojas is a highly acclaimed international writer, Houston educator, and former journalist. Her debut poetry collection, "The Opposite of Breathing is Cement: Poetry and Prose," delves into the intricacies of life, touching on themes of healing, identity, love, and mental illness.

A graduate of Goddard College's MFA program, Rojas's work has earned international recognition, gracing the pages of prestigious literary journals such as Queen Mobs Lit Journal, Poetry 24, PANK Magazine, Rabble Lit, Minerva Rising Literary Journal, and the Feminine Collective's anthology, "Notes from Humanity." Her compelling Houston-based story, "Happy Hunting," found a place in the esteemed "Houston Noir" anthology.

Her latest work is called: "The Opposite of Breathing is Cement: Poetry and Prose" and is available in bookstores and online now.

Notably, Rojas's nonfiction and memoir pieces have left an indelible mark in publications like Dear Hope, NBCNews.com, HuffPost, and the Guardian. Her exceptional contributions to the literary world have garnered her numerous accolades, including the Owl of Minerva Award, and she is celebrated as an alum of the VONA/Voices of Our Nation Arts Foundation, a Dos Brujas Workshop alum, a Kimbilio Fellow, and a member of the illustrious Yale Writers’ Workshop.

Website links: https://icessfernandez.com/

And the book links:

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144308727?ean=9798218280390

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Opposite-Breathing-Cement-Poetry-Prose/dp/B0CMC722QG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2IZGWDNJ15SV1&keywords=the+opposite+of+breathing+is+cement%3A+poetry+%26+prose&qid=1699935853&sprefix=%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-opposite-of-breathing-is-cement-poetry-prose-icess-fernandez-rojas/20765841