Japan Diaries;
Cultivating Equanimity
Cultivating Conscious Living
All the way to the ancient city of Nara (Japan), located just outside the city, we met Jerome Floerke who showed us his Food Forest and Homestay. Jerome is a Furuichicho forest gardener, on a mission to replant Eden’s garden. He wants to make Japan more self-sufficient in terms of food supply by encouraging the use of perennial plant combinations for a resilient ultra-local food system.
During our visit, we discovered his Food Forest, not just like another garden; it is a thriving ecosystem committed to sustainable living and a deep respect for nature.
The forest garden system he uses seems to be the most effective system for compact, intensive, 4 seasons production on 7 layers of growth. It is climate change proof, sequesters a lot of carbon, and enhances soil life and biodiversity.
He shared insights on the art of companion planting, where various plants support one another, improving soil health and warding off pests. Each plant has a vital role in this complex ecosystem, enhancing its resilience.
Food Forest with
Jerome Floerke
We picked fresh greens and seasonal fruits, each pick accompanied by a sense of gratitude. We explored around the bamboo forest to finally prepare a delicious meal—a mix of plants and fruits turned into a bowl full of health benefits.
We also met passionate volunteers from across the globe, exchanging their time for hands-on experience in permaculture.
Jerome's Food Forest invites us to re-evaluate our connection with nature, promoting practices that support both our planet and our well-being. By choosing to live mindfully and in sync with our environment, we can find a sense of equilibrium in our lives, achieving peace amid the chaos of contemporary life. This intentional way of living encourages stronger bonds—with ourselves, our communities, and the earth—fostering a sustainable lifestyle that enhances not just our lives but the world around us.
If you're curious about visiting the Food Forest or wish to volunteer, learn more about Jerome's inspiring initiative at: https://www.niwamori.org/
Pottery with
Masako Nakagami
On our journey to Kyoto, we had the pleasure of meeting Masako Nakagami, a talented pottery artist born and raised in this historic city. Masako’s passion for pottery began when she was in elementary school, and she’s been shaping her artistic vision ever since.
Her home, nestled in a peaceful rural area just outside Kyoto, is surrounded by serene bamboo forests and lush vegetable gardens. She warmly welcomed us, showed us around, and shared her various collections and unique pieces. One of her main themes is creating healing and relaxing spaces, often through her ceramic lighting and tableware.
The art of crafting
We also had the unique opportunity to take a private class in Masako’s workshop. She guided us through the process of crafting a piece, emphasizing that perfection isn’t the goal in pottery. Rather than focusing on flawless pieces, Masako encouraged us to enjoy the hands-on experience of working with clay. She emphasized that the real joy comes from getting your hands dirty and embracing the creative process. Whether the pieces turned out perfectly or not, the most important thing was to have fun and savor the moment.
Mindfulness: From moment to moment.
We visited Ryōsoku-in Temple in Kyoto Ryosokuin was founded in 1357, and it is one of the small temples in the pagoda of Kenninji, the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, in Kyoto. Here where locals and tourists can learn and practice Zazen meditation. Zazen is a practice in Zen Buddhism that involves sitting in a specific posture, focusing on the breath, and observing thoughts without attachment. It aims to cultivate mindfulness, inner peace, and clarity by bringing the practitioner fully into the present moment.
Zazen meditation
During our visit we were guided by Toryo Ito, who is a Zen Buddhist monk residing at Ryosokuin. He believes that the important aspect of zazen is that it ultimately restores one's sensitivity to the reality that human beings are an integral part of nature.
Living in a town often leads to a detachment from the natural world, focusing instead on the individual self. However, he believes it's crucial, no matter where we are, to gradually reconnect with our surroundings. This reconnection should extend not just to the immediate environment but also to the wider community and all the living beings around us.
Japan Diaries; Cultivating Equanimity
Discover the lives of individuals who live in harmony with themselves and the world around them.
Food Forest with
Jerome Floerke
Pottery with
Masako Nakagami
Zazen meditation
with Toryo Ito
Food Forest with Jerome Floerke
We picked fresh greens and seasonal fruits, each pick accompanied by a sense of gratitude. We explored around the bamboo forest to finally prepare a delicious meal—a mix of plants and fruits turned into a bowl full of health benefits.
We also met passionate volunteers from across the globe, exchanging their time for hands-on experience in permaculture.
Jerome's Food Forest invites us to re-evaluate our connection with nature, promoting practices that support both our planet and our well-being. By choosing to live mindfully and in sync with our environment, we can find a sense of equilibrium in our lives, achieving peace amid the chaos of contemporary life. This intentional way of living encourages stronger bonds—with ourselves, our communities, and the earth—fostering a sustainable lifestyle that enhances not just our lives but the world around us.
If you're curious about visiting the Food Forest or wish to volunteer, learn more about Jerome's inspiring initiative at: https://www.niwamori.org/
Cultivating Conscious Living
All the way to the ancient city of Nara (Japan), located just outside the city, we met Jerome Floerke who showed us his Food Forest and Homestay. Jerome is a Furuichicho forest gardener, on a mission to replant Eden’s garden. He wants to make Japan more self-sufficient in terms of food supply by encouraging the use of perennial plant combinations for a resilient ultra-local food system.
During our visit, we discovered his Food Forest, not just like another garden; it is a thriving ecosystem committed to sustainable living and a deep respect for nature.
The forest garden system he uses seems to be the most effective system for compact, intensive, 4 seasons production on 7 layers of growth. It is climate change proof, sequesters a lot of carbon, and enhances soil life and biodiversity.
He shared insights on the art of companion planting, where various plants support one another, improving soil health and warding off pests. Each plant has a vital role in this complex ecosystem, enhancing its resilience.
The art of crafting
We also had the unique opportunity to take a private class in Masako’s workshop. She guided us through the process of crafting a piece, emphasizing that perfection isn’t the goal in pottery. Rather than focusing on flawless pieces, Masako encouraged us to enjoy the hands-on experience of working with clay. She emphasized that the real joy comes from getting your hands dirty and embracing the creative process. Whether the pieces turned out perfectly or not, the most important thing was to have fun and savor the moment.
https://www.masakonakagami.com/
Pottery with Masako Nakagami
On our journey to Kyoto, we had the pleasure of meeting Masako Nakagami, a talented pottery artist born and raised in this historic city. Masako’s passion for pottery began when she was in elementary school, and she’s been shaping her artistic vision ever since.
Her home, nestled in a peaceful rural area just outside Kyoto, is surrounded by serene bamboo forests and lush vegetable gardens. She warmly welcomed us, showed us around, and shared her various collections and unique pieces. One of her main themes is creating healing and relaxing spaces, often through her ceramic lighting and tableware.
Zazen meditation
During our visit we were guided by Toryo Ito, who is a Zen Buddhist monk residing at Ryosokuin. He believes that the important aspect of zazen is that it ultimately restores one's sensitivity to the reality that human beings are an integral part of nature.
Living in a town often leads to a detachment from the natural world, focusing instead on the individual self. However, he believes it's crucial, no matter where we are, to gradually reconnect with our surroundings. This reconnection should extend not just to the immediate environment but also to the wider community and all the living beings around us.
Mindfulness: From moment to moment.
We visited Ryōsoku-in Temple in Kyoto Ryosokuin was founded in 1357, and it is one of the small temples in the pagoda of Kenninji, the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, in Kyoto. Here where locals and tourists can learn and practice Zazen meditation. Zazen is a practice in Zen Buddhism that involves sitting in a specific posture, focusing on the breath, and observing thoughts without attachment. It aims to cultivate mindfulness, inner peace, and clarity by bringing the practitioner fully into the present moment.