Word 045
Yata-dera Temple in Yamatokoriyama is known for its ten thousand hydrangeas that bloom each year in June.
Climbing the rain-wet stone steps, visitors find clusters of blue, purple, white, and pink blossoms stretching quietly along both sides of the path. The petals sway softly beneath the weight of rain.
Just that — and yet, without quite knowing why, something in the body quietly lets go.
It is not "We smile because we are happy."
It is "We become happy because we smile."
In the small, everyday moments — whenever the chance arises, be " conscious " and let the corners of your mouth rise.
There is no need to wait for a reason. The shape of a smile is something we can choose.