Monday, May 23, 2016

“I can’t relax”

I never could relax very well.  I tried so hard to heed so-called experts’ advice.  They said relaxation can ease many aches and pains - even blood pressure among other things. I would close my eyes in an attempt to meditate but my mind always got away.

At 22, I did relax a little bit with an older guy who caught my eye.  However  I ended up getting burn in more ways than one.  Maybe that is why I can hardly relax now. I’m too busy remembering how relaxation got me into compromising positions and situations that I don’t ever talk about.  I breathe in and out with ease to reach that relaxation phase.  Perhaps I will feel amazing afterwards like those so-called experts proclaim.  Yet my mind continues to run laps around the course.

under the trees
inhale and exhale
the fresh air

- Written for dVerse Halibun #14 - Too Many Mind"

This is my first attempt a writing a halibun poem, so it may not be totally in line with the form.   I really like this prompt, though I somewhat took another path by talking about trying to relax rather than what I do to relax.


Posted by at
Labels: , ,

13 comments:

  1. De JacksonMay 23, 2016 at 8:29 PM

    I like the idea of a mind running laps. I know the feeling!

    ReplyDelete
  2. tonispencerMay 23, 2016 at 9:04 PM

    The form is excellent. My mind runs laps as well. It took much practice and intentional actions to learn to relax, still my mind. Sometimes it is still hard. You took the prompt in a different direction, but it is after all part of thenjourney.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 23, 2016 at 9:37 PM

    Ah, I can totally relate to this. Mind racing in circles, anxiety, second-guessing yourself... afraid to relax your vigilance, because it can lead to neglectfulness...

    It was difficult for me to respond to the prompt because I don't know if I've ever managed to achieve a truly "quiet mind." The more one consciously /tries/ to achieve this, it seems, the more elusive it becomes.

    I enjoyed the refreshing honesty of this entry. I liked how the haiku at the end echoed the feeling of the never-ending cycle of thought described in the prose section with the line "inhale and exhale." I can really feel you trying to relax

    Thanks for sharing ~

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMay 23, 2016 at 10:46 PM

    Mind running laps.. like that!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Walt WojtanikMay 24, 2016 at 12:08 AM

    A mind running marathons is not as pleasing as a few laps, but any exercise that stimulates is ok in my book! A good run or some way lifting always will suffice!

    ReplyDelete
  6. brudbergMay 24, 2016 at 4:59 AM

    To be burned when trying to relax with the wrong person is so sad... You deserve better, and hope you find it, at least the trees are trustworthy

    ReplyDelete
  7. debiMay 24, 2016 at 7:18 AM

    The mind running laps is not restful I know, but by your example, creative.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Petru J ViljoenMay 24, 2016 at 11:20 AM

    I can relate to the mind churning terrible memories. Wish I had advice. Be well, try not to be overwhelmed. Much regard. The haiku seem in contrast, a wish, to the prose.

    ReplyDelete
  9. VictoriaMay 24, 2016 at 2:29 PM

    I so understand that mind running laps, Arcadia Maria. I attribute it to creative genius. Ha! And sometimes I think the harder I try the more difficult it becomes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. vivinfranceMay 24, 2016 at 4:31 PM

    once bitten, eh? I hope this is fiction!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Arcadia MariaMay 24, 2016 at 7:44 PM

    Thank you everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousMay 25, 2016 at 9:19 PM

    I can relate to the struggle of relaxing and I enjoyed your honest response to the prompt.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Rosemary Nissen-WadeMay 28, 2016 at 3:42 AM

    You aced the form!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)