Looking forward and backward 👹🍣🎎 Wonderful Japan

Usually the direction and the moment decides what we get to see. When we look to the right or to the left, we regularly get a completely different picture, and it is exactly the same when we cast our gaze forward or backward. The view in front seems to be normal and many of us don't waste a moment to turn around and look backwards. Although we get so much offered there.

Of course, also the moment is crucial, because within minutes or even seconds a scene can often appear and seem completely different. Everything is fleeting, not only our thoughts but especially the images we incessantly take in and experience. But still, every moment is too precious to be ignored. Often the intensity of what we experience only becomes clear when we reflect on it, and for many of us, unfortunately, it never does. I am also often not aware of how important and strong the moment is, and therefore quickly turn to other things. But afterwards I feel into myself and experience and perceive some scenes a second time.

A few weeks ago, I was standing in front of this shrine complex in the Nikko region, and before our eyes was the entrance gate which was lined with two majestic cedars. The sky was overcast and we were aware that the weather would probably change soon and rain was on the agenda. But we were prepared and full of anticipation to explore and look around this place.

Some time later, we were standing at the same spot, looking in the opposite direction. In front of us was Lake Chuzenji, which was now shrouded in increasingly thick fog. We were here at an altitude of 1200 meters and the rain clouds that had now gathered were also hanging quite low. Our view wandered through a torii towards the lake and on the other side of the road you can still make out the sign for the bus stop there.

It was raining now, but somehow a lot of things seemed to come together. Despite the rain, we made our round and had a lot of fun. And as we stood there now, in the same place where we had started before, it felt just good. Even though we got a little wet and were now looking forward to a dry spot inside our car.

Looking at the two photos, I have returned to the scene and can put myself back a in the mood that prevailed on that day. Especially the view of the lake has such an intense effect on me, it still feels as if I had just been there and it would rain thick raindrops on my head. And actually I would really like to stand right there now, whereby the rain would not bother me one bit.

And then, I would first walk forward for a while and then turn around and go back. And let my view and my thoughts wander, and decide quite spontaneously in which direction I will continue. Wherever I will end up walking, I will constantly look back, because there is so much to see, especially behind us. And also so much to feel....