How Wise They Are So They Can
Enjoy Work and Life
Since I was a child writing for my elementary school newspaper, I’ve always been fascinated by the simplicity and power of haiku. I recently reconnected with this five-seven-five syllable poetry in a conversation with my clever colleague and conscious connector Emile Paradis of RPM Advisors and The Referral Institute. That inspired me to write the Working with Wisdom haiku above.
Here’s what Emile shared about haiku in his blog. I hope you’ll read this and be inspired to write your own about who you are and what you do. Simplicity is often the best path to clarity.
Haiku and the Art of Business Planning
I was thinking this morning that what the world needs is more haiku. It’s just hard to find places where you can get a good dose of haiku when you need it. So, to help fill a glaring void, I’d like to talk about the benefits of haiku and, hopefully, encourage you to access your inner self enough to express your thoughts and stimulate contemplation.
Actually, what set this all off was “Mission Haiku: the Poetry of Mission Statements,” an article by Chris Finney in The Nonprofit Quarterly. Before you check off the ‘net, please stay with me a little longer.
We’ve all struggled with trying to create mission and vision statements that didn’t sound trite, lame and wordy, and that expressed the passion we felt for our business. Usually, however, these statements did come off as trite, lame and wordy, but we figured they were “close enough.” I’ve worked with a few hundred folks (myself included) and getting something down that really hits the spot is not easy.
Basically, poetry is a form of communication that requires focus and concentrates thought into a few, well-oiled words. That being true, haiku ups the ante and only allows three lines and 17 syllables. Talk about having to be concise, clear and to the point! Even if your haiku isn’t world class (read on), it is a great exercise in condensing your mission. It will express the essence of what you do.
Here are two attempts:
RPM Advisors-
Identify and Connect
With Target Markets
DISC-
Observing Others
Paths to New Relationships
Certainly not stuff that will bring tears or flashes of enlightenment. However, it made me consider the essence of my business, stripping away all the other “important” stuff I’m afraid to omit. The same stuff that confuses others (and myself) about the core of what I really do.
So, give it a try. You may feel a little stretched by the exercise but that’s a good thing, isn’t it?
Like Wise Emile Paradis
Who Get Me to Stretch
Sitting In Silence
Lingering in God’s Presence
Feeling God’s Peace
Simply Divine, Keith! Thanks for sharing.
My balance brings peace
to my home, work, world and self,
then I can give back.
Designed to impress
creating superb imagery
fantastic service
Beautiful, Yolanda!
Hmm, Jan. Your second line is eight syllables since imagery is three. Maybe replace superb with a one-syllable adjective?
A gesture, or smile,
and with it the grace of such
deep relaxation.
Creating clean ads
designed to communicate
business uniqueness
Helping a writer
Bring words to life on a page
To share with the world
You’ve got it, Audrey, Rick and Mimi! Try it out as your 10-second elevator speech and then pause for effect. 😉
I am a Spirited Woman.
Inspired. Empowered.
And alive.
Nancy: I love where you’re going with this! However, haiku is five-seven-five syllables.
How about:
Spirited Woman
Inspired, Empowered and
Joyfully Alive
Nothing is greater
Than empowering people
By helping them move.
Coach Tricia Molloy
Called out, “Come and have fun! Play!”
Please do! Now, Haiku.
Peace withnin myself
Seeking solace from God’s love
Nothing is better!
Best Wishes, Simon Shaw from
manifesting abundance