AUTUMN'S LEAVES CHANGING,
Today's Haiku speaks to the impermanance of life. The minute we are born into this world a process is started that eventually leads to our death. The Enso or Zen Symbol is the ultimate representation of this journey beginning with our first breath. The broken end of the circle represents impermanence.
In calligraphy: Whenever an enso is drawn it is supposed to be created within the span of one inhale and exhale.
Autumn's leaves changing serve as a poignant metaphor for the constant flux in our lives, reminding us that change is one of the few certainties we face. This idea is beautifully captured in the Zen practice of drawing an Enso—a circle that symbolizes the cycle of life, impermanence, and enlightenment. The Enso is traditionally drawn in a single breath, embodying the present moment and our fleeting existence. In Zen Buddhism, the broken circle represents the acceptance of impermanence and the beauty found in incompleteness. Like the shifting colors and falling leaves of autumn, life is a continuous process of transformation. This seasonal change inspires many poets and artists, who use it to reflect on themes of mortality, renewal, and the passage of time. Haiku poetry, which often focuses on nature and seasons, complements this philosophy by capturing deep insights in concise, evocative verses. Together, the imagery of autumn leaves and the Enso invite mindfulness and a deeper appreciation for the present, encouraging us to embrace change rather than resist it. By contemplating these symbols, we can find peace in acknowledging life’s impermanence and discover meaning within each transient moment. Whether through meditation, calligraphy, or poetic reflection, these practices help ground us amidst life's inevitable changes, reminding us to breathe fully and live authentically.