Gardens of the Spirit 2007 Calendar

Strongly influenced by Shinto and Buddhism, the Japanese style of landscaping is particularly conducive to restoring an inner calm. Requiring an artful blend of imagination, skill and patience, the Japanese garden is an extension of the self. By adapting the harmonies of natural design to our own landscape, we heighten our understanding of the world around us and within us. The Gardens of the Spirit 2007 wall calendar features the exquisite photographs of William Corey, one of the foremost Western artists to photograph Japanese gardens. Paired with Maggie Oster's contemplative text, this collection of images brings the experience of Japanese gardening to all who long to create a peaceful oasis in the midst of a challenging world. Sample caption: Fumon Temple Garden, Kyoto, Japan - In the spirit of mindfulness, an offset in a stone bridge awakens our awareness of the quiet beauty of the world we are traversing. Only by slowing our steps do we see the moss-covered stones, the luxuriant growth of the water lilies, the intriguing fissures in the flat-topped stone, the beautiful aging of the stones that make up the bridge. Each day we can think of that bridge and choose to go more slowly, to open our hearts and minds as well as our eyes to all that is good ...