At home in Shizen

From Forest Bathing by Dr. Qing Li:

“Shizen – which translates as ‘nature’, or ‘naturalness’ – is one of the seven principles of Zen aesthetics. The idea behind shizen is that we are all connected to nature, emotionally, spiritually and physically; and that the more closely something relates to nature, the more pleasing it is, whether it’s a spoon, or a piece of furniture, or the way a house is decorated.”

This drawing is of a bouquet that a cottage guest left behind for us to enjoy. I love seeing how cottage guests bring bouquets and essential oils to the cottage, find leaves, sticks, acorns, and flowers at Spring Bird for the altar, and leave behind natural beauty like shells, seeds, or pinecones for the next visitor or for us. There is a sense of appreciation for nature’s beauty and its value in our lives. 

Do you bring nature indoors through natural items, design, and decor? How does it make you feel?