Sit down...


"Sit down, Johnny. I'm not asking you again."
Children are instructed to sit down in school to maintain order; we sit down with things we need to sort out or negotiate; we sit down before we receive shocking news--bad or good.
"You better sit down. I have something to tell you." Nine months later...
My job requires that I sit in front of a computer screen most days, all day. I hear that sitting for extended periods of time day-in and day-out is the new smoking, meaning it is not great for our health. The new adjustable desktops seem to be a better option than sitting all day. I'll give that some thought.
Do we sharpen our thinking when we sit; are we more composed? Is it the best way to capture sunsets, majestic views, magical beauty?
Japan holds a cherry blossom tradition called hanami. Celebrating Spring is one of the most wonderful times of the year in Japan. They celebrate under the prolific blooms of flowering cherry trees.
Hanami: hana means “flower(s);” mi means “watching or viewing.”
The annual tradition in Japan is to sit beneath the cherry blossoms and soak in the beauty of spring.
Cherry blossom season is short, so the Japanese sit, linger, enjoy food, drink, and dance with friends and family for hours under the flowering trees.
They share special moments under the influence of flowers. My cousin accepted her beau's marriage proposal under the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. I wonder if Christian knew about hanami.
Spring is short--cherry blossom season is shorter.
Hanami--time to enjoy the view and linger beneath the blossoms.
What a beautiful reminder: life is short. Soak it in. Enjoy the beauty.
Sit down and share the moments together.

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