Bonnie Best: An Interview

Your haiku poems have a strong sense of spirituality to them, is this a reflection of your lifestyle?

The sense of spirituality in my poems is definitely a reflection of my lifestyle and personal philosophy of life.

Do you meditate, study zen, or have an interest in the more spiritual aspect of haiku?

I meditate daily (currently completing the sixth 21-day Meditation Challenge with the Chopra Center). I have studied Tao and Spirituality for the last 25 years. I consider myself Spiritual rather than Religious. I have the sense that my poems flow from Spirit.

Do you think haiku are a commentary on ones inner environment, alongside their outer environment?

For me that is true. I have a very rich inner world and dialog. The outer world inspires me to contemplate my inner experience and lessons. I love nature, and I'm sure that is why I was drawn to create Haiku. I often compose Haiku early in the morning, and usually several flow to me in a few minutes.

Do you value the artistic process of writing as therapeutic? as helpful to ones relationship with oneself?

I definitely value the process of creating Haiku, and love the results. It is an outlet for my creativity. It reveals lessons, inner thoughts, beliefs, and values. I experience an improved relationship with myself as a result of composing, then reading and rereading my poems. I have favorites that I enjoy reading again and again.

How Important do you think is the lifestyle of the poet in creating haiku? Have you adapted your lifestyle so it is more creative and conducive to writing?

I have gone through periods when I write frequently. And there have been periods when I don't write them at all. I recently developed the habit of spending time every morning with my Haiku, either those I wrote in the past, or creating new ones. I notice that I feel better, more centered and calm, when I make the time to read and/or write Haiku. I love being able to share a message in a short form. The more powerful the message, the better I feel about it. Years ago I determined that my number one passion in life is to "Joyously inspire people world wide." I love it when people tell me that my poems inspire and uplift them.

Do you feel that the other parts of your life have a positive impact on your writing? Or does writing haiku represent a release from other areas?

There seems to be a give and take, a flow, between what is happening in my life and my Haiku. Sometimes the outer experience inspires me to write, and sometimes my urge to write inspires me to focus on what is going on in the outer world and inner world. I haven't thought about Haiku as a release from other areas of my life. I will consider that possibility.

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