Day 11 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 11, 2025 Pamela Ressler

vermillion orbs

juxtaposed upon winter white

a splash of color

Day 10 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 10, 2025 Pamela Ressler

palette of winter —

intricate lace of branches

watercolor sky

Day 9 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 9, 2025 Pamela Ressler

windows rattle, shake

the wind howls and whistles

grateful to be warm

Day 8 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 8, 2025 Pamela Ressler

grateful for a pause

an unexpected still life

beauty emerges

Day 7 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 7, 2025 Pamela Ressler

welcome reminder —

be open to visitors

whenever they come

Day 6 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 6, 2025 Pamela Ressler

familiar faces

bid farewell until next year

new memories made

Day 5 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 5, 2025 Pamela Ressler

ribbons of wood grain

gentle patina of time

gifts from olive tree

Day 4 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 4, 2025 Pamela Ressler

shape shifting patterns

create chaos for the eyes

hard to look away

Day 3 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 3, 2025 Pamela Ressler

time-worn wicker chest

traveled across the ocean

filled with hopes and dreams

Day 2 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 2, 2025 Pamela Ressler

be bold, confident

belly-up to the buffet

act like you belong

Day 1 -- #HaikuChallenge25

January 1, 2025 Pamela Ressler

tenacious skaters

twirl and glide into new year

trusting in the ice

Welcome 2025 Haiku Challenge

December 31, 2024 Pamela Ressler

Happy New Year, Friends!

As we usher out the old and welcome in the new, January offers a perfect time for reflection and mindfulness. For over a decade, I have used this month as a chance to reconnect with the present moment through the art of daily haiku. This simple yet profound practice helps me pause, observe, and embrace the beauty of now. I’d love for you to join me on this mindful journey—even if you don’t write every day.

Haikus are more than just short poems; they are mindfulness exercises in themselves. Rooted in the present moment, a haiku invites you to notice the small details, embrace simplicity, and reflect on your inner and outer world. Traditionally, they follow a 5-7-5 syllable structure across three lines, but feel free to explore a more free-form style if that resonates with you.

I invite you to connect with me and share your haikus in the comment section of each daily blog entry on the StressResources.com site; on Instagram @pamressler and @stressresources; Facebook @StressResources, and X (formerly Twitter) @pamressler; using the hashtag #HaikuChallenge25. Let’s create a mindful community where we inspire and encourage each other... a mindful “call and response”—sharing observations, emotions, and the simple beauty of the present moment.

If you’re new to haiku, don’t worry! Start small by reflecting on something you see, feel, or experience today. A drop of rain, the warmth of a cup of tea, or the hush of a morning breeze—all these can become the seed for your mindful poem.

I look forward to sharing this creative and mindful practice with you, beginning tomorrow, January 1, 2025. Together, let’s welcome the new year with intentionality, one haiku at a time.

Take a Gingko Walk

October 7, 2024 Pamela Ressler

Are you looking for a way to add more mindfulness to your day? Why not take a ginkgo walk. Did you know that ginkgo trees are one of the most resilient types of trees. The ginkgo tree itself is a symbol of resilience, having survived for over 270 million years. Its strength, adaptability, and longevity are inspiring metaphors for how we can build our own resilience through mindfulness. Just as the ginkgo endures, so can we, especially when we practice mindfulness and embrace the present. Don’t worry if you can’t find a ginkgo tree in your neighborhood — any leafed tree will work, especially during these colorful days of autumn.

How to Take a Ginkgo Walk

A ginkgo walk doesn’t require any special equipment or experience. Here’s a simple guide to get started:

Find a Quiet Spot with Ginkgo Trees (or any other trees): If you live near a park or botanical garden with ginkgo trees, this is the perfect setting. However, even if you don’t have access to ginkgo trees, you can adapt this practice to any outdoor space with trees or greenery.
Begin with Deep Breathing: Start your walk by taking a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly, allowing your lungs to fill completely, and exhale gently. Use this as an opportunity to bring your attention to the present moment.
Walk Slowly and Deliberately: There’s no need to rush. Take your time, placing one foot mindfully in front of the other. As you walk, focus on each step and how it feels to move your body.
Tune Into Your Senses: Pay attention to the colors, sounds, and textures around you. Notice the way the golden ginkgo leaves sway in the breeze or the crunch of dried leaves beneath your feet. Engage fully with your surroundings, allowing each sense to anchor you in the moment.
Practice Gratitude: As you walk, take a moment to reflect on the beauty of nature and express gratitude for the present experience. Mindfulness often includes a sense of appreciation, and this can enhance your overall sense of well-being.
End with Stillness: After your walk, find a spot to sit or stand quietly for a few moments. Allow yourself to absorb the peace of the moment before returning to your day.