Entry #45: 2022 March 15

The temperatures have really risen here in Japan, and all across the Japanese countryside, we are seeing the Spring trifecta: plum, cherry, peach blossoms. They don’t often appear at the same time, it’s usually one after the other, but due to these oddly warm temps, we have the great privilege of experiencing them at once. These small moments of joy is what makes the world go around, doesn’t it? The word “ikigai” has gotten quite a bit of airtime on places like Instagram and Pinterest. Attempting to demystify the word by creating a Venn diagram. But it’s not that at all actually. It’s honestly not that academic. It’s pointing to your inner perspective. Are you able to notice the small little wonders that are always happening all around, and express gratitude. Whether flowers, a cup of tea, or a stranger’s smile. This is where ikigai lies.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

March 15 - 20

Spring > Insects Awaken > Butterflies Flutter

You are in constant evolution. What shape of you are you sharing with the world today?

Entry #44: 2022 March 10

One of my dearest girlfriends celebrated her birthday last week so we lunched at a restaurant that sources all of their produce from farmers who use traditional natural agricultural practices. Each veg and fruit are so rich with minerals and flavor that nearly no seasoning is required. It’s just our tastebuds, enjoying this season’s bounty to the max. This seems to normal, so obvious at first glance, but in diving further into everyday food options, into our behemoth commodity-based food system, this is very rare, no longer a given. We have been placed in a situation where our restaurant choices equal political choice. A vote. I wish food could remain food. Delicious, heartfelt, nourishing, seasonal, local, and definitely not political. Koyomi, the traditional microseasonal calendar reminds me that the natural world and the human world are meant to play in sync. That is our responsibility and our best shortcut to eat more deliciously.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

March 10 - 14

Spring > Insects Awaken > Peach Blossoms Smile

Who are you making smile today?

Entry #43: 2022 March 6

This week, I’ve been thinking about, talking about, and drinking a lot of tea. Pine Needle Green Tea to be exact. It seems to be exactly what my body needs right now. In Japanese, there is a word, yohaku, creating white space. In a social structure where we are constantly trying to beat the clock, we may need to intentionally create this white space in our everyday lives. Steeping tea, or making coffee for that matter, allows us to do just that. Forcing us to slow down time. Turning inward or chatting with friends or family, as the drink is being made. Cradling the cup with both hands and drinking the warm liquid inside is almost just a plus. The real juicy part lies in the process. From selecting the tea, to selecting the cup, to letting the boiling water cool to just the right temperature. And then quieting waiting for the tea to steep, or rather taking advantage of the steeping time to spend quality time with yourself or the person who is in front of you.

Microseasonal Stars

March 5 - 9

Spring > Insects Awaken > Insects Open the Door

What are the new possibilities you are welcoming today?