~Albert Szent-Györgyi (1893-1986), winner Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1937
TNA Architects designed a country retreat outside Tokyo, Japan, wrapped in rings of glass and wood and has an uninterrupted 360 degree view of the forest.
TNA designed rings around the facade so that areas of private spaces and utilities could be met. The height of each ring was decided by the function concealed behind it. The glass between the rings allow you to look straight into the forest, so the whole house appears to dissolve into the forest. -from coolbloom.net
I cannot flesh out what I want to write about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the awful possibility of a nuclear power plant meltdown as a result of the tragedy. My thoughts found a place to dwell in peace for awhile at Wah no Ie, The Ring House. From this sanctity of spacious and gentle beauty my meditations go out to the Japanese people.
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21 comments:
Boy, those photos of the devastation were something. I took out earthquake insurance early this week simply because Oregon is fifty years overdue for a major quake.
What an incredible house. Wouldn't it be amazing to live like that... I know I couldn't but one can dream...
It is so difficult to see such devastation, and know the heartaches of millions of people whether directly or indirectly affected.
peaceful post - we all are dwelling on this awful earthquake and what has happened since...
thank you for this wonderfully deep and supportive post... i am very sad myself, i lived for 3 years in Sendai, exactly that area, you can imagine how i feel now. and have friends there, but they are all ok. i so hope they contain the nuclear danger, it would be just too awful...
but talking with my best japanese friend today on skype, it was a relief and wonder to see how strong and optimistic she was, no laments, nothing, just the will to gather one's strength, calmly accept the inevitable and make all efforts to go forth, to rebuild life. they are really an example. i was more down and afraid than her!
Beautiful. I've been thinking about Japan, too...
Thank you.
thank you lydia. ♥
the snowglobe of earth is being shaken violently. it reminds me of the five balls: four are made of rubber and can bounce but the fifth--the fifth is made of glass.
i am glad to be here just now. thank you again.
love
kj
Snowbrush~ Er, you put me to shame. I was once a general lines insurance agent and I still have not checked into flood or earthquake insurance on our house. That spring quake (1993?) was epicentered in Scotts Mills just a few miles from Silverton and we really shook. All this points to one thing: I have some home business to attend to. Thanks for the nudge.
earlybird~ It is so beautiful standing there in the forest that I wanted it for my own retreat house, most definitely. It is exquisite.
mythopolis~ I know. Our next-door neighbor had his first party in about two years on Friday night. It went on until 4:30 a.m. and I had to deal with my mixed feelings about it. He has had a hard time of it since his divorce, so I am pleased that it appears he is ready to laugh once again. But the joviality and music irked me in light of the images I was watching on msnbc.
Kathe~ Dwelling. There, you said the word. It is so hard not to dwell on it. Am glad you found some peace in the Ring House too.
Roxana~ Oh, I read your comment early p.m. on Saturday and thought about it many times throughout the day. Even told my husband about your having lived in Sendai and having been in touch with your friend via Skype. I am awed by your personal connection to this place, and therefore, to this tragedy...and so awed by the description of your friend's resiliency. I am keeping your friend's spirit in mind now when news and reports of the quake/tsunami and aftermath are in front of me. And I am keeping your tender sadness in my loving thoughts sent your way. xoxo
ds~ We are all thinking of Japan together. Hopefully, the people can in some way sense that caring and outright fear watching them go through what is possible in so many other places in the world.
kj~ Thank you for your snowglobe description of our beautiful home. I hope it can find its way into my dreams in a magically soothing way tonight. xo
What a lovely blog
the shots are stunning, love the light.
Greetings!
Thanks for the lovely contribution to potluck on week 25,
week 26 is open NOW, we treasury your poetry
and welcome you in in your personal convenience…old poems are welcome!
xoxox
This meditation seems just right for right now. Thank you, Lydia.
What an amazing house. Great post as always. Hugs.
I love this beautiful house, and nature type housing like this. I feel it was a good thing to show in your post and the info on it.
Because yes, it is overwhelming to take it all in what is happening and going on in this world and we get so much information so fast non stop...it is very hard at times to take it all in...our feelings are so raw and in shock. We are bombarded with all of the bad things..and thought we need to know what's going on and happening, it is more than okay to go "within" at times.
Life did not used to be like this..the 24/7 non stop news stories. It's suppposed to be the year of the metal rabbit and a more "peaceful time" but as I remember my post writing about this rabbit year that "the ones who have stood on the side lines for years will now start speaking up and participating in a big way"...hmmmm..I just don't know Lydia.
We cannot solve all of the worlds problems..and I know it's hitting hard as you are near Portland and it's affecting you personally. I am so sorry.
At this point I am feeling glad to be living on a 3rd floor apartment right about now!
I lived in Japan way back when..and they had and have constant earth quakes..I kind of got used to it on a regular basis while there...but this is the worse one ever in history there. It hurts my heart just to imagine all the lost lives so quickly and now the nuclear reactor problem. Maybe this will wake us up into not thinking of using nuclear energy as an alternative anymore? Hope so.
Hope I didn't depress you..just wanted to say I know what you mean about trying to find a peaceful place within you to dwell. We all need this..your not alone.
Well, I turned 60 officially on March 11th...who would have thought that I'd make it this far!? Actually I feel good about it...I think for me it's going to be less stress and more peace within for me and hopefully happier times in my life. I've had enough of the trying times and stress and "drama" stuff..
Hang in there Lydia,
Love and Blessings to all of us,
Rhi
angelcohen~ Oh, thank you so much!
Jingle~ I love the light too. Very much enjoyed my first go at your poetry club and will be back.
Erin~ How lovely to hear from you, especially at a time of sadness. Been a long time since I've been at your blog and I shall visit!
Phivos~ I thought you would like the house! Hugs back.
Rhi~ Ya know, I had your birthday on my fridge calendar - and I still failed to wish you a happy birthday. So, Happy Belated 60th...and you are terrific and so is everything you wrote in your thoughtful comment about this post and the condition of our world. You never depress me, dear friend. :)
perfect
Thank you so much
My friend is actually out on a japanese island right now. He's ok, thankfully - but i think your post here is fabulous
xx
Feeling much the same way about the situation in Japan. The idea there's a possibility Tokyo may be evacuated is stunning.
Thanks for putting up such a nice thoughtful piece.
You always support people in an innovative way, Aunt.
Radiation from those nuclear power plant is one of the main concerns in Japan right now. I have seen in the news that radiation has now reached in some parts of popular Tokyo. Japanese people's fortune is really in danger now. I don't know how much time they need to compensate or even how they could possibly compensate this disaster. It's really hard for them. Let's pray for them. From heart.
I love Wa No Le! I wish I could pass a short vacation inside this magnificent house!
Pixies~ I appreciate your appreciation and now I will be thinking of your friend and his current and future well-being.
susan~ In such a difficult time I wish the architects of this amazing house could know how much solace these images have given to us.
Riyadh~ I love Wa no li too, and more each time I look at it. I am envisioning the air surrounding it to be sweet and pure, healed and safe for the future.
Everything you mentioned is so true. It is hard to think that this is real. Yes, heartfelt prayers real too.
(Thank you for such a beautiful way you described my support. xo)
Wa no ie draws us all in, as if to shelter us from the storms taking over our streets, and our hearts, one revolutionary wave after the other. Thank-you for designing space to heal, here.
Shaista~ Oh, thank you for such a beautiful comment. Storms, indeed. Helping one another heal, most definitely.
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