Life comes but once. Live it to the fullest and have no regrets.

Initially, its direct translation was melancholy and quite depressing. However, the broader meaning is based on the appreciation and understanding of fragility.

Mono no aware is believed to have been taught by Motoori Norinaga, an 18th-century Japanese philosopher. It focuses on the awareness that sorrow comes from a deeper appreciation of things, specifically their inherent nature or their "heart," which is linked to the human experience of emotions. The combination of understanding one’s feelings and the essence of things enables us to truly appreciate life itself.

The Japanese have a view on nature that is impermanence—everything constantly changes, and all living things are transient. They believe that we must adapt to the ever-transient state of nature and be aware of its temporality. And as a population that does not typically express their emotions openly, they are also keen on observing the nuanced changes of expression and gestures of one another. Combining these two cultural nuances may be the reason why mono no aware is ever-present amongst Japanese art and overall way of life. Without understanding the underlying emotions and being aware of subtle changes surrounding you, love, gratitude, and compassion may not flourish.

An example of this is the annual Hanami celebration in Japan. This springtime event takes place once a year when sakura (cherry blossom) trees are in full bloom. Typically, it is only a week, a time when family and friends gather under the trees to appreciate the beauty of nature and honor the passing of the season.

Take time to observe your natural surroundings and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Acknowledge and be grateful for its transience and bittersweet moment. Let it fill your heart.

Leaves fall as we meet,
your hand reaches without words —
we share passing rain.

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