Do you think of the arrival of spring as an inhale or an exhale?
My Kitchen Bonsai
That was the question posed to our yoga class today as we looked out over the Yampa river from the studio. I love looking at the running water, snow-capped mountains and just beginning to bud cottonwood trees while I’m stretching. There is ample evidence that spending time in nature is a healthy practice. We’ve talked about terms like Shinrin-yoku the Japanese term for “forest bathing”. While countless research studies have explored and confirmed a strong connection between the time we spend in nature and our well-being, there is also strong evidence that to the extent we can see nature from inside or bring nature indoors, we also benefit.
The ability of natural elements to make us feel calm, welcome and at peace in an interior setting is something that most of us feel inherently. Though E. O. Wilson is often credited with the concept of biophilia, it is the work of Stephen Kellert that has translated this to a more understandable and usable design framework. Kellert’s work established 14 concepts that bring health and wellness into the built world. Some of these are obvious such as the bringing in more outdoor light or greenery to those less obvious such as using natural patterns or displaying the internal structure of a building or room.
This gorgeous ficus bonsai is a new resident in my home. The ancient art of bonsai fits well within the principles of biophilic design. It is a Japanese word which, literally translated, means “planted in a container”. This horticultural practice was developed over a thousand years ago under the influence of Zen Buddhism. The goal of Bonsai creators is to create a miniature representation of nature. Four themes play an essential role in the art of bonsai.
The first is simplicity, which epitomizes Japanese art and architecture. Built upon the premise that less is more, bonsai is symbolized by the simple unadorned container which holds the horticultural art.
Bonsai is designed on a triangle – the symbol of balance. But instead of using the symmetrical Western equilateral triangle, bonsai is built upon the rule of the isosceles triangle with its unequal sides. This lends more of a natural sense of balance and is valued in Japanese culture.
The theme of harmony is visible within the bonsai composition. The texture and shapes contribute to the overall sense of harmony found in nature, which is the dominant element in bonsai.
Finally, the theme of age plays a role in bonsai. The tree roots, trunk, and branches all symbolize varying stages of life. The thick, luscious green growth of my tree reminds me of the vitality of youth.
The presence of nature in my home allows me and my family to find calm in the midst of our busy lives. It also cleans the air and helps to maintain harmonious thoughts. I hope that spring time finds you amidst simplicity, balance, and harmony at every age. If you are interested in owning your own bonsai, check out the options here.
It is the first day of spring. Today, daylight is equivalent to our nighttime. Is it an exhale or an inhale? What do you think?
#BringOnZen
Agrigirl's Blog 
judilyn
/ March 20, 2016We all need more outdoors in our indoors!
Virtual hugs,
Judie < — looking longingly at the motorhome
Melissa
/ March 20, 2016Interesting question. I’d say inhale. Spring seems to bring something life-giving, like inhaling oxygen.
It was also interesting to read about the themes of bonsai. Thank you for sharing.
marieke
/ March 20, 2016Inhale for me 🙂 breathing in new life and the fresh smells of green! I am in awe of your ability to keep a bonsai alive!
Carolyn Niethammer
/ March 20, 2016Love the concept of “forest bathing.” Have done it for decades; just didn’t know aht to call lit.
Jackie @Auburn Meadow Farm
/ March 21, 2016Interesting question, I’ve never thought of it that way. I am feeling a strong need to clean up the clutter, get my act together, simplify, and inhale some fresh air.
nrhatch
/ March 21, 2016Inhale/Exhale ~> where does a circle start?
Tandy | Lavender and Lime
/ March 22, 2016I love your Bonsai! I have a ficus growing in a pot close to our front door – I shall think of you when I see it today 🙂 Fall has just begun here and I am so looking forward to it 🙂
Hemangini
/ March 22, 2016So beautiful Bonsai.. I have been making a few plants into bonsai myself and I love how nature teaches us to be more patient and grow. Plants sometimes fight hard environment, go into hibernation and come back. Nature is just awesome.
I Wilkerson
/ March 27, 2016Your Bonsai is beautiful. I have been tempted to give it a try, but the extra responsibility seems daunting to me (I can barely keep my plants watered). But I am very happy to have potted some bulbs last fall so we had a lovely pot of tulips for Easter despite snow outdoors!
Tes
/ April 4, 2016Your bonsai looks beautiful and healthy. I have to learn to take care of mine better. I have bonsai kumquat in my balcony which I plan to take inside my living room, but whenever I attempt to do that, the little tree doesn’t look so good.
Sophie33
/ April 28, 2016I have never had a bonsai but can appreciate the loveliness of it. 🙂 I love Spring!
hotlyspiced
/ May 2, 2016I do love Spring but ours has been and gone and we’re currently in Autumn. I have not tried my hand at bonsai but I have a friend who has many bonsai plants and she gets much joy from them xx
Sheryl
/ May 7, 2016I planted tomato and flower seeds indoors awhile back, and carefully nurtured them until the weather got warm enough to plant outside. I think that bringing the outdoors in made the cold early spring days go by much faster. 🙂