emergent spirituality

in Japanese culture, the Shinto concept of kami illuminates how nature itself can be profoundly sacred. Far from an abstract or esoteric notion, these spirits dwell in the very environment surrounding us—rivers, mountain peaks, wildflowers, lakes, and trees. While many cultures throughout history have recognised a living essence in the natural world, Japan’s deep appreciation for kami has evolved into a refined aesthetic sensibility

this sensitivity is more than an artistic inclination; it is a quietly unfolding spirituality that arises through our direct connection with the land. By witnessing the subtle interplay of clouds over a lake or the hushed presence of a lone tree in the fog, we catch glimpses of a deeper harmony. Each element of the environment holds the potential to ground us in the moment and invite us into a more expansive awareness

in this way, the everyday scenes we encounter—soft mists, still waters, silent forests—become portals to reverence. The concept of kami reminds us that spirit is woven into the ordinary, waiting to be noticed. It is a way of seeing that bridges beauty and meaning, affirming that spirituality can emerge naturally from the interplay of our senses, our surroundings, and our willingness to be open to the subtle pulse of life unfolding all around us

image 1: alp, 2024, Engadine Valley, Switzerland

image 2: no line on the horizon, 2025, Lake Léman, Switzerland