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My Zen Retreat...

2/19/2018

22 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
This week, poet Ronovan Hester offers a Haiku Challenge Prompt of Zen and Noise. If you are inspired to try Haiku, just click on Ronovan's name and you'll be led to his site where he explains the rules. Having practiced Zen for a number of years in Japan, this was a particularly  interesting challenge. 

I don't sit cross-legged anymore, nor do I focus on a koan (a special word or phrase). But, I do enjoy silence. I am drawn to prayer, to sitting quietly with the Divine; I appreciate nature, and to walking into its beauty; and, when I'm with a friend or loved one, there is a special silence that brings me into my heart. My poem is about the latter and is entitled My Zen Retreat.
  
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22 Comments
joem18b link
2/19/2018 20:12:13

well done.

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Gwen Plano
2/20/2018 08:43:27

Thank you, Joe. I really appreciate the encouragement. All the best to you!

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mnl (haiku cactus) link
2/20/2018 00:47:25

lovely,

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Gwen Plano
2/20/2018 08:44:35

Thank you, MNL. So lovely of you to stop by. All the best!

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john howell link
2/20/2018 07:43:21

Such a lovely thought, Gwen. A loved one or friend would be honored to know the result of their closeness.

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Gwen Plano
2/20/2018 08:49:48

Thank you, John. Some people have a way of bringing us to our hearts and they don't have to say much. Have a great day.

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Billy Ray Chitwood link
2/20/2018 09:03:50

Your haiku is so lovely, Gwen! I must respond:

Above the noise
Your Zen Retreat beckons me
Might I join you there?

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/20/2018 12:54:13

And your poem, beautiful. Thank you so much, Billy Ray, I'm honored.

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Davy D link
2/20/2018 11:28:31

A serene and atmospheric haiku Gwen. Sometimes peace can be found in the most unexpected places.

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Gwen Plano
2/20/2018 12:55:25

Thank you, Davy. I always appreciate your visit and insights. Your Haiku inspire me to keep trying. :)

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D.L. Finn
2/20/2018 11:54:41

Perfect. I've been in that place its beyond words yet you captured it.

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Gwen Plano
2/20/2018 12:56:36

Thank you so much, Denise. It's a beautiful place, isn't it. "Beyond words" indeed. ♥

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John Fioravanti
2/20/2018 12:07:23

Good poem, Gwen!

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Gwen Plano
2/20/2018 12:57:41

Thank you, John. I so appreciate your visit.

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Vashti Q link
2/20/2018 16:52:09

Hello Gwen! Beautiful. I loved the introduction and poem. <3

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Gwen Plano
2/21/2018 05:24:19

Thank you, Vashti. Big hugs!

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Natalie Ducey link
2/20/2018 20:36:58

This is nourishment for the Soul, Gwen. Thank you for sharing this lovely, soothing gem with us. XO

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Gwen Plano
2/21/2018 05:23:14

How sweet of you, Natalie. Thank you so much. ♥

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Jan Sikes link
2/20/2018 21:27:05

Exquisite, Gwen. The words and photo are truly, as Natalie said, nourishment for the soul! xoxoxo

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Gwen Plano
2/21/2018 05:22:25

Thanks so much, Jan. ♥

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Mukhamani
2/21/2018 07:22:39

Wonderful

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/21/2018 14:41:42

Thank you, Mukhamani. How kind of you to stop by and comment.

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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