January heralds a new beginning, a new year, filled with both reflections and expectations. For the past several years, I have challenged myself and others to start the year with a daily mindfulness practice — in the form of creating a haiku informed by something you have noticed or experienced during the day. I post my haiku to this blog, as well as to Twitter (@pamressler), Facebook (facebook.com/stressresources) and Instagram (@stressresources) using the hashtag #HaikuChallenge21 Haiku are micro-poems, said in one breath and steeped in observation. You may choose to follow the anglicized format of 5-7-5 (three lines, first line 5 syllables, second line 7 syllables, third line 5 syllables) or be more free form with your haiku.
During the ongoing pandemic, I challenged myself to dig a bit deeper in observation and have been creating a daily haiku ever since March 17. My daily haiku are simple, and are paired with a snapshot of something I noticed that day. If a whole month of daily haiku seems to ambitious why not try a day or two? As our worlds have shrunk, they can also expand as we notice and observe more deeply. Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and mindful new year…filled with observations and beauty.
reflecting on the past
observing in the present
ready for next steps