I visited Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest in Nagano just after completing my Forest Therapy Guide course. Known as the birthplace of shinrin-yoku, this ancient Kiso hinoki forest taught me a lot about forest bathing — including how to capture the komorebi.

縁の下の力持ち means someone who quietly supports others behind the scenes. For me, it perfectly describes the often invisible work of orchestra stage managers.

photo by Vincent Callot

What happens when work is taken away from someone who finds meaning in being useful? A story about madogiwazoku, work and the connection with ikigai.

Ikigai can be big or small, serious or casual. For me, noticing the small things that made each day meaningful became part of my path to recovery.