Zen Mondays are a weekly feature inspired by my Japanese language (日本語) and Sumi-e zen ink painting (墨絵) learning journey.

Each post features a recent beginner sumi-e sketch (スケッチ) or postcard (はがき) accompanied by one Japanese word, paired with one photograph from my travel records.

Nothing else.

If each brushstroke is a moment of presence, then every composition is a collage. (7/17/2017)

Every dancer offers us a bridge to a new, exciting world. (7/10/2017)

In making a real effort to find your purpose rests a higher chance your delta will find you.  (7/3/2017)

Sharing a teacup with a friend in every season is one way to celebrate transience. (6/26/2017)

Beauty can be encountered everyday if you focus your sight on finding it. (6/19/2017)

Behind zen painting beauty lies the combination of nature’s order and chaotic display. (6/12/2017)

Building a precious heritage can be achieved by simply witholding a human touch. A wildlife zen monday. (5/22/2017)

Sometimes the best reflections happen amidst a lively, colorful crowd. (5/15/2017)

Danger sometimes depends on the angle you choose to see. (5/8/2017)

A zen journey can start anywhere. (5/1/2017)

Tree covered, misty hills are Earth’s cue to breathe. A zen monday pause. (4/24/2017)

Taking a step back from the subject you often find a more surprising view. (4/17/2017)

A secure bird stands idly on the shore. (4/10/2017)

Nothing says Spring zen monday quite like dense, fleeting cherry blossoms. (4/3/2017)

In Japan, it is easy capturing green or Fuji-san. Zen starts where you find both. (3/27/2017)

What would it be like to balance atop a bamboo grove? A zen monday thought. (3/20/2017)

I wish every Monday to start with zen (3/13/2017)