Artist Date- The Huntington Library

Japanese gardens, Huntington Library

During the final moments of summer, we benefited from exploring the vast, blooming acres found at the Huntington Library. It was a truly lush experience, traveling across the verdant landscapes, ornate with an array of colorful florals, designs, and textures. While some may find botanical gardens to be elitist, high-brow, or exclusive, I hope some could frame it as an invitation to fully embody and envision what it would look like if we all were/ became more deeply connected to the outdoors, especially when urban designs inhibit or disconnect us from that very same connection. We toured several of the featured gardens: the tropical greenhouse, the Children's garden, the kitchen garden, the Japanese garden, and the rose garden. Walking around so many scenes and environments felt like I traveled around the world in one day, and gave me a different perspective on how plants play a prominent yet sometimes undervalued role in our environment and are vital to our well-being. This immersive experience balanced both adventure and a sense of grounding, where inner peace was both within and around me, where I could feel entranced by the harmonious elements often found in nature, and the interconnected relationships that sometimes transcend the communities we live in.

We also benefited from exploring the reflective work of noteworthy artists, including artwork from Los Angeles and Pasadena native Bettye Saar. Her assemblage of secondhand treasures was woven together to depict a surreal display of an ancestral journey that survived past turbulence, drifting towards seeking calmer waters. During our final moments meandering through the gardens, we observed the meditative and well-manicured Japanese gardens, which invited both play and tantalized both our sights and senses while watching the koi fish dance harmoniously throughout the pond, the leaves bristled as the wind flew by, and the waterfalls created soft melodies in the background.

While embracing this new chapter of mine with leisure, softening, and deepening connection to the outdoors both in my backyard, hometown, and beyond, I’ve enjoyed embarking on journeys I have yet to travel nearby, embracing the discoveries and possibilities I may find through deeper curiosity. These spaces also invite time for deeper reflection on the internal shifts I’ve made throughout the seasons and mental shifts, where soft is beautiful, radiates power, quiet strength, and love. 

What does luxury look like to you?

How do you intentionally seek out spaces that align with the peace within? 

What incremental changes would you like to invite, in your habits and environment, so you can intentionally create and cultivate a life with ease?

Pro-tip: The Huntington Library offers free tickets every first Thursday of the month. register here for more info https://www.huntington.org/free-day