June: poetry
The first Tensie is all about calming the nervous system. This seems essential right now.
For ten days I will write daily haikus. Ten haikus in ten days. I am choosing this for a few reasons.
I want to start small and manageable. Haikus are famously small.
I have a hypothesis that haikus might offer the simplicity, focus, and observant presence that might help me regulate my nervous system and remind me of the small and precious. The details that are meaningful to me.
Lastly, the very notion of writing poetry and posting it online? That seems scary. Doing something scary always seems like the right move. 🤢
Recently, I was in the library browsing for books, and I stumbled onto one about haikus by Natalie Goldberg, Three Little Lines. I had already been thinking about haikus, and then this felt like a nudge to continue thinking.
I know that some of you, dear friends, know more about haikus than I do. A lot more. So I imagine people reading and rolling their eyes at my attempts.
But this is exactly what Tensies is for and about. Beginner’s mind. Learning by doing. Failing even. I’ll write up how it went at the end of the month.
Why not join me?
Write or read Haikus for ten days in a row. Or read poetry for ten days. Or try something else that might regulate your nervous system. We’ll circle up at the end of the month.