‘To encounter the sacred is to be alive at the deepest center of human existence.’
I am currently in Japan on holidays and I wanted to share this beautiful experience with you.
The first thing I noticed in Japan besides the abundant season of cherry blossom’s, is the kind and generous nature of every person.
It is a genuine kindness which honours who you are in this moment and is received deeply.
And interesting to note, when you feel this from another person no matter where you are in the world, you naturally want to honour this within them.
All throughout the streets of Japan, train stations and cafes, there is a universal respect for each other that is never questioned or ignored.
The immaculate presentation of their food is always beautiful, and in turn creates a deep appreciation of the food you are eating.
And when we arrived in Kyoto, I began to explore their spirituality their temples, and the divine expression of nature surrounding these shrines, I truly felt the sacred in everything they do.
From sweeping the leaves on the ground or trimming the bonsai shaded trees or bushes, or cleaning the outside of a shop, all of it is done with patience, care and love.
The more I saw and felt this sacredness in the way they move through life, the more I reciprocated and honoured this sacredness within me and within them.
I questioned? ‘How do I move in the world?’ ‘What is sacred in my life? and do I honour the presence, and the abundance of all life?’
It didn’t take me long to move with the ease and flow of Japan and it made me realise how much our western world has lost its connection to the divine and the sacred.
I still have another week to immerse myself in this beautiful culture and I will not take for granted the lessons Japan is offering me while I am here.
May we all take the time to discover the sacredness of all life and learn to share this with everyone we meet.
どうもありがとうございます
Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu Japan
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
This is a very beautiful post Karen, to ‘be’ a part of such incredible inner and outer beauty almost leaves you without words. I can feel what you speak and I have to agree the western world is lost. To come into this I think we should be teaching this in schools. Thank you kind lady, it has been a lovely touch to ‘know’ that this world may not be forgotten but held by many with that love ❤️🙏
Thanks Mark. Often it’s in seeing life from a new perspective that we open ourselves to see more and be more in life. I am very grateful I can travel and experience this.
this is lovely, Karen
It’s been a great experience to be here Beth. The Japanese people have opened my heart to give more. 💞
I would love to visit Japan one day –
I hope you can Beth 🌸💞🌸
Thank you for sharing this experience, Karen. Just looking at the pictures and reading about your observations and experiences brings about, in me, a relaxing of spirit within. I can feel it…
I hope you continue to enjoy it all and drink in the peace and love that is in and a part of that place – which seems to nurture beauty and kindness. 🙏🏻💜
Thank you Carrie! It really does nurture beauty and kindness 💞💞💞
Beautiful and revelational post, Karen, a reminder to be mindful of the divine and sacred in all things. Thank you for posting and enjoy the rest of your visit. 🙏🏼 💕
Thank you Eliza! Japan is a beautiful reminder of the divine. 🌸🌸💞🌸
So peaceful, lovely, and inspiring, Karen. 💜
Thank you Carol. It really is 🌸💞🌸
What a beautiful collection of photos, Karen ~ and even more impressive, is your writing about the culture and how it impacts you. The universal respect you describe is such a positive thing to read. Respect for each other, for food/service, for the environment and those around them… I love how you show this creates and leads to a deep appreciation.
To have such an experience and be further committed to strengthening these sacred bonds of connections with those around you is admirable. I wish you happy days and safe travels 😊.
Thank you Randall, your comments are always thoughtful and generous. Have a wonderful weekend 🌸💞🌸🙏🏻
I wish we had that kind of society in the west. We are so unconscious here that I don’t think people realize what is missing in our lives.
I agree Michele. When we accept this disconnection and the suffering that comes with it, we block the flow of abundance and peace that is always available to us. It was a gift to see and feel this deep connection in their country. 🌸💞🌸
A beautiful experience you’re having. Enjoy.
Gorgeous blossoms. Even important is what blossoms in us.
That’s a beautiful truth! Thank you 🌸🌸🌸🌸
Karen, this sounds like a beautiful journey. I’m so happy for you.
I especially appreciate these questions and will take some time to consider them.
How do I move in the world?’ ‘What is sacred in my life? and do I honour the presence, and the abundance of all life?’
Thank you Ali.
I always appreciate your thoughtful comments. 💞💞🌈
Wonderful Karen. And a wonderful experience all can grow from.
One need not wonder how one’s culture appears to those outside it. When it is devoid of the sacred that society is wrought with chaos. For if there is no reverence for God how can there be reverence for the life that is born of Him.
-Alan
Yes so true Alan. Without the sacred and the reverence of all life, there is separation and suffering. Thank you for being here 🙏🏻🌿🍀