Last Friday, I found myself in a situation that many outdoor enthusiasts can relate to: the dreaded decision to cancel a camping trip due to a rain forecast. This would have been our first camping trip of the season, at a spot we've visited at least once a month from April to October over the past few years.

Spring is the time for my husband's family to repair shoji screens, and I wanted to share how I find mindfulness and playfulness in this everyday task.

In Japan the changing seasons are a big deal, and I really appreciate how I felt encouraged to slow down and enjoy nature while I lived there. I got into the habit of appreciating nature and whatever what was in bloom during my daily walks to and from the station.

In Japan, house gods, or Kami (神), are a big part of the culture. People believe these spirits help protect homes and keep everyone safe from bad luck and nasty spirits. I don’t have a fancy 'kamidana' shelf, but I do have a place in my apartment on my 'memory shelf' for a cute trio of bronze Jizo statues.

Even though the weather was a bit meh this weekend, I decided to change my wardrobe to its summer version. It took me about an hour to exchange the highly seasonal items like fleece pj's and fluffy winter socks for tank tops and dresses and shorts.

Dōsojin are gods or spirits associated with roads, travel and protection during journeys.

Writing about remembering loved ones in Japan reminded me of visiting my husband's family's ancestral graves close to the city of Kamakura and being struck by a special place in the same cemetery to commemorate pets.

One of my favorite aunties passed away last week, and as I'm far away and not able to go to the funeral service I started thinking on how to best honor her passing. Then I remembered a funeral service I attended in Japan, and I wanted to share the thoughful way these things are done over there.