Friday, July 6, 2018

Take a Break with a Walk-u


A Haiku is a short Japanese poem where nature links to human nature. It captures a moment and usually consists of 17 jion(Japanese symbol-sounds) arranged in a 5-7-5 pattern.

Rather than saying how a scene makes one feel, the poem reveals details that caused the feeling. 


Thinking in the rhythm of Haiku provides exercise for the mind. If you combine this concept with a walk in a natural setting, you will have a Walk-u. Study the Haiku form before you go, take a few with you. You do not have to follow it exactly in your three lines. Keep your senses open.

Take a walk for 30 minutes. Stop occasionally and write three lines. Look up and around and write three lines. Notice connections. See how many series of three line observations you can write in the time limit. 

Here's a day's Walk-u:

Shadows move on rocks
Tree sounds its branches upward
Fingers to tempt sky

Black crow interjects
Sunlight dances on stone paths
Scent of hope in breeze

Clouds hang on mountain 
Eager to chase each other
Sun catches my pen

The fence teases me
Slide under, or crawl over
Lavender beckons

Look up! Way, way up
Watch cloud form to toy with sky
Teach gulls to giggle


Anytime you need a break from work, writing or yourself, take a Walk-u.  You will return refreshed.

Turn off your computer and go for your Walk-u now.

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