On a Path Scented with Peach Blossoms — A Walk to Pass the Time in Spring

Today, I took a slightly longer route and walked to Susanoo Shrine.

It wasn't that I had a specific purpose. It's just that there are days when I'm at home and I end up overthinking things. At times like that, the best thing to do is just go outside and walk.

As I passed by the Sumida River, the wind was still a bit chilly, feeling somewhat unreliable to be called spring. However, small changes are beginning to appear on the roadsides and at the tips of tree branches.

When I entered the shrine grounds, I saw cherry blossoms here and there. They are far from being in full bloom, but that modest way of blooming catches the eye all the more.

In fact, the stars of the show were the peach blossoms. The red and white flowers were quietly, yet surely, announcing the changing of the seasons.

And at their feet were Hina dolls. The sight of these dolls, which must have finished their duty in someone's home, being displayed once again like this, strangely tugs at my heart.

Perhaps people are the same. Even if you think your role has ended once, there is another turn for you in a different place, in a different form.

Thinking about such things, I slowly walked around the shrine grounds.

I heard that the 'Ekijin-sai' festival is held here on April 8th, where the area is purified with peach branches and their scent. Since long ago, it has been believed that peach blossoms have the power to ward off evil.

To be honest, I don't necessarily believe in such powers. But it is a fact that by walking like this and seeing the flowers, my mood feels a little lighter.

I think that is enough.

On the way home, I looked up at the cherry blossoms once more. As expected, they are still 'yet to come'.

They are not in full bloom. But they are definitely on their way.

That state feels just right for me right now.

It's okay if something isn't complete, and it's okay if things aren't perfectly in order. I think it's fine to just get a little closer as I keep walking.

Spring will arrive properly without needing to rush. Today was a walk where I quietly confirmed that simple truth.

Tomorrow is the middle of the week, let's do our best.