02/04/2026
Did you know… when wearing a kimono, you always wrap the left side over the right?👘✨
In Japan, the opposite — right over left — is reserved for dressing the deceased. Because of this, people are very careful about this small but important detail.
It’s one of the many fascinating customs guests learn during our kimono experience in the retreat. A beautiful tradition where even the way you wrap the fabric carries deep cultural meaning👘
kimono 🩷
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27/02/2026
森林浴
Shinrin yoku
Forest bathing 🌿
In the retreat village area, there is a certified forest therapy road where we bring our guests to slow down and breathe deeply.
Bamboo sways gently in the breeze. The air feels crispy, clean, and refreshing. After the rain, we sometimes spot tiny river crabs crossing the path, heading out on their own little adventure.
Every walk brings small discoveries — funny-shaped leaves, wild berries, soft sunlight filtering through the trees.
You don’t need to “do” anything here.
Just walk.
Just breathe.
And let the forest do the rest.
18/02/2026
🪷 Five Ways to Practice with Buddhist Prayers
1. Read with awareness
2. Write with intention
3. Chant with your voice
4. Learn the meaning from teachers
5. Share the teachings with others
During our retreat, we experience the second practice — writing meditation — guided by a local Buddhist monk. We actually trace it so don’t worry if you don’t understand Japanese letters.
With quiet focus, we carefully copy the prayer by hand, allowing each word to settle into the body and breath.
At the end of the session, the monk collects our handwritten sheets and brings them back to his temple, where he includes them in the monthly rituals and prays for our wishes and intentions.
It’s such a beautiful practice — simple, grounding, fun, yet deeply peaceful and relaxing. A moment to slow down, reflect, and connect. 🕊️✨
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