In 2016, #haikuforhealing created a community of poets on Twitter. Yesterday, I finally created an account on Threads and just now I put out a call for poets writers anyone who wants to join in for another round of healing. Is that even the best home for such a community? Are you there? I hope you’ll find me and join in, or let me know what’s a better home for our creative outlet.
Here’s the post that launched the original. These are the words that inspired me:
5 Insights for Recording Artists, Performers, and Creatives
1. Make Art for Social Change
2. Channel Your Pain into Art
3. If You See It, Say It, Sing It, or Sculpt It…
4. Be Visible
5. Collaborate
Here’s the video I put together for the 2017 #watchpaintdry movement (an alternative to watching the inauguration).
They aren’t haiku, but here are the beginnings of my healing (along with the banana bread I baked and shared with our neighbors yesterday):
Here are a couple of other offerings to help you move forward:
The Joy Workout: six research-backed moves to improve your mood.
The one song that slows my breathing and centers me every time:
Cathy has today’s Poetry Friday roundup at Merely Day By Day. She shares a powerful poem that encourages us to pick ourselves up (as soon as we’re ready) and “get back to the work.”
A(nother) Year of Reading 
Thank you for lifting my spirits with your words and images. I also love that piece of music. If you haven’t already seen it, Christopher Wheeldon choreographed a pas de deux to it. Here’s a link to two different performances of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VibqEWACdRo or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXu42eKb4f4.
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Thanks for this beauty. I’ve decided to just post beauty. I do not use threads, but I plan to stay on Instagram.
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Thanks for all, Mary Lee. Love the 5 insights, the calming music, your lovely poems. Much needed and appreciated!!
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I’ve given myself this week to just feel crappy about it all. Next week, it’s on to the long view. Thanks, Mary Lee!
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Thank you for the soothing music, Mary Lee, and I like the 5 insights. You reminded me that I was thinking about reposting all the Wellness Wednesday posts I shared after the 2016 election.
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Thank you for this post. My heart is broken as are so many.
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I love the idea of haiku for healing. I need it for this election and for me personally.
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I loved the earlier Haiku for Healing, & will think about Threads, Mary Lee. I’m so buy, unsure if I want another thing to check. I loved “the horizon beckons”! Hugs for all you do to support!
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Thank you for resurrecting #haikuforhealing. I am adding #haikuforresilience as well. Writing and creating are balm for my soul.
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Your words, Mary Lee are indeed words of healing and hope. The words are presented with powerful images, adding to their impact. Most timely in light of recent events.
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Thank you for this bit of calm to start my day, Mary Lee. Beautiful words and music.
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I love this invitation. I have feelings about Threads. I worked hard to get on Bluesky and I’ve just committed (in my mind and in my planning) to do more with Instagram. So I’ll be joining you there with #poemsforthepeople or some such. There is healing to be done, but I’m feeling like lining up the action. Is it okay if I share your brilliant brick wall poem around? It’s so, so good.
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Not sure what Threads is — but I’m definitely seeking the long view. Grateful to have a weekend with the simple joys of a 2 yr old who only wants to pick flowers, carry rocks, and read books in my lap. And yes, definitely succumbing to comfort food! Thank you for your poetry, Mary Lee. It soothes my heavy heart.
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Oh, Mary Lee, what a lovely piece of music this is. I’ve saved it for when I need centering. I’ve just listened to it and wrote my own #haikuforhealing on Threads, where I am sometimes, now that Twitter is no more.
I like the idea of the long view in your first poem. I have been trying to see the whole timeline of history and it helps me think of it like this too. I’ll watch for the light on the horizon.
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Adore your haiku! I think I’m in need of a daily innoculation of the Cs: curiosity, compassion, calm.
“And the light pours in” gives me sweet comfort.
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Mary Lee, thank you for always helping to find a way forward. Your challenge sounds like a good way to begin to find our footing again. I am not on Threads, but will be keeping an eye on Instagram for some of your updates (as I’ve seen a few posted there too). Thanks for encouraging a long view. That’s wisdom.
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Mary Lee, thank you. I haven’t joined Threads. Part of me just doesn’t want to add social media. But, I love haiku for healing and will be taking part.
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