Sukura...The Illusion

In China the cherry blossom symbolizes feminine beauty, the feminine principle, or love in the language of flowers. In Japan cherry blossoms also symbolize clouds due to their nature of bloomingen masse, besides being an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life, an aspect of Japanese cultural tradition that is often associated with Buddhistic influence, and which is embodied in the concept of mono no aware.

The association of the cherry blossom with mono no awaredates back to 18th-century scholar Motoori Norinaga.^[6] The transience of the blossoms, the extreme beauty and quick death, has often been associated with mortality;^[4] for this reason, cherry blossoms are richly symbolic, and have been utilized often in Japanese art, manga, anime, and film, as well as at musical performances for ambient effect. The band Kagrra, which is associated with the visual kei movement, is an example of this latter phenomenon. There is at least one popular folk song, originally meant for the shakuhachi (bamboo flute), titled "Sakura", and several pop songs. The flower is also represented on all manner of consumer goods in Japan, including kimono, stationery, and dishware.

Cherry blossom is an omen of good fortune and is also an emblem of love, affection and represents spring. Cherry blossoms are an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, and as such are frequently depicted in art.^{[citation needed]}

Japan gave 3,020 cherry blossom trees as a gift to the United States in 1912 to celebrate the nations' then-growing friendship^[11]. These trees were planted inSakura Park in Manhattan and famously line the shore of the Tidal Basin inWashington, D.C. (see West Potomac Park), and the gift was renewed with another 3,800 trees in 1965.^[12] The cherry blossom trees continue to be a popular tourist attraction (and the subject of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival) when they reach full bloom in early spring.

The challenge of Sukura..the fleeting nature of these delicate blooms in spring... speak to the transcendent experience of our fragile lives.  These fleeting moments in relationship...how precious our time together. Yet,how often do we seek to protect ourselves from hurt or loss? And in this distancing from those we love, what is crushed in the passing of this season?

I have been creating a new awareness for myself through this dormancy.  I have been "offline" for several months and have taken a deeper dive into "what matters most".  Pride often steps in to distance me from the easy connections with those I love.  I am learning as I go.  Being able to transcend my "what's right and fair" to being fully engaged requires giving up my old story and stepping into "what can be".

The longer I live, the more I know that I would rather be "in relationship" than "be right".  Too much water over the dam.  Too little time left to enjoy.

Sakura...fragile blossom of spring...you delight me!