A Year of Paying Attention: Keeping a Journal Inspired by the Ancient Japanese Tradition of 72 Seasons

A Year of Paying Attention: Keeping a Journal Inspired by the Ancient Japanese Tradition of 72 Seasons

This blank journal is an opportunity for you to connect with an ancient Japanese practice of observing 72 micro-seasons lasting 4-6 days each. Across cultures humans have long celebrated the changing seasons, but the ancient Japanese truly took this practice to the highest level. The 72 seasons, as you’ll see, are highly connected to nature, and in this journal, each season is marked with its series of dates and space for you to make it your own with reflections, memories, or poems as your observations of the season move you. This practice offers an opportunity for us to create a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Stacey Curnow is a mental health counselor and former nurse-midwife. She writes a haiku every morning. This practice helps her slow down and appreciate the beauty that’s available to her at any moment. Anna Brown enjoys creating a world where everyone taps into the joy that can be found living in each moment — encouraging others to connect with their children, dabble in gardening, eat some weeds, and talk to trees. She loves taking and sharing photographs of this amazing world we live in!