There are various aspects of Japanese philosophy and culture that I find helpful in life. Mono no aware is one of these. Referred to as a gentle sadness at the transience of things, mono no aware reminds us to appreciate life and the present moment, and to be as fully aware in each moment as possible. It is not intended to promote despair, but gratitude and deep joy. Really enjoying and experiencing the beauty of the hawthorn blossom in spring reminds me of mono no aware: I feel sadness that the blossom will not last long. But when I reflect further I know that the blossom in spring will give way to beautiful red berries in the autumn, that will nourish the birds just as the blossom nourished the bees and pollinators.