Description
Book SynopsisThis book introduces haiku as a simple and effective way of tapping into the sacred moments that permeate everyday living. Starting with examples and practices that lead to writing a first haiku and then on to an overview of haiku conventions, the author invites us on a path to respond to the holiness that lives and breathes in the world around us. By capturing and writing down images of what makes us aware of holiness - particular moments of deep feeling, moments that make us feel alive and whole - writing haiku becomes a way of relating to the sacred through the "now" of this moment, just as is. Lively examples and simple guided exercises - such as haiku as prayer, haiku inspired by sacred texts and haiku that reflects religious seasons or holidays - offer a unique spiritual practice for a variety of audiences: · Spiritual seekers of any faith who may not have written haiku (or any form of verse) before but are open to exploring wordplay as a new path of spiritual practice · People curious about haiku writing who are looking for a simple and meaningful way to begin · Writers experienced in haiku writing who are looking for new approaches · Groups, teachers and religious leaders who are seeking new and effective methods for group experience and sharing (the book includes suggestions and practices for group use) · Prose writers or visual artists who want to explore spiritual imagery they can integrate into their creative work
Trade Review"With exceptional skill and elegance, Margaret guides us into the practice of haiku-making. As we awaken to the mystery of the moment, something splashes in our heart and we experience the Glow of Presence." —Imam Jamal Rahman, Interfaith Community Church, Seattle; author, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith: The Eye-Opening, Hope-Filled Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi and an Imam “Captures the heart essence of a moment and the feelings it evokes by paying attention to small things and honoring the sacredness of everyday life.” —Lucy Wynkoop, OSB, coauthor, Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and Awareness “Insightful and informative…. Enhances our awareness of our daily lives and the spirit that surrounds us.” —Stanford M. Forrester, editor, bottle rockets; author, the toddler's chant “Simple, personal and profound.... A convincing call into this ancient way of honoring moments as Holy.” —Nancy Barrett Chickerneo, PhD, author, Woman Spirit Awakening in Nature: Growing into the Fullness of Who You Are; director, SPA Sisters “Opens an important door wide ... instills a desire and ability to write what is essential and understand how it entwines with our individual spiritual practices…. It became irresistible not to try my hand at it.” —Sheila Bender, author, A New Theology: Turning to Poetry in a Time of Grief “Inviting and accessible ... beautifully breaks open the art of paying close attention to the world through the heightened language of poetry.” —Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, author, Wind, Water, Earth, Fire: The Christian Spiritual Practice of Praying with the Elements “Shows us how we can each enjoy intimacy with the divine in our everyday lives. Partake with Margaret McGee as she partakes of Presence, available to us all by fully paying attention to what is marvelously present. As it is.” —Gary Gach, author, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buddhism
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 CHAPTER ONE: The Heart of a Moment 9 CHAPTER TWO: A Simple Prayer 25 CHAPTER THREE: A Companionable Form 41 CHAPTER FOUR: A Sense of Time and Place 61 CHAPTER FIVE: Inspired Conversations 83 CHAPTER SIX: Haiku in Community 101 CHAPTER SEVEN: Haiku with Pictures or Prose 123 CHAPTER EIGHT: The Haiku Life 137 Acknowledgments 146 Haiku Resources 148 Notes 154 Suggestions for Further Reading 159 Credits 162 Index of Practices 167 Index of Poets 168
