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Skillshare

How to Write Haiku: Meditative Poetry to Honor the Human Experience

via Skillshare

Overview

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Join Top teacher Dandan Liu in this meditative poetry class that teaches you how to write haiku from its most traditional to modern forms. Learn how to embrace its spirit, which can transform the way you live your life.

So what is a haiku?

Haiku is the most popular form of poetry in the world. It is a three line poem, with a 5-7-5 syllable structure. Yet, don't be fooled by its simplicity. Despite its tiny size, it can hold so many facets of our human experience that are hard to express.

  • How do we express the exuberant joy that sometimes visits out of nowhere? 
  • How do we hold all of the pain we see in the world, when it’s too much? 
  • How do we begin to process the contradictions in our human experience? 

These are some examples of where haiku can meet us. 

Haiku is a refuge when the world seems chaotic and life feels out-of-control. It is also a simple way to add rich delight to your day. 

Together with Dandan, you will learn: 

  • What makes a traditional haiku and how modern writers break the rules.
  • All the depths and dimensions a haiku can hold and express.
  • How to write your own haiku. 
  • How to enter the meditative spirit of haiku.

This class is for you if:

  • You're a beginner interested in writing poetry, but feel intimidated by the process.
  • You're a seasoned writer who wants to experiment and sharpen your skills in a playful way.
  • You're looking for a simple creative way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. 
  • You're looking for a gentle way to break the creative rut and get the juices flowing. 

It is highly recommended to listen to this class with headphones, so you can fully enjoy the immersive soundscapes that accompany your journey into the spirit of haiku.

Make sure to download the haiku handbook to revisit the featured haikus in this class.

Let's begin! 

Syllabus

  • Class Intro & Welcome
  • Class Assignment
  • Journey Into the Spirit of Haiku
  • Haiku Structure & Essential Elements
  • Break Rules: Modern Haiku
  • Embrace the Spirit of Writing Haiku
  • Write Haiku in 6 Steps
  • Guided Writing Warm-up Meditation
  • How to Tell if Your Haiku is Good
  • Class Wrap-Up & Parting Thoughts
  • My Teahouse of Wonder

Taught by

Dandan Liu

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