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Shizen Style Culture Blog
The Shizen Style Blog has foundations in Japanese aesthetics and culture, with topics surrounding Japanese gardens, photography, flow state and creativity, Ikigai (life purpose), as well as product reviews that help us figure out what's worth our time, attention, and money.
Embracing Ichigo Ichie: Transforming Your Photography Through Mindful Presence
In the fast-paced world of photography, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the perfect shot, often overlooking the profound...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 82 min read
64 views
What Japanese Gardens Teach Us About Depth—And Life
Japanese gardens are more than just beautifully arranged plants, stones, and water features. They’re spaces that invite you to pause,...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 24 min read
243 views
The Three Pillars of Japanese Minimalism: Beyond the Trends
While minimalism has become a popular trend in the West, in Japan it's deeply woven into the cultural fabric, appearing in everything...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Dec 17, 20243 min read
420 views
Sensory Symphony: The Therapeutic Wonders of Japanese Gardens
There’s something timeless about Japanese gardens—a sense of peace that seems to pull you from the noise of daily life into a world of...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Nov 9, 20243 min read
290 views
Forest Bathing (ShinRin-Yoku) For Your Modern Lifestyle
Shinrin yoku (森林浴) is just starting to become recognized outside of Japan but they have been studying and developing this concept since...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20196 min read
39 views
The Real Meaning of Shizen – Nature & Creativity
When I lived in Japan and was studying Japanese language I found that the word “shizen” was often used in a contradictory way. For some...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20197 min read
1,316 views
What is Kachou Fuugetsu?Discovering Yourself in Nature
Kachou Fuugetsu – Finding Yourself in Nature Kachou Fuugetsu is a concept that I began to explore after having done a few pilgrimages...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 20196 min read
147 views
Designing Your Wabi-Sabi Home and Garden
Wabi-sabi is a part of Japanese Aesthetics and philosophy that focuses on the appreciation of imperfection and impermanence. Although...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 11, 201913 min read
67 views
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