The Possibility of Being Contented
A new season means a new look for Zen Foodism….
(click to enlarge)
And a word on the meaning behind my banner: During our 2 weeks in Japan last year, one of the most compelling and meaningful days was the one we spent in Kyoto visiting Buddhist temples. Ryoanji boasts, in my opinion, the most gorgeous and serene grounds - perfect for meandering and meditating. This is the home of the classic Zen Buddhist rock garden.
Around the corner from the rock garden is a little fountain with four simple characters that translate to mean, “You shall be contented.” I remember gazing at the tiny fountain, feeling comforted and, at the same time, awed by its powerful and optimistic creed.
While I’m certain that the Buddhist monks didn’t intend for their contemplative message to apply solely to gluttonous meals enjoyed with multiple glasses of wine, I do feel that the message applies to my philosophy about food.
Frankly, I haven’t really found a way to be content with life yet, but I do put an awful lot of effort into feeling satisfied with almost every bite I choose to eat.
What a simple, powerful, and unequivocal goal for life… “You shall be contented.”
the new design looks fab! I love the green and the banner rocks.
Comment by Alicat — April 3, 2006 @ 6:18 am
I’ve long been of a mind that contentment trumps ‘happiness’ … thanks for sharing the source of your new design’s inspiration, it’s the entirely personal yet so public nature of food blogging that so fascinates me …
Comment by Alanna — April 3, 2006 @ 7:31 am
Hi! Saw your comment on my site, and decided to check you out. Would you mind if I add you to my blogroll?
That image with the fountain is very powerful. It’s amazing how the simplest ideas ring so deeply in your mind.
Comment by Karen — April 3, 2006 @ 10:56 am
The new design is lovely, congrats!
Comment by Marianne — April 3, 2006 @ 1:11 pm
yay for spring! and yay for the lovely new look.
Comment by jeannette — April 3, 2006 @ 11:59 pm
I love your blog and your banner; your tagline, “you shall be contented” is awesome, it says so much; when we live our lives in the moment, as healthy as possible, we ARE contented. thanks for sharing…
to your good heatlh,
sage
Comment by Paulette aka sage — April 5, 2006 @ 7:28 am
I love your motto and shall remember it during my eating journies. I found your blog while searching for other food blogs of interest. I created a blog for my fellow employees, http://celebrityfoods.wordpress.com/
glad i found yours
Comment by sara — April 5, 2006 @ 10:47 am
Nice new look. Fresh and clean like spring. Took me a milli-moment to realize I was on the right page. I was stunned not to see the happily famliar scarlet.
Comment by Nerissa — April 5, 2006 @ 9:22 pm
Looks very nice.
Comment by Kalyn — April 6, 2006 @ 3:02 pm
I love the new look and colors! The green is so pretty.
Comment by Amy — April 8, 2006 @ 1:20 pm