This one screams Kyoto even though it could have been almost anywhere. Welcome to Kyoto, Japan. The land of ancient temples, cherry blossoms, and, of course, tranquil Zen gardens that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. If you’ve ever found yourself gazing into a serene body of water in one of these gardens, you know it’s like peering into the universe’s own Instagram feed, filtered of course, because who wants to see the raw, unedited version of reality?
When out exploring one of Kyoto’s famous zen gardens, I noticed these reflections in the water. The fish were the perfect punctuation marks for my odyssey into chill. I love photographing reflections because they hold several sides of the story. There’s what’s happening on the surface, in this case the fish, and then what’s going on around, sometimes even behind you, in this case the beautiful Zen garden showing off its autumn colors. It was so peaceful and tranquil and now it takes me back to Kyoto.
Take a moment to appreciate this image. It’s not just a pretty picture; it’s a portal into tranquility. Look closely, and you’ll see fish gliding beneath the surface, their movements as graceful as a ballet dancer who forgot they were supposed to be on land. And let’s not forget the reflections! Those vibrant colors dancing on the water’s surface are like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, look at me! I’m alive too!”
Now, let’s talk about the water itself. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s the main character in this serene drama. It’s the calm in the storm, the cool drink on a hot day, and the perfect excuse to avoid doing laundry. Seriously, who wants to fold clothes when you could be contemplating the meaning of life while staring at fish?
And speaking of fish, let’s give them a moment of appreciation. They’re the unsung heroes of the aquatic world, swimming around like they own the place. Ever seen a fish look stressed? Nope! They glide through life with a nonchalance that would make even the most seasoned yogi envious. Maybe we should take a page from their book and learn to chill out a bit.
They say Koi fish live long lives if given the right circumstances. Some Koi in Kyoto have lived to be 200 years old. They flourish in the right pond. I think there’s a lesson for life hidden in that, but I’ll leave it for you to decide. These Koi were well cared for and had a wonderful pond to enjoy their swim.
But here’s the kicker: while we’re all busy trying to find our zen in nature, let’s not forget the little frustrations that come with it. Like that one mosquito that seems to have a personal vendetta against you, or the sudden realization that you forgot to pack snacks. Because what’s a nature outing without a little drama, right?
So, the next time you find yourself near a tranquil body of water in a Zen garden, take a moment to reflect upon it, literally and figuratively. Embrace the beauty, the fish, and even the pesky mosquitoes. After all, life is a series of reflections, and sometimes, it’s the imperfections that make it all the more interesting.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some serious fish-watching to do. Who knows? Maybe I’ll learn their secrets to a stress-free life. Or at the very least, I’ll get a good laugh out of it!
Until next time…
