Recently I was in a picturesque country town of Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. In each town visited I couldn’t help but be drawn to the Sakura cherry blossoms in bloom across the country. Stopping to adore and smell the flowers was a gentle reminder to pause. To see, feel and absorb the beauty and fragility of the present moment.
On approach to this coastal town by sea, I saw huge cement prison like walls lining the coastline. I walked along it and passed through one of the gates. Walls were 15 meters thick and 8.17 meters tall built in 2019 following the 2011 Tsunami that brought an unprecedented 40-meter-high wave.
Further along the path I crossed through the original tsunami wall built in 1998, 18.33 meters thick and 2.18 meters high. In the blink of an eye the 40-meter-high tsunami crossed this original wall and about 50% of the coastal inhabitants were lost. This beautiful Sakura tree stands just by this old wall.
Sadly, we unknowingly take for granted how incredibly precious and fragile life is – until we lose something or someone. We get into habits of putting things off, whether that’s taking time out for loved ones, or doing what we need to do in order to look after our mind, body and spirit to FULLY LIVE this life.
All the Sakura trees in Miyako seemed to bloom with a wild sense of abundance, low lying branches, as though inviting you to pause and appreciate them. Blooms were bigger and branch formation free and unstructured, as if nature listened after the tsunami and is now fully embracing life with a fullness and appreciation of the opportunity to rise and live again.
What are you putting off or distracted by, that has you missing out on the joy of the present moment? Can you invite yourself to pause today? Even if just a few minutes? Our lives are so abundant and beautiful, we just need to open our eyes, heart and mind to it.
If you need help returning to the present moment, come join us for our Intentional Rest Masterclass, candlelit Restorative Yoga over 2 blissful hours on 6pm Friday 8 May 2026. Space is limited with just a few spots left so don’t delay booking!