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Oct 20, 2024
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
Forget the four seasons: 72 ‘micro-seasons'
In Japan, the ancient agricultural calendar divides the year into 72 micro-seasons, each lasting five days and marked by subtle changes in nature like blooming flowers or the return of swallows. This detailed approach, known as kisetsukan, or "awareness of the seasons," invites a deep connection with nature and the present moment. Natalie Leon explains how these seasonal shifts, from the unfurling of a camellia bud to the ripening of plums, help ground us in a comforting rhythm. Observing such natural transitions not only reduces stress but also fosters gratitude and mindfulness. By tuning into these small but meaningful changes, we embrace the beauty of impermanence, finding peace and renewal in life's constant evolution. This gentle awareness can benefit us all, offering calm amidst life’s busyness, and a more intimate osmosis with the life force we all share.
BE THE CHANGE
Start a seasonal nature journal. Each week, take a few moments to step outside and observe small changes in your surroundings -- whether it's the blossoming of a flower, the shift in temperature, or the arrival of a particular bird species. Write down or sketch these observations, reflecting on how they make you feel and how they connect you to the present moment.
