Writing to heal is about what you say, why you feel compelled to express it, and how you feel while and after you write it. Numerous studies have shown that writing is beneficial to our mental health. Developing and honing the ability to put our thoughts down on paper—or on a screen—helps us to know ourselves better.
Why is Haiku Ideal?
In my practice, I’ve used writing to help clients express their emotions and found that haiku is one of the best ways to do this. It’s short, easy, and can convey many different concepts.
You can keep it simple, or you can dig deep. You can write about pleasant or satisfying moments, called glimmers, or uncomfortable or painful ideas and feelings. Emphasizing the happy can keep you focused on noticing the good things in your life—like a butterfly on a flower or a fulfilling marriage—and help you feel gratitude. Attention to the challenging parts of your life can help lessen the emotional load you may be carrying as you “let go” of the tough stuff.
Peacefulness Through Haiku
In today’s fast-paced world, finding natural calm can be challenging. Science confirms that slowing down, taking breaks, and resting are crucial for our physical health and relationships. Writing haiku can help us achieve this peace:
an ocean of peace
can smooth the rocks in our soul
breathe waves of solace
Maintaining physical energy, mental clarity, and emotional balance depends on healthy habits like eating well, moving our bodies, and getting quality sleep. Haiku can help us reflect on these needs:
too much on my plate
my life is a banquet and
I’m already stuffed
I am a human!
not a machine! and I must
eat, sleep, move, breathe, love
What You Can Do
To practice relaxation and de-stress, focus on sensory experiences that bring comfort and calm. Consider what brings you peace through touch, sound, or smell. For example:
hammock love, rock me
baby like a woman, warm
cozy safe cocoon
Writing haiku can be a meditative practice, helping us tune into the present moment and find tranquility amidst the chaos of modern life.
For more information, check out my new book Healing with Haiku: A Poetic Exploration of Self.
ANNE HELFER, LCSW, is an integrative psychotherapist specializing in grief counseling, health and wellness and stress management. As a social worker and mental health therapist she has worked with children and adults, always with the goal of empowering all of us to live more authentically. She has a Master’s in Social Work from Syracuse University. A practicing yogi for nearly 30 years, she also teaches mindfulness and mediation practices. In 2016, she self-published the well-received book Eat Well, Sleep Better, Move More: A Journey of Self-Care. Her new book is Healing with Haiku: A Poetic Exploration of Self.
