Hello, blog friends...
Autumn is a nostalgic season for me, and perhaps it is for you as well. Chilly mornings and cool evenings evoke memories that travel through the decades.
When I read Selma's poetry prompt for this week, to write a haiku poem, my memories took me to Japan, where I lived for five years. Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry.
During my time in Japan, I taught English and practiced Zazen meditation. I was captivated by the natural beauty of the country and the kindness (and patience) of the people. I learned Japanese Tea Ceremony, flower arrangement, and other Zen-related arts, while studying the language.
Zen is not a religion; rather, it is a way of life. It teaches one to be present, a state of mind that most of us struggle to maintain. This sense of presence is a way of seeing that frees us from judgment. I mention this because of a recent dream.
In this dream, I saw 6 or 7 monks standing in front of me. They did not speak. They just stared at me with kindness. I immediately understood why. I have been very troubled by the conflicts erupting across the world. When I saw the monks, however, I felt a deep sense of calm and peace. And I knew that I needed to bring that peace into my interactions.
I've never had a dream like this before. Usually, I don't even remember my dreams. But now, I'm trying to carry peace rather than worry and kindness rather than judgment. ❤️
My simple haiku is a response to the double rainbow that appeared over our backyard.
Autumn is a nostalgic season for me, and perhaps it is for you as well. Chilly mornings and cool evenings evoke memories that travel through the decades.
When I read Selma's poetry prompt for this week, to write a haiku poem, my memories took me to Japan, where I lived for five years. Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry.
During my time in Japan, I taught English and practiced Zazen meditation. I was captivated by the natural beauty of the country and the kindness (and patience) of the people. I learned Japanese Tea Ceremony, flower arrangement, and other Zen-related arts, while studying the language.
Zen is not a religion; rather, it is a way of life. It teaches one to be present, a state of mind that most of us struggle to maintain. This sense of presence is a way of seeing that frees us from judgment. I mention this because of a recent dream.
In this dream, I saw 6 or 7 monks standing in front of me. They did not speak. They just stared at me with kindness. I immediately understood why. I have been very troubled by the conflicts erupting across the world. When I saw the monks, however, I felt a deep sense of calm and peace. And I knew that I needed to bring that peace into my interactions.
I've never had a dream like this before. Usually, I don't even remember my dreams. But now, I'm trying to carry peace rather than worry and kindness rather than judgment. ❤️
My simple haiku is a response to the double rainbow that appeared over our backyard.
Have a wonderful week! Let's all find ways to laugh--and play. 😊
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