We’ve asked people who inspire us to share us their perspectives and the scenery that they see. We hope that you enjoy the richness of time that flows within each of these stories.
I first heard the phrase “work of human” from a
young hunter. Determined for as long as he could
remember to inherit the profession of hunting from
his grandfather, he has been making a living as a
hunter in the woods for over a decade.
He rises early every morning and goes into the woods with his trusty dog; over the days of walking in the woods, he began to cultivate a certain sensitivity. The trees do trees’ work, the earth does earth’s work, the wind wind’s work and the water water’s work. The trees spread their branches wide, brimming with greenery, creating a living space for many beings. The earth supports the trees, transforming fallen branches and leaves into new life again. The wind brushes off overgrown branches and leaves to let light through, while the water grinds away the earth to create earth formations and carry nutrients.
“What is my work, in this forest?” he began to wonder. He chose to begin with a careful observation of the forest. Sharpening every sense, he watched what was happening in the woods. After some time, he came to notice places where the wind could not reach or where the water was dammed up. When he found branches still broken, marshes dense with fallen leaves,wind f low or water flow jammed, his body moved spontaneously to free the cloggings. Absorbed in his work, he sometimes found himself spending time almost till nightfall.
One day like this followed the next; and then he started to see salamanders in a stagnated area of the uninhabited marsh. New plants grew in the shrubbery. The beauty and abundance of the woods were growing. “I’m not alone in the work,” he realized, feeling a deep-rooted joy at the sense of being in tune with nature.
Places where the wind blows clean, where the flow is lovely, where the sun can shine, are naturally comfortable and comforting. Where there is circulation and flow, there is abundant light and life. Creating circulation in daily life, creating flow, creating connections and bringing out beauty. Even without going to the woods every day, perhaps there is “work” that humans can do.
“Living a life itself brings me pure joy.” His gentle smile seemed to show me that getting closer to the work of nature through the“work of human” could lead to a fundamental joy of living.
He rises early every morning and goes into the woods with his trusty dog; over the days of walking in the woods, he began to cultivate a certain sensitivity. The trees do trees’ work, the earth does earth’s work, the wind wind’s work and the water water’s work. The trees spread their branches wide, brimming with greenery, creating a living space for many beings. The earth supports the trees, transforming fallen branches and leaves into new life again. The wind brushes off overgrown branches and leaves to let light through, while the water grinds away the earth to create earth formations and carry nutrients.
“What is my work, in this forest?” he began to wonder. He chose to begin with a careful observation of the forest. Sharpening every sense, he watched what was happening in the woods. After some time, he came to notice places where the wind could not reach or where the water was dammed up. When he found branches still broken, marshes dense with fallen leaves,wind f low or water flow jammed, his body moved spontaneously to free the cloggings. Absorbed in his work, he sometimes found himself spending time almost till nightfall.
One day like this followed the next; and then he started to see salamanders in a stagnated area of the uninhabited marsh. New plants grew in the shrubbery. The beauty and abundance of the woods were growing. “I’m not alone in the work,” he realized, feeling a deep-rooted joy at the sense of being in tune with nature.
Places where the wind blows clean, where the flow is lovely, where the sun can shine, are naturally comfortable and comforting. Where there is circulation and flow, there is abundant light and life. Creating circulation in daily life, creating flow, creating connections and bringing out beauty. Even without going to the woods every day, perhaps there is “work” that humans can do.
“Living a life itself brings me pure joy.” His gentle smile seemed to show me that getting closer to the work of nature through the“work of human” could lead to a fundamental joy of living.
[WRITER PROFILE]
Kanako Uchino (Director of Ocean Learning Academy)
Studied oceanography at the University of Hawaii, engaged in research on coral reef ecology at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. Became the first Japanese crew member of the traditional voyage canoe Hokule’a, which navigates only by using signs from nature such as stars and waves. Participated in numerous voyages including the historic Hawaii-Japan voyage. Currently works to create educational programs and learning platforms based on nature. Her book “Hokule’a: the path stars show us” is addressed in several high school textbooks. Other publications include “Stars, Waves, and the Voyaging Canoe” and "Secrets of Coral Sea".
