finding stillness
This haiku relates to process philosophy through its emphasis on change, relation, and the interconnectedness of events. The poem captures a moment of dynamic equilibrium within a larger, ongoing process, which is a central theme in this philosophical school.
The Flux of Dawn
The phrase "the flux of dawn" directly evokes a core tenet of process philosophy: the idea that reality isn't a collection of static things, but rather a series of interconnected events or processes. Flux refers to a continuous change or a flow. The dawn itself is a process, a gradual transition from night to day. It's not a single, fixed point in time, but a continuous unfolding. The poem places a being, the mantis, directly within this larger process.
The Mantis Sways
The image of "the mantis sways" illustrates the concept of immanent change. The mantis isn't just a static object in the dawn; its very existence is defined by its action—the act of swaying. This is an active, dynamic state. The stillness the poem alludes to is not a lack of movement, but a particular kind of harmony or balance found within the movement. It's a temporary moment of poise amidst the continuous flux, showing how a stable identity can emerge from a ceaseless process.
Finding Stillness
The phrase "finding stillness" suggests that stillness isn't a given, but something that must be actively sought or achieved. This aligns with process philosophy's emphasis on becoming and experience. The mantis, through its swaying, is engaged in a process of finding its own balance and place within the larger flux of dawn. The stillness it finds is a temporary, relational state—it is "still" in relation to the continuous movement around it and within it. The poem, therefore, isn't about escaping the flux, but about finding a harmonious existence within it. It highlights the intricate dance between being and becoming.
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