Enjoy this mindfulness practice for spring and celebrate nature with your friends.
Spring is upon us and that means nature bounces back to life after the long, cold winter. Birds sing, flowers bloom and (depending on where you live) the sun starts to pierce through the clouds.
In Japan, Spring runs from March to May. It marks the beginning of the school year as well as the company’s fiscal year. Spring is a time of goodbyes, for those graduating and moving on, as well as hello’s, for those making a fresh start.
The weather is very pleasant and suitable for various outdoor activities. There’s a lot of energy in the air as more and more people get active and move outside. Tourists travel from all over the world to experience the wonders of Spring in Japan.
During Spring many Japanese people gather under Sakura trees for Ohanami, which translates to “flower viewing”. This beloved tradition brings people together in nature to eat, drink and contemplate the famous cherry blossom.
There’s no better way to enjoy spring than to sit beneath the blossoms with great food and great friends.
If you’re in Japan and looking for something mindful to do this Spring, give Ohanami a try. There are many parks you can visit and relax under colourful Sakura trees.
If you’re elsewhere in the world, you can still enjoy your own version of Ohanami. Simply head to your local park and spend time immersed in the spring-bloom native to your country.
Mindfulness Practice for Spring
This mindfulness practice can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. Bring your full self to the experience and observe all of the sensations of Spring.
1. Choose a park to visit. There are many famous parks throughout Japan with incredible displays of Sakura, and many secret spots that only locals know. Choose a park that you and your friends can spend a few hours, without interruption or other things to rush off to. You can go local, or travel to one of the national parks that surround castles, temples and shrines.
2. Prepare your picnic. It’s common to enjoy food and drink with friends so bring plenty for everyone. Ohanami bento (lunch box) usually includes colourful bite-sized foods such as sushi, yakitori, dumplings, rice balls and more. Bring tea, soft drinks or alcohol and make sure to pack a picnic blanket, cushions and chairs that you’ll need to sit on.
3. Observe the Sakura. The purpose of Ohanami is to observe the Sakura and contemplate its meaning. Once you’re all set up you can begin by noticing the colours that you see. How vibrant the pink and white flowers are. Take a few deep breaths and relax, it’s ok to be silent for a while when you’re with friends. Focus on the Sakura and enjoy this moment fully. Appreciate the meanings of Sakura – new beginnings, the beauty and impermanence of nature, to celebrate the gods of the rice harvest – and share your feelings if you want to.
4. Be respectful and tidy up your mess. Enjoy the experience as much as you can but be careful not to damage the trees. Sakura are quite delicate and should be looked after. Clean up your mess afterwards and place all of your rubbish in the recycle bins.
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Featured Image: @tegethoff
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