Capturing Stillness Haiku Reflections

The sensation of floating, the blissful awareness of inner stillness, the absence of thinking. How can I create these feelings in a poem of three lines. My journey of yoga and meditation have led me to my present understanding, and my self imposed challenge of writing haiku to help others on the path of meditation.

The tradition of writing haiku has evolved from ancient Japan, to spread throughout the western world. Along with changing times, the form and content of haiku have evolved from being strictly about nature, to the capturing of any moments of life.

I like the idea of capturing a moment within 17 syllables. It is a challenge to relate the essence of a moment in so brief a form, and I have been chasing this ideal, with varying results, over the last few years.

One of my other pursuits is photography. I like to capture the many beautiful and fascinating scenes and creatures in nature. Photography is a form of meditation, of being present in the moment. So for me, photography and haiku is a natural combination.

The Let It Go Yoga approach to yoga practice is one that encompasses all aspects of yoga, with an especially persistent emphasis on deep breathing. While practicing the poses within the series, the body is re-energized, the mind is calmed, and the breathing lengthens. The deeper aspect of the practice is the chance to go deeply within in meditation. As you breathe while meditating, letting go of all else, the breath leads one to the moment of stillness.

With these haiku, I offer glimpses of a moment that may illuminate your own meditation, your own moment of stillness.

James Louis Parsons

What readers are saying about

“Capturing Stillness - Haiku Reflections”

Such a beautiful book of nature photographs and peaceful haiku poetry! "Capturing Stillness" delivers a meditative vacation for calming the mind.
D.D

James Parsons has created a driftwood treasure box full of refreshing gems. Each poem is paired with one of his beautifully composed photographs of coastal beauty that can only be found along the shores of Santa Barbara. It’s a pleasure to open this book and flip to any page. His words help me catch my breath. The words of the poem anchor many stray thoughts, and the photo shifts my regard to the simple grandeur of the scene. How calm things become. Beautifully bound, this is a high quality book to be read every day. Make it a showcase on your coffee table for guests to pick up and consider with delight. I love the images of breathing. … I love the breath centering poems I find in this book. “Deep flowing inhale Focusing on gratitude Exhaling with love”

D.H.

Inspiring thoughts, beautiful photographs and a timeless addition to my library. It is on my coffee table as an inviting offer to all those who visit and a gentle reminder to always be present. This book brings me great joy! Thank you!
H.S.

So many timeless images of life on our planet that I know will carry on once I’m gone. This book makes me feel bittersweet knowing that I’ve been lucky enough to experience, what the words and photos describe. Paging through, also gives me an opportunity to connect with “My Inner Peace” when life gets loud and crazy.
D.A.

This inspirational book presents a steady reminder to Stay Present. There are so many forces that try to pull us away! Fear, pain, exhaustion, sadness, intrigue... But being present is the only path forward for those of us striving to support and love one another and make this world a better place. It provides the constant encouragement to let go of what you can't control and what you can't change. It reminds us to be thankful for what we have now. To look around and experience the beauty. Feel at peace. Jim has shared not only his beautiful photography and stunning Haiku, but also his secret for how he lives his life and remains one of the most calm, steady, reassuring people I know. Thank You!
A,K,

I knew Jim was an accomplished yoga instructor and musician, but I had no idea he was such a fine photographer and poet until we received our copy of. “Capturing Stillness”. What a lovely and inspiring collection of haiku and photos!
K.C

Such a beautiful and heartening book. I have it on my coffee table, readily available for those moments when a little inspiration is needed to be lifted above the fray of the day.
D.K.