Haiku Practice

Lectio Divina is a practice of “reading under the eye of God, until the heart is moved.” It’s the practice of reading slowly, with attention to words or phrases that “sparkle” up from the text, and pausing with intention to savor the words, with curiosity about what they might speak to your soul. It hit me this morning in my monthly Haiku group that Haiku is so similar. It’s pausing to see the moment, object, idea, or feeling. Then we hold it up to the light. See it from different angles and distill the essence into the container of seventeen syllables. Sometimes the three Haiku share a similar theme. It’s easy to discern. This month I didn’t find the theme, until we shared our reflections. I think you’ll see what unfolded were interesting themes and surprising overlaps. I found myself wanting to jot down phrases from the reflections written by Michael and Davin. The Invitation Grab a pen. Light a candle. The invitation as you watch is to note any words or phrases that stand out. Jot them down. Invite that word, phrase, or idea to walk with you for a few days. (I feel like there is a week’s worth of ideas that I’ll be exploring.) Maybe us that phrase as an invitation to writing your own Haiku? Use it to inspire a poem, painting or photo. I’ve been asked when I’m going to do a Haiku Workshop. . . Soon! Are you interested in learning about the practice of Haiku, some ideas for how to get started, and maybe even sharing a few of your own Haiku and responses? Let me know here. I’ll share more details via email. If you like these questions, please consider SUBSCRIBING to The Art of Powering Down; Questions to Recharge Your Soul… Every week there is a question that will gently challenge you, encourage you, or help you live your life with more intention, grace, and purpose. (Sharing these reflections and questions with friends is the greatest compliment!)

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