The right words
A haiku is an unrhymed Japanese poem; a fixed 17-syllable form where the first and third lines are composed of five syllables and the second line is composed of seven syllables. It is commonly written on a subject drawn from nature.
If you’ve been sharing my blog for some time, you know how much I am inspired by nature. Recently, I’ve found myself in a period of uncertainty where I’ve been questioning my life; where I’m headed; what’s next. I don’t have any answers at this point. There are more questions than anything else.
Perhaps it’s the winter season that inspires more self-reflection. Mother Nature works in mysterious ways and how can we not be affected by her?
In an effort to unleash some of what I’ve been feeling, I’ve composed and organized seven haikus into the following verse. I still don’t have any answers about the space I’m in. But this exercise helped release something. Instead of avoiding the “unknowing” I’ve at least been able to express it.
Everything but what
Here we go again.
Period of nothingness.
Anywhere but here.
Unforgettable.
The emptiness engulfs me.
I can hardly breathe.
Weathering a storm.
This pattern complicates me.
Bigger than myself.
Tangled in a web.
A radical difference.
Preliminary.
Stepping carefully.
Wonder where I’m going to.
Curiosity.
Empty crevices.
Preparatory stepping.
Someone needs a hug.
Searching for the truth.
I know not where it calls me,
Haiku, take me home.
Photo credit: Sudhamshu
When you’re feeling stuck what works for you?
Evita
Hilary
Joy
Linda
Megan "JoyGirl!" ...
Patricia
Tess The Bold Life
Tony Single
vered
{ 31 comments }
Hi Davina .. good for you to express yourself in poetry as you work along your path .. keep going, and I’m sure you’ll find your next destiny – your eyes are open, as is your mind .. the change of the festive season may well bring new revelations.
I love the 7 Haikus .. weathering the storm – you are weathering it and the stormy weather will recede soon ..
All the very best – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Kissing under the Mistletoe – how did it all begin? and Asterix! =-.
I’m 63, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, married and filled with supportive family and friends, yet still some days I ask similar questions of myself and personally I think it’s an inventory we have to do to continue to move forward and do more so we don’t miss anything.
Blessings on your journey, and you have a lovely blog.
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
.-= Dorothy Stahlnecker´s last blog ..What do the holidays mean to you? =-.
What works for me when I’m stuck is just what you’re doing — expressing the feeling of being stuck, and hanging in there while it resolves itself. Again, thanks for the tweet. Hang in there and try to enjoy life while you wait for the answers.
.-= Dot´s last blog ..Comment on 10 Ways to Accept Yourself by Dot =-.
Hi Davina,
The one good thing about the place you’re in is that some great expression — in poetry or prose — comes out. Of course it’s not happy, happy, but it is expressive! The well-spring of aaarrrrrgggghhhh! is deep.
When I’m in this space – and I kind of am now — I let it roll over like a wave, wallow in it a bit; and then before it goes too far, find a mood shifter: *talk with someone who knows me well and I can trust
*get out of Dodge — take a complete break from the norm for any length of time
*exercise
*remember and re-live the emotions and motivations of a high time of success in the past
* “Go Leo” as in Mr Minimalist at ZenHabits by picking one, 5-minute to do list item that will make you feel better
* see a healer, chiropractor, counselor — someone who can help you see from a different perspective
* Listen to songs that uplift the heart and motivate the mind
* receive a cyber-hug from someone ((CYBER-HUG!))
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Mythbusting and self defense =-.
I think art is the key to finding our way home. I know the stuck state is hard (me too) but sharing it doesn’t just release some of it… it inspires others who feel the same.
Thank you x
.-= Joanna Young´s last blog ..Essential Frames: 10 Ways to Frame Your Words =-.
Davina,
What a beautiful poem. Have never experimented with Haiku and my songwriting & poetry has been limited the last couple years – too busy blogging. You may have inspired me to try something, which is good twice because it invokes change.
I’m feeling from your poem that you need a big hug…coming your way.
Have an excellent holiday season, enjoy some nature, friends and be safe.
.-= simply stephen´s last blog ..simple irish cream recipe =-.
Hi Hilary.
Emotions and thoughts have a way of storming through sometimes, just like changing weather patterns. I find myself wondering if everything HAS to be figured out. I tend to enjoy a good thunderstorm… :-)
Hi Dorothy.
Welcome and thanks for your comment. This is such an excellent point you’ve made. Simple, direct and powerful. Thank you! Blessings to you.
Hi Dot.
It works wonders doesn’t it? In my experience I find I stop sometimes and try to hide from “it” when all “it” wants is to be expressed and let out. Expressing the feeling of being stuck is therapeutic. Cheers!
Hi Lori.
What’s interesting is that it didn’t feel “happy” in the process, but the process cleared the way. Writing is SO powerful!
Thanks for sharing what works for you. A lot of people try to deny when they are in this “space”. Having the wisdom to recognize it and actually look at it is half the battle. The imagery of the waves is therapeutic. I’m going to use this one in the future. Thanks for the cyber hug :-D
Hi Joanna.
Wow, thank you for this! Know what’s interesting here? You’ve inspired me to reflect on how so many tweets on Twitter are of inspirational quotes. Yes, they are brilliant but there are so many of them, I find myself turning the other cheek. But expressing the sense of stuckness as you’ve mentioned here can also be inspiring. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Brilliant.
Hi Stephen.
Thank you. I didn’t know you write songs. Cool! I’d love to “see” some of them. And maybe they will be newly written ones? :-) Do you sing too? Thanks for the hug. Hope you have a fantastic holiday too.
Such an interesting mix of optimism and pessimism. I’m curious too!
.-= vered | blogger for hire´s last blog ..Peanut Butter Cookies =-.
Never heard of Haiku. Interesting. As usual, your talent shines.
I feel the same as you right now. Out of sorts and stuck. I listen to my favorite music and get out every day. I go to the park and watch the birds in the pond and the dogs play in the ocean. A walk in the forest. It seems to help. I guess the imporant thing is to keep moving. You might not always move forward. When you are moving it is harder to stay stuck. Take care of yourself.
Hi Davina – this is brilliant as usual. And thanks for explaining the rules of Haiku. I’d like to have a try at it but I wasn’t sure how to start.
For me – morning pages is a good way to get things down – especially when I’m stuck. But I don’t always do them – trouble is, first time in the morning is my most productive time, so I have to make a choice.
I like writing short stories when I’m going through a bad time too but they’re all a bit dark. Even my teacher at junior school, when I was 6, said she wished I’d write stories with happy endings.
.-= Cath Lawson´s last blog ..What Would You Tell Your 12 Year Old Self? =-.
Hey Davina, thanks for sharing guidelines on how to write a haiku. It is obvious that you are very good at it! The one that you’ve posted here is very impressive and enlightening!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Christmas Greetings From Singapore Botanic Gardens =-.
Hi Vered.
You’re right. What’s interesting is that this all started out rather pessimistic and through the process of haiku-ing… optimism found it’s way in.
Hi Jim.
Writing haiku is a neat exercise. This was a good way to express the emotions and not become too attached or filter them. It’s like being able to put them out there so you can observe them where they aren’t so YOU. Sounds like you’ve got some good ways to keep yourself moving — all of which involve nature. Funny how that is.
Hi Cath.
Thanks. I bet you’d write some pretty awesome haiku. :-) I remember doing morning pages. I suppose you could make them your own — evening pages — and still make use of your productive morning hours.
There are a lot of stories with happy endings; they feel complete. Yet, with the other stories you mention you write, there is a haunting quality about them; something that stays with you.
Hi Evelyn.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed this. The feelings needed somewhere to go and the structure of the haiku helped to do that. Your turn :-)
HI Davina,
Your poetry and haiku is so beautiful.
I always find writing helps me when I’m stuck. Not necessary in the form of a blog post, but writing in my journal and asking myself questions. Then stepping away from those questions to contemplate the answers. I also find sometimes the first answer I come up with isn’t the true one so I continue to ask “why” until I get to the root.
And other times, I don’t question myself, but just “be”.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Happy Holidays To You & Yours =-.
As for me, I usually like to take a quiet moment to reflect and rethink about the situation I am in. I hope you can find inspiration and direction in your Haiku.
.-= BK´s last blog ..Living Life Forward =-.
Davina,
I love how your compilation of haiku’s lead us step by step through your experience. Right now blogging about my experience has been my healing creative release. Thanks for allowing us a peek into your creative life journey…clearly you are moving forward and gathering treasures of insight along the way.
gentle steps,
Laura
.-= Laura Hegfield´s last blog ..Darkness Provides =-.
Davina,
I love the way you are using your gift of words to explore your life. They create word windows that allow me to see the wonderful explorer you are. You are willing to look at uncertainty and yet find a sense of hope and humor in it. I find this journey inspirational. Do keep going with this. Thank you for sharing your poems and your life:~)
.-= Sara´s last blog ..Picture Story: My Turn Now =-.
Lovely writing Davina and I think the formula of Haiku makes expression more exhaling of the feeling… like a deep breath in form
The early Essene folks embraced this storm and made it into a spiritual practice – The Church Fathers canonized it into a specific season and it is now so masked it is hard to recognize… after the 12 days of Christmas (the magi story) comes a spiritual season called Epiphany…which are the days leading up to Lent. During Epiphany one is supposed to practice one of their God given talents ( maybe one they have been ignoring) and by practicing that talent and deep prayer (i.e. Jesus in the desert) or mediation one will find their pathway and direction…celebrated on Fat Tuesday…
Of course the practice became standardized and then has nearly passed out of the picture all together…such as the “religious” or “fertility” rites of Christmas….
Maybe Haiku is the discipline to reveal the pathway…?
Just what pops into my head….
.-= patricia´s last blog ..Peaceful Service – Practices of Peace =-.
Hi Barbara.
I agree. Writing gives the info/questions somewhere to land as opposed to swimming and recirculating through our thoughts. You’re right about the first answer not always being the “true” one. Sometimes the first answer creates even more questions :)
Hi BK.
Thank you. There’s nothing like the sound of silence; quiet moments are a luxury that I can appreciate.
Hi Laura.
That’s a great way to put it: the structure of a haiku helps to lay form to thoughts. Counting the syllables and “choosing” words does tend to lead you step by step through the experience. Writing is therapeutic and blogging, as you say is a great creative release. It helps to receive input from your readers too. Thank you.
Hi Sara.
“They create word windows that allow me to see the wonderful explorer you are.” Speaking of a gift of words, wow, I love this — you are a poet! Beautiful…
Hi Patricia.
I love your perspective about Haiku; that’s an interesting bit of spiritual history. I like how the periods flow together and like you say, “reveal the pathway”. Step by step, day by day… and with the haiku, syllable by syllable.
Hi Davina — I can definitely relate to that feeling of emptiness being engulfing — sometimes when my mind becomes totally silent, whether in meditation or just walking around, emptiness occurs as frightening, which helps me understand why I mentally chatter a lot. For me it’s been a matter of gradually allowing it for longer and longer periods of time and experiencing how liberating it can actually be.
Transitions are so awkward and unsettling, aren’t they. I’ve no answers, but do know that time brings new awareness, new things. Try to be easy on yourself during all the shifting.
I love your haikus and THIS one is particularly wonderful. A single poem out of seven separate ones. You are SO creative, Davina! Keep playing, experimenting, creating. It’s an art. It’s also therapy.
Hugs,
~Julie
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Nothing =-.
Hi Chris.
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here; a lot of people chatter to fill the space. I know some people that have to have the radio or tv on in the background because they can’t stand the silence. The silence can be LOUD… quite a concept eh? That’s great that you’ve eased yourself into it slowly.
Hi Julie.
Oh, thanks! It’s nice to “see” you :-D Writing IS therapy isn’t it? You are SO right about that. “Time brings new awareness,new things…” well said! Thank you.
Davina,
I haven’t written Haiku in years. The best thing to remember today in this moment is “you don’t have to know.” As you give yourself time and space allow everything to unfold by going with the flow. I also like what Julie said about being gentle on yourself.
Now beyond the advice…I’m here to support you in anyway that I can. Tess xo
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..True Peace In A Difficult Situation =-.
Hi Davina, what a beautiful poem you’ve written there. I used to be in poetry class but found it hard to express what was on my mind in simple verses. I admire you for being able to do that through Haiku. The poem has that “just let things be” feeling to it which I love. Thanks for sharing this. :)
Hi Tess.
Thank you. I hear what you are saying. I feel that I’m holding on to “something” resisting the flow. To be honest, I’m afraid that blogging is becoming lost to me and I don’t want that to be true.
Hi Hulbert.
Welcome. And, thanks for your comment. I found that the structure of the Haiku did help to give the thoughts a place to land. Go ahead and give it a try. It’s a great exercise. You might be surprised at what wants to be said :-)
I think you should buy a Harley (motorcycle) and just say screw it and live on the road…
Ok, maybe that’s a bit drastic.
I had a period where I was very lonely and depressed. It wasn’t until I met my wife that my life turned around. And guess where I met her? Match.com
Yep. It worked. We now have 2 beautiful children.
I think when the heart gets lonely, our emotions and mind really start to take a toll. The question is, what are you going to do about it?
Writing might put a band aid on it because you’re expressing yourself, but by the next day you’re right back where you started. Sometimes what can help bring people out of a slump is knowing they are doing something to better someone else’s life which in turn betters yours.
It’s the game of life, isn’t it?
Maybe that’s why we’re here. To play the game of life.
Ah crap, it’s 8am and you already got me thinking this deep! ;)
.-= John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s last blog ..Gift Ideas For Bloggers =-.
Hi John.
If I were handing out prizes for top comments, you’d be it! You made me tear up mister. I have considered buying a van and living on the road; seriously. But need $$$ darn it all. And… a partner in crime would make it EVEN better.
When the heart gets lonely it’s difficult to balance emotions; to stay positive, yet not deny the loneliness. We’re “supposed” to be able to be with ourselves and be happy as we are — I’ve got all that down pat. Being alone gets “old” after a while.
Where the sadness comes in is not being able to share with someone. As you say, “Knowing you are doing something to better someone else’s life.” And… knowing that there is also someone who wants to do something for you in return. It goes beyond casual relationships doesn’t?
Seems you do your best thinking at 8 am :-) Having a wife and children has made a difference in your life — adoring each other — that is priceless. You found what you were looking for. And, don’t you have a cat too? :-) Thanks again for your comment — you’re brilliant! Have a wonderful holiday season John.
.-= Davina´s last blog ..Haiku, Take Me Home =-.
Ahh…thanks! :)
You know, I don’t think we are “supposed” to be able to be with ourselves and be happy as we are. That’s not what our hearts tell us. Not mine anyway.
Hey, maybe I should moonlight as a bartender!
.-= John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s last blog ..Gift Ideas For Bloggers =-.
@ John…. or a life coach! :-D
Friendly unfolding
Vancouver blogging lady
thank you for your poems
Five syllables here
seven more syllables here
mountains are waiting
Granville island rain
grey people sliding along
someone laughs out loud
crows at the crosswalk
guarding all they have in life
pecking at toupees
mountain hike alone
stillness in the tallest trees
Killarny Lake quest
fog on the ferry
fog on the fairy dances
the best yet to come
Stunning, eh?
:)
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..A Peanuts Christmas Song For You =-.
Jannie you are Cool. :-) This is so brilliant! Thank you for sharing your humour, wit and talent this past year. I love it. What a sweetie. I’m grinning from ear-to-ear right now.
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