Create Calm with haiku

Forget Me Not by Linden O’Ryan

Emotional triggers can focus our attention on the past and future. Grounding in the present through haiku can invite our mind to calm. I use haiku when I start to get afraid while sailing, because it focuses my mind on my immediate surroundings; and building a five-seven-five syllable piece brings discipline. I often think of my breath or what is around me, and begin to create.

Deep breaths of sea air
Oceans of power within
Winds of change bring calm

My dear friend Janet uses haiku and Buddhist teaching when she begins downward emotional spirals.

Rejuvenated
Grace Humbled by all that is
within and without

You can try a five-seven-five syllable method as we did above or contemporary haiku with one to four short lines with asymmetry. The important aspect is trying to stay present and returning to haiku if your mind strays.

One of my favorite haiku poets is Kobayashy Issa, who writes:

Now we are leaving
The butterflies can make love
To their hearts desire

Make your own haiku with this free download. Place it in a notebook, journal, or in your own Knowing Acts workbook. Then make a PACT to return to this or other ACTs if you feel overwhelmed by emotions.

Remember: what we focus on expands; focus on calm.

Please join the conversation; we would love to hear from you! Have you written a haiku, or do you have a calming ACT or thoughts on Knowing Acts to share? If so, please comment below. And if you like this blog please subscribe below and pass it on. A singular act of compassion can have a profound impact through generations. You never know whom you might inspire or where your inspiration may lead.