Hanami Kanpai

Kanpai What is perhaps most fascinating to me about hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is that an entire country can become united in a mass celebration not of sports,or violence,or conquest - but of understated, refined reflection. Not about a religion, or a god with a name, or some unprovable, complex story of other-worldliness, or a doctrine, but a reflection about the reality of life here and now, as reflected by nature…earth…and the fact that all we can really say we know is that life is impermanent and always changing like seasons. So hanami to me means, we are wise to enjoy the moment, slow down and appreciate little things for what they are, for what they were. Enjoy perhaps a tomato cut into wedges on a plate, plain with no spices or adornment. Just enjoy it for what it is and never will be again … and stop worrying so much about the future or asking “why” so much. Because we don't have nearly as much control as we think we do, nor do we have all the answers. So as the English would say you might as well get pissed and enjoy yourself. … Kanpai!