April HINU Highlights

Taste  

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Our founder, Allie, took part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony inside an old samurai residence in Kyoto. The space was simple and still, with worn timber floors and paper screens that filtered the afternoon light. Every movement was intentional — from the preparation of the matcha to the way the tea was offered and received. It was a quiet practice in presence. A reminder that there is meaning in slowing down, in paying attention, and in treating the everyday as sacred.

Sight

Shinrin-yoku

Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," is a Japanese practice that invites us to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the forest, an intentional way to reconnect with nature and support our well-being.

This month, we encouraged the team to embrace that connection by spending more mindful moments in nature. Whether it was walking through the woods, journaling beside a river, or simply enjoying lunch under the open sky, each small act helped nurture that bond.

Let’s remember, we are always in dialogue with nature. With every breath, we inhale the oxygen trees give us and exhale the carbon dioxide they need. It’s a beautiful, ongoing exchange, a reminder that we are never separate from the natural world.

Sound

 Somatics Vocal Workshop 

This month we experienced one of Aarti Jadu’s immersive somatic vocal workshops, where traditional and contemporary vocal practices from both Eastern and Western cultures come together. Through guided exploration, participants will discover how the voice can be used as a powerful tool for regulation, connection, and accessing meditative and healing states.

Learn more


Touch

Feel of the Japanese wood comb

The feel of a Japanese boxwood comb is unlike any other — the smooth, warm grain of aged wood glides effortlessly through the hair, creating a sensation that’s both grounding and calming. Unlike plastic or metal, boxwood holds a natural softness against the scalp, turning each stroke into something closer to a gentle massage than a routine task.

Learn more about these combs and the 40 process behind them.

Smell

Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement

Inspired by Allie’s recent journey to Japan, we were moved to explore other Japanese traditions that celebrate creativity and a deep connection with nature. One such practice is Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, a meditative and meaningful way to engage with the natural world.

At its core, traditional Ikebana is built on three foundational elements: Shin (heaven), Soe (humanity) Hikae (earth). These elements represent the spiritual, human, and physical realms, reminding us of our place within a greater balance.

Practicing Ikebana taught me to embrace the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in the imperfect and the impermanent. There’s something deeply moving about the quiet elegance of a crooked stem, a wilting petal, or an asymmetrical line. It’s an invitation to slow down, honor the present, and notice the subtle shifts of the seasons.

As a way to reflect on these three elements, take a moment to gather three flowers or natural materials that speak to you. Be intentional with your choices, collecting only what you need, and take care not to over-pick. Later, you’ll use them to create your own simple arrangement, one that expresses both creativity and mindfulness.