Latest Care Logs

Whether you live in the city or in the countryside, greenery nourishes the spirit. Being spiritually rich means having compassion for others and for the world as a whole. This kind of feeling is undeniably important. I believe that in order to have compassion for the different kinds of people in this world, it's important to be fully open and aware. Plants help us to become that way.

As we have been given four beautiful seasons, instead of just plodding from one busy day to the next, we should take time to appreciate deep emotion such as that which comes when a single flower blossoms on a cherry tree you raised yourself. It might only be for two weeks out of 365 days, but it's such a worthwhile experience, and to get there, one should think of caring for the tree not as a chore, but as something that brings joy. The tree gratefully takes in the water you give it and puts forth buds. Taking pleasure in caring for it elicits an awareness that can't be expressed in words. Awareness is vital because being tuned in to others' feelings— being aware of others besides ourselves-allows both self and others to be rescued. That's the kind of thing that plants teach us.

  • Kenji Kobayashi