My son and I have a joke that wherever we are in Florida we would see a sign for the Morikami Museum. We would say, "all roads lead to the Morikami." Needless to say, it was high time we got ourselves there.
With a winter storm at the Northeast's doorstep, I leave you with these pictures to help warm your spirit and remind you ~ Spring is just around the bend.
Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew, was inspired by famous gardens of Japan. There are six distinct gardens set on 16 acres, designed around a lake to accentuate the gallery and museum. Click here if you want a better understanding of each garden type and what it represents.
The path around the lake takes you on a romantic journey. The obvious beauty and naturalistic woodland setting sets it apart from more formal Japanese gardens but the zen-like feeling remains.
Flat gardens or dry landscaping speak to the balance within: of shrubs and rocks. The act of racking the sand is meditative. It is a tool to help calm the mind. Different patterns have different meanings.
So much inspiration!
A lizard was perfectly perched on the pagoda. The koi and turtles seem happy as well.
Touring the garden is a personal journey of observation and introspection. It is a sensory experience as well, with something to see around every corner.
As the laughing Buddha signifies, may happiness and joy wash over you and may peace be in your heart.
Namaste
