The simple architecture. The straight lines that pull the viewer into the image. The wood framing the square in which sits the bouquet of flowers. The beautiful simplicity of the pot holding the bouquet. The monochromatic feel of the building contrasting with the pop of colors from the flowers and their pot.
This image speaks to me. It tells the story of the value of simplicity and of natural, unassuming beauty in an overly complicated world. It evokes a feeling of calmness, of peacefulness, of centeredness.
The photograph is from Yokohama, Japan. It shows the quiet, contemplative side of Japan, the yin to the yang that is the bustling, frenetic, crowded side of Japan.
I recall that busy side of Japan from my first trip to the country’s capital city of Tokyo. I recall the busy streets; the crowded stores; the ever-so-polite helpers wearing white gloves, gently encouraging more people than physically possible to board subway cars. I remember the very different sense of personal space from that trip.
This image provides balance to that aspect of life. It is in such spaces that a person can become grounded, that a person can meditate on tranquil beauty. It’s in the yin of this image I find a source of energy required to re-enter that exciting yet complicated and hectic yang side of life.