The Road (More or) Less Traveled

I sat on the petal-covered ground and as the sakura flowers began to fall, I felt a peace I hadn't experienced in a while. The cool breeze whispered through the air and the cherry blossoms welcomed it like an old friend. Looking around me I thought, it pays to take the road less traveled.

At the entrance to the Daibutsu or Great Buddha Temple in Kamakura, me and boyfriend saw a hiking trail sign. We decided to take the path which only a few attempted to tread at the time. We would smile and say hello to the few tourists that just like us, took this little adventure. The dusty road was paved by the roots of the trees extending and weaving their way to create unique organic stairways along the trail. Every now and then the ground would be peppered by sakura petals and the plants gave way to views of the quaint town below us.

When we reached a fork on this trail and took a left, there it was – the small and non-descript Kuzuharaoka shrine. The simple gray gate beckoned us to go in and find the prayers of others who had come before us. I found an abundance of wishes written on paper and tied on strings, and wooden hearts filled with hopes of everlasting love. I sincerely wished that their dreams and mine would come true. The sound of water flowing through a small green dragon perched on top of a stone basin put me in a hypnotic trance. As I walked back to the entrance and saw the cherry blossom trees still beaming with pink I was completely magnetized.

Unlike the busy and noisy gatherings held in Tokyo parks as part of hanami or flower-viewing, the scene before me was as serene as it could get. Farther down the little hill was a small group of old men having a little picnic. To my left were tourists who were just leaving after enjoying the warm afternoon sun. I just had to sit down and drink in all the peace and beauty around me. After all, I had a floor and ceiling completely made of sakura flowers and nothing could be more stunning than that.

The sakura is more than just a flower to me; it's a reminder of how life can be beautiful yet so fleeting. They give me hope by showing that there is beauty to an end, and perhaps that truth will unfold to me in due time. I think of my sister Karen who has left us so soon, and in her memory, say a little prayer amidst all the magnificence that surrounds me.

The road less traveled is full of surprises. When you see it, take a chance. You'll never know what's on the other end unless you take that first step.