Thank you for posing, random strangers.
Random Observation/Comment #168: I was once asked by a friend, “What has happened in the past week that made you love life?” The question was difficult to answer not because I followed some cult cynicism (which I don’t), but rather because the week in question was a week where my senses were almost paralyzed by the overflow of natural beauty. The view of mountains in every direction definitely added to the feeling, but I’m pretty sure it was the loose shoulders and open arms embracing this life that made me forget about reality. My lungs hoarded the clean air and I finally let my brain breathe for that oxygen head-high. The last time I saw an empty Terminator-on-screen-display of tasks was in Japan. Once more, I enjoyed these moments in peace. I was not alone – it was me and Mother Nature. We had endless conversations with each other even though the understanding of each other’s languages was minimal. At some point, She probably told me to stop being anti-social.
Writing is my form of time traveling. As I sit down and refresh my memories with the 400 pictures I took this day, it really feels like that scene from The Butterfly Effect when Ashton Kusher jumps back to change events. All these terrible Hollywood camera effects references is sadly the best I can do to express this imaginative shift. I often type with my eyes closed and with minimal distractions as to more deeply remember every sense in my body and every thought in my mind from that time. I try my hardest to grasp those floating memories and paste them onto my laptop screen. The random rants are a direct result of my silent conversations (although it sometimes involves different ties from more current events).
I give this reiterative reasoning for my entries because I think I have officially marked the memory of blissful peace on the side of that lake that will stay with me forever. Yes, everything about Fuji-san sunrise was a rejuvenating jolt from that picture-perfect defibrillator, but there was something different about this walk that made me smile. I guess what I’m trying to put into words is embodied in the featured photograph of this entry.
Not only was the walk in the Neuhaus wildlife preservation area an incredible, real-life painting before my eyes, but it offered a contrast of life phases. The path following the lake was designated for dog walks, baby strollers, joggers, and regular nature enthusiasts, thus providing me with a very diverse sample. I saw small groups of teenagers, young backpacking travelers, locals jogging with dogs, lovey-dovey couples, mothers with baby strollers, families with toddlers, and old couples holding hands on a bench watching the mountain’s reflections in the lake. These people made my heart melt.
I couldn’t help but smile with envy. I remembered those carefree teenage years and skipped a few stones, distorting that long forgotten reflection. I remembered the romantics of being in love and finding comfort in being her shoulder to lean on. I empathized with the young adults trying to maintain their grasp on youth and finding hobbies that fit their lifestyles. I imagined the baby’s soft breath and happy dreams while following her mother in a joyful routine. I longed for the short exchanged glance between parents that say in that extra-long second, “We did it. I love you.” And I look forward to that moment on the park bench where words cannot begin to describe the rollercoaster, called “Life.” But for now, I will be the young backpacker with a heart for adventure and an open mind. If you were there, I’m sure you would have seen the same.
~See Lemons Immersed in the Essence of Beauty
A perfectly placed open field in front of mountains
