Komorebi and Mental Wellbeing

Komorebi (koh-mo-reh-bee) is the contrast between sunlight and shadow. The word itself is made up for the characters for tree, shine through and sun.

Many artists have tried to capture the magic of this light, but the interplay of light and dark can also teach us about life and wellness.

There are times when we feel our lives and minds are in darkness – we might be experiencing grief, disappointment, hardship or rejection. It is worth reminding ourselves that this is all part of a process of continual change. Just as the light is never all sunshine or all shadow, neither is are our lives. If we are in a particularly shadowy moment, we should find comfort that the sun will shine again.

As mental health has taken a particular knock the past couple of years, it’s useful to realise that healing and recovery is not linear, nor does it take a specific time. For everyone the journey is different. It might be 2 steps forward and 3 steps back, it might be a nice stroll in the park or a tough hike up a mountain.

There are many ways that you can keep looking for the light as you walk your healing path. Connect with friends and family that make you feel good, stay active, give yourself small, achievable tasks, talk to professionals and create mindful moments throughout your day. Always hold on to the thought of the sunlight dancing through the shadows and know that sunshine is coming.