On a rainy evening, sitting quietly at his desk, writer Rashid Hughes found himself moved to write haiku, and in doing so discovered that three simple lines of poetry can do what formal meditation often aims for: slow the mind and open the heart. He makes the case that haiku is not just a literary form but a practice of presence.
Key ideas:
- Confusion Is Part of the Gift: Haiku does not demand a single interpretation. Sitting with uncertainty and wonder is itself a form of mindful engagement.
- Nature as a Starting Point: Hughes encourages readers to begin by stepping outside or settling into a favorite spot, simply observing colors, sounds, and what the heart notices.
- A Structure That Frees You: Starting with two connected observations and adding a surprising third line, then optionally following the classic five, seven, five syllable pattern, gives just enough form to let something true emerge.
Mindful.org offers science-backed mindfulness practices and expert insights to help people navigate stress, build resilience, and live with greater awareness and compassion.
