Today’s Haiku:
- Budding red maple
- Framed by the silent gray sky
- Welcome the spring snow
Haikus are quickly becoming an integral part of my sit spot practice. I have found this process of putting my experience into the short, concise form of a Haiku beneficial to expanding my awareness to what is happening around me.
I usually sit at my spot for 20 minutes. This is about how long it takes for my racing mind to begin to quiet down and the non-human beings to relax towards my presence. Near the end of my sitting, I turn to my journal and begin to jot down a few words. This free form writing process often results in a jumbled mess of random observation and feelings. Then, as I look at my page, I begin to pull out some themes and arrange the words into phrases. Some of it makes sense, some of it doesn’t. It is during this time that the Haiku begins to form. Then, with some time and patience, the 17 syllable arrangement magically appears.
Have you been inspired to write a poetry after spending time outside? Feel free to share!
What is the sit spot?
A sit spot is a foundational practice for many people who are looking to develop a deeper connection to the natural world. The sit spot is a place where you can go and be with nature. You use this spot to observe, investigate, and explore the natural world. It is a place that helps you connect to a place. A sit spot can be in the wilderness, but it can also be in the suburbs or the city.
The Wilderness Awareness School says there are three factors to consider when choosing your sit spot:
What to learn more about the sit spot? Check out the Wilderness Awareness School’s Core Routine section.
Naturalist Weekly 
It’s a lovely haiku. I enjoyed reading about your observation/quiet/writing process, too.
Thanks Priscilla! I am glad that you liked it.
Reblogged this on Meditation.Works and commented:
Another beautiful reason to take your meditation practice outdoors. Poetry writing! Have YOU been inspired by nature? And what a great way to add to your personal exploration of Mother Nature and your relationship with her. As always, Happy Meditating – and maybe even poetry writing!
Beautifully done.
Hi Anand, Thank you for your comment!
Hi Mark, Lovely photo of the pileated woodpecker. Is it your photograph? I like reading about your process for writing a haiku. Sitting and thinking, arranging words, but it is not necessary to still write haiku in 17 syllables.
I know what I was taught in school, and I also wrote haiku with the traditional 5-7-5 form for many years, working to get the right syllable count down; however, I have recently learned in the past several years of writing this poetry form that it isn’t necessary to be so regimented in the syllable count. Stay with the form if you want, but know that you don’t have to. For what it is worth….nan
Hi Nancy, Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I have been doing some research into the history and evolution of the haiku and have also learned that you don’t need to stick to the traditional 5-7-5 format. However, I am enjoying the structure and it is challenging me to really think about my words. Maybe after some more practice I branch out,
And, unfortunately, no that is a picture I took. You did remind me that I should change it as it was just something I sound for another post. I should have something that is mine up there. Thanks again!