Self-assertion and Moderation...

Cherry blossom are almost in full bloom now in Kansai area. We see many foreign tourists taking photos here and there to enjoy one of our Japanese proud beauties. Of course, we Japanese and I myself are enjoying Sakura viewing while they are blooming in this limited Spring period.

Fortunately, I dare don't need to go out to Sakura viewing tourist sports surrounded with tourists. For me who tend to avoid noisy and crowded places, I prefer finding Sakura in my local area and enjoying its beauty and elegance.

I lived in a southern tropical island, Ishigaki Island for 2 years, and encountered and appreciated enough its indigenous nature and beauties while I was there. Taking an example of flowers, they are amazingly lovely in shape and self-assertive in colors. Compared with them, the way Sakura flowers to present themselves is surely different. I believe that they may have a sort of moderate matter in its presence and beauty.

I reached this quote by chance:

"Arrogance over confidence, and scheme beneath moderation
Never indulge yourself in confidence and lose yourself in moderation." -Takiji Otaki/Actor

関西地方の桜は、ほぼ満開を迎え、あちらこちらで、外国人観光客が、日本の誇るべき美の形容詞、桜の姿をカメラに収めています。 もちろん、私たち日本人、私自身もこの限られた春の開花の期間、花見を楽しんでいます。

幸いにも、あえて観光客で賑わう花見スポットに足を伸ばす必要はありません。喧騒を避ける傾向にある自分にとって、地元でむしろ身近な桜を見つけ、その優美さを楽しんでいます。

２年間、石垣島という南の島で生活をし、そこで土着の自然と美しさに出会い、十分に堪能しました。花を例に挙げると、姿はとても愛らしく、また強く訴えてくる色たちです。それらと比べると、桜は姿と色に一種の謙虚さを持っているのかもしれません。

今日は、偶然にこの言葉を目にしました。

「自信の上には奢りがあり、謙虚の下には卑屈がある。

決して、自信に堕ちるな。謙虚に満ちるな。」－大滝秀治／俳優

Masami