Moments in Bloom: Japanese Seasonal Living for a Mindful Life [9781577158257]

Open your eyes to a hidden garden of seasonal messages and aesthetic niches based on the classical Japanese calendar.

Do you relish the chatter of songbirds declaring the arrival of spring and the contrast of the fall’s dazzling sun to its crisp, cool breezes? In Moments in Bloom, you will find yourself living more fully in each season, romanticizing the aesthetics we take for granted, and finding hope in times of uncertainty. 

In this thoughtful and accessible guide, each small season becomes a guidepost to embrace and flourish in. Based on the Japanese seasonal almanacs, called saijiki, this inspiring book teaches us to stop and smell the flowers and use nature as a healing property. 

Each chapter artfully captures the small changes in each season, transforming a natural cycle into a guide for healing and providing metaphors for how to conduct our own lives. For example, as the lingering cold freezes our fingertips in January, we can also welcome bush warblers and plum blossoms, emphasizing the commencement of a new year and a new season. This beautifully illustrated book is a deep dive into the connection between nature and the human spirit, featuring:

• Seasonal observations found in nature
• Seasonal words and quotes that evoke specific feelings
• Observations of natural phenomena 
• And more!

Whether you’re a gardener, nature enthusiast, lover of Japanese culture, or looking to build a personal relationship with nature, Moments in Bloom will leave you connected to the Earth and searching for more. Use this guide to recognize small seasons of your own and commit to appreciating the beautifully natural changes in our planet.