19日2月2024年・月曜日

Join us on a daily journey of Shinrin Yoku Invitations. Each day, we will offer a small prompt to inspire reflection and mindfulness in your interactions with the natural world.

① BEFORE
Approach the invitation with an open heart and mind. You may leave the invitation in any given moment.

Mindfulness: Before reflecting on your connection with forest, take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Acknowledge any emotions you’re currently feeling without judgment.

Compassion: Reflecting on past experiences with nature might bring up a range of emotions—joy, nostalgia, or even sadness for moments gone by. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel these emotions.

Gratitude: Embrace a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with these memories.

Physical Comfort: Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you are unlikely to be disturbed. This could be a cozy corner of your home, a garden, or any space where you feel at ease.

Sensory Setting: Enhance the atmosphere with elements that make you feel at ease.

Journaling Tools: Have a notebook and pen handy if you wish to write down thoughts, emotions, or memories that arise during your reflection.

Personal Safety: Ensure that your chosen space is safe and accessible, especially if you decide to venture outside. Let someone know about your plans if you’re heading into a secluded area.

② INVITATION 2
The phrase “The only constant in life is change,” attributed to Heraclitus, and the concept of “Ichigo Ichie” seems to share a philosophical connection, both emphasizing the impermanence and uniqueness of each moment in life.

“Ichigo Ichie” (一期一会) translates to “one time, one meeting” or more broadly, “once in a lifetime.” It is a concept often associated with Japanese tea ceremony traditions, Zen Buddhism, and the martial arts, emphasizing the importance of cherishing any gathering that they may never be replicated in the same way again.

The relationship between Heraclitus’ idea and “Ichigo Ichie” lies in their mutual recognition of life’s transitory nature. While Heraclitus focuses on the ever-changing state of existence, “Ichigo Ichie” highlights the beauty and significance of each fleeting moment within that constant flow of change. Both encourage an awareness and appreciation of the present, acknowledging that each moment and experience is temporary and, therefore, valuable.

In essence, while Heraclitus prompts us to recognize and accept change as the only constant, “Ichigo Ichie” invites us to respond to this reality by fully engaging with and cherishing each moment of our lives, recognizing its singular beauty and impermanence.

While in the forest, park, or other green space take a moment to contemplate on that 🌲

③ AFTER

You may want to leave the invitations in any moment if you feel discomfort for any reason or you may want to ask yourself some questions.

How did observing the natural changes in the forest (such as the movement of leaves, the flow of water, or the shifting light) affect my perception of change in my own life?

In what ways did I experience ‘Ichigo Ichie’ during my time in the forest? Was there a particular moment that felt unique and unrepeatable?

How does the forest exemplify the idea that change is the only constant? Can I identify specific elements in nature that illustrate this concept?

Did my time in the forest inspire me to live more in the present? How can I carry this mindfulness into my daily life?

How do the concepts of impermanence and uniqueness influence my understanding of myself ? Did the forest environment offer a new perspective on something?