Spiritual Haikus
It’s been awhile since I’ve compiled some of my haikus. I continue to write them, though starting in late May, I have been sharing them less: I am considering putting them into a book or two.
I have been on recent travels to sacred places – something I do at least once per year, if not more. It becomes an incredible journey of connection, self-discovery and contemplation.
To that end, I thought it would be fitting to share some haikus with a spiritual theme. All the images below come from pablo.buffer.com, which, in turn, takes these Creative Commons images from Unsplash and Pixabay, among others. Alas, I do not usually know the creator of the image.
How to use these haikus
I write these as part of my own spiritual practice. It’s a wonderful way to reflect on what I’m thinking, experiencing, or feeling as I complete my meditation each morning. You can use that to inspire you to try your hand at writing your own. The challenge is simplifying your thoughts into three lines of five syllables, then seven, and then five syllables again. Usually haikus have some sort of natural element to them, but…I like to bend the rules sometimes.
Use them for meditation
There is an ancient practice of using “koans” (Japanese nonsense riddles) to contemplate. You can use the same idea with these haikus. You read one as you go into meditation, and then contemplate it. You can concentrate on one word, all the words, repeat the haiku over and over. When your mind wanders – as it will – just return to the haiku.
Another way you can use these haikus is to inspire you on your spiritual journey. Pick one as a kind of “quote of the day” and read it before you start your day.
Still, you can read them like quotes, or like regular poetry. You can use them to inspire you to change something in your life, such as simplifying, or creating space for more silence.
Whatever you decide to do, allow the experience to be a contemplative one.
21 Spiritual Haikus
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I hope you enjoyed these haikus & let me know what you think. Have a stellar day!
Beautiful Monday inspriation with these haikus and thank you for that. Hoping you are enjoying your spirtual travels and no need to worry about this comment. Just had to stop by to let you know I was thinking of you. Hugs and talk soon!! xoxo <3
Janine – thank you, sweet friend! I am glad you found them inspirational. My travels so far have been incredible. I’m with family now – and have a little internet so I can respond to comments. I wish you a wonderful, inspired week. Big hugs to you! xo
This is an interesting way to create and use haikus. Mine come from a similar space of quiet alignment. Enjoy your travels Cynthia!
Thank you, Brad. Good to see you.
Beautiful and inspirational! Thank you for sharing Cynthia. xo
Hello, friend! Great to see you. I’m glad your comment went through, too. I find it’s when WP pushes out updates and then they have to send out another update to fix, haha. Ah well, I appreciate your coming by!
Hi Lil Sis! I summed up this blog posting with three words: simplify, silence, and peacefulness. When my inner engine is running properly, I am in a quiet place where simple peacefulness washes over me. The trick is in returning to that place often and not becoming distracted by “stuff.”
I’m working on it, Lil Sis! I’m a work in progress, and I can live with that. 🙂
Hugs coming your way!
Big Bro! Your words of wisdom are awesome! SSP – that is my new motto, thanks to you. Simplify, silence and Peacefulness. SSP – that’s me! lol. You are a model of peacefulness. You might be busy with the farm and chickens and family and writing, but these are all introspective activities that induce a calm state of being. The distraction of stuff. Oooh…I feel a blog post idea coming on. lol
I am a work in progress, too. Moving forward together. Sending you hugs!
Very helpful! I feel so much better reading these and following the breath. The photos are perfect!
JoAnna, hey, hey! Great to see you. Yes, follow the breath. It will always take you Home. Thank you for coming by!
Please let me know when you publish these into a book, dear Cynthia. I know I will want a copy and can think of quite a few friends in my world who could also benefit fro your gentle wisdom, perspective and beauty.
Each haiku is meant to be savored and contemplated – love these and love you even more. Hugs, Maria
Sweet Mar, I will let you know. I have been coming up with some really fun ideas, and I can’t wait to see where they’ll take me. If you remind me, I will just send you a copy for all the beautiful things that you have done for me. Yours is also a lovely soul. I treasure the book that you sent me and I am reminded of it when I have friends who are in the nursing our medical profession and I tell them about it. And, indeed, each haiku is to be savored and contemplated – each one in itself, is meditation. That’s what I love about writing them. Ricky for your kind words, and I am sending you the biggest hugs from Ricky for your kind words, and I am sending you the biggest hugs from down and east. Hehe.