#236 Not Taking Everyday For Granted

On Sunday, cherry blossoms were in full bloom in Tokyo. I walked around town after a light lunch. I was thinking about the word "everyday" at that time. What does "everyday" mean to you?

Many people living in Japan look forward to the cherry blossoms every year at this time of year.

They bloom and vanish as a matter of course, and then next year, we get enjoy them again as if they were re-igniting an old memory.

We may not think much about the time in between.

Only after we have overcome the seasons of summer, autumn, and winter after spring, can we welcome the next spring again.

The seasons in between are various periods of preparation, which I consider to be necessary elements in the process of things.

The cherry blossoms also remind me that blooming vivid flowers is not something to be taken for granted.

It is the accumulation of daily life that creates a firm root system and trunk and finally leads to results and form.

That is why I cherish the process of seasons that lead up to this glorious springtime.

And by valuing the small, daily things, we can also value the way we treat ourselves and those around us.

The recent earthquake in Taiwan, the earthquake in New York, and so many other things are happening every day.

These remind us how precious "daily life" is.

Is there anything you can do today to prepare yourself for the next season?

What do you cherish in your "daily life" today?

I know that many in Japan are spending time in new environments and lifestyles starting in April.

At such times, I find it important to take a deep breath and remind ourselves of what we want to cherish each day.

I wish you all a week that brings more smiles to your face!