From Japan, with Love: Swallows Depart

Entry #013:

2021 September 18

For the past several days, I haven’t been able to open the windows, let alone outside, without breathing in the luxurious aroma of the silver and gold sweet osmanthus that line every neighborhood. It’s a sign to breathe a little slower, and a little deeper, and literally take a moment to smell the osmanthus. Tuesday, September 21 is the mid-Autumn full moon. In Japan, we make 15 small mochi balls as an offering to the gods toward a bountiful Autumn harvest, and then we eat them under the big, bright moon. It’s time to stop. Experience my environment with all five senses, and then take audit of what I really want and need, versus what I am harding out of convenience, habit, or maybe even fear. I want to be lighter. Light enough to fly! Or at least pack lightly enough for Winter hibernation, so that there’s enough room in my cave for my favorite people and food. This season we are called to remove what we no longer need to make what we call in Japanese, yohaku, or “white space” for exactly what we want now.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

September 18 - 22

Autumn > White Dew > Swallows Depart

Across the year we add one thing after another on our shoulders. What are you letting go of before Winter hibernation?