We are so tuned out by the rapid scrolling, instant gratification, and constant noise surrounding us that we rarely take the time to stop and simply feel. Haiku, a minimalist form of poetry with roots in Japan, offers us a rare and much-needed invitation to pause. A haiku distills profound emotions through three short lines, capturing moments that often go unnoticed.
Miranda Leigh’s A Little Haiku is a perfect example of how this art form encourages us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with our emotions and surroundings.
The Power of Simplicity
A haiku typically follows a 5-7-5 syllable structure. It eliminates unnecessary complexity and allows our minds to focus on the weight of each word, each image, and each pause.
For example, Leigh’s haiku:
“Listen to the rain
What is it trying to say
Trying to explain.”
This brief moment captures the essence of introspection. The rain, often dismissed as background noise, becomes a voice. It urges us to listen to nature, to ourselves, to the whispers of the world that are usually drowned out by life’s distractions.
The Art of Noticing
Haiku demands attentiveness. A poet must observe the world with fresh eyes, finding poetry in the mundane. Leigh’s collection embraces this beautifully:
“A forgotten scent
Inhale the salty fragrance
Exhale ocean air.”
This haiku taps into the deep connection between memory and the senses. The scent of the ocean is an experience, a recollection, a feeling. Reading haiku trains us to notice such details in our own lives, making the ordinary extraordinary.
Embracing Stillness
In our fast-paced lives, we are often taught that productivity equals worth. But haiku gently reminds us that stillness is valuable, too. Leigh writes:
“Stillness unravels
I can feel the pause of life
Yet, I feel alive.”
This poem expresses a paradox—by slowing down, we become more aware. Haiku urges us to step away from the rush, to appreciate the quiet, and to find meaning in moments of rest.
Emotional Resonance
Haiku is about emotions, relationships, and the deep undercurrents of human experience. A well-crafted haiku can carry as much emotional weight as a lengthy novel. Leigh’s work reflects love, longing, and resilience in just a few lines:
“I can’t sleep without
You lying next to me, eyes closed
Breath and dreams aligned.”
Here, an entire story unfolds in three lines. We feel the comfort, the intimacy, and the subtle ache of absence. Haiku teaches us that feelings do not need elaborate explanations; sometimes, a single image is enough to convey an entire world of emotion.
Haiku as a Mindfulness Practice
More than just poetry, haiku can be a form of mindfulness. Reading or writing haiku encourages us to step away from distractions and engage fully with the present. It teaches us to:
- Observe: Pay attention to details in the world around us.
- Feel: Allow emotions to surface without overanalyzing them.
- Appreciate: Find beauty in simplicity.
Instead of rushing through life, haiku teaches us to pause. And in that pause, we find meaning, clarity, and a deeper connection to ourselves.
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, take a deep breath, observe a moment, and try to put it into a haiku. You may be surprised by how much three lines can teach you about the art of slowing down and feeling.You can now read A Little Haiku by Miranda Leigh on Amazon.
