In mid-February 2018 I had the privilege of attending the first On Being Gathering (yes, as in On Being with Krista Tippett). In the redwoods of California, I met some of the most amazing individuals and heard from some of the people I admire most from Parker Palmer, David Whyte, Maria Popova, to Omid Safi and America Ferrera. I thought time and time again about writing a post to recap those incredible four days, but it never felt right. It was an experience that I shared with several hundred others from around the country and the world, but it was mine. And I’ve decided to keep it in my heart to continue to nourish my soul.
However. One thing that I have taken away is the practice of writing haiku. John Paul Lederach, who spoke several times at The Gathering, is someone who has committed his life to be a bridge builder in some of the most challenging situations around the world. He has made it a habit to write haiku as a way to remain mindful. Haiku is a simple form of poetry. 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables. But so much can be held in something small. Such is the rhythm of life. It’s not often that life comes to us with long-form poetic messages. Sometimes, yes, but more often life presents itself as monotonous, methodical, seemingly boring. But if we can notice the significance of each of those moments? That is where haiku has begun to exist for me. Noticing. Acknowledging. Being.
Below is a selection of haiku I’ve written since February. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it is significant. A daily reminder that every moment matters. Every line. Every syllable.
Perpetually
kind to ourselves – imagine
how the world would change.
*****
On Moving with the Cosmos
Where am I, if not
fully in this moment where
Everything exists?
*****
The Gathering
A simple call: Not
to begin, but to go forth
and keep on being.
*****
Sometimes life is a
certified mess, a massive
clusterfuck. Lean in.
*****
They call me a socialist as if it’s an insult
Share the power and
good fortune. Love my neighbor.
How else can I live?
*****
love is mystery
and familiarity all
mixed up together
*****
Self-acceptance is
a daily call to block out
the noise of the world.
