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.

On the forest floor, all waiting is relative. Blossoms can be hours or years away. (9/11/2017)

Your daily observation routine is what allows you to connect the elements of a larger structure. (9/4/2017)

Finding satisfaction in the small changes of each practice. (7/31/2017)

Embracing diversity is admiring every unusual variation. (7/24/2017)

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)