#shizen

Shizen (自然) is a Japanese philosophical concept often translated as “naturalness,” “spontaneity,” or “the self-so of things.” It refers to a mode of existence where phenomena arise and unfold according to their own nature, without force, pretense, or artificial interference. Shizen is rooted in Zen Buddhism, Shinto thought, Taoism, and traditional Japanese aesthetics, where nature is not an object to be controlled—but a movement to harmonize with.

The Philosophy of Shizen

1. Naturalness Without Manipulation

Shizen values what emerges on its own terms. Like a stone in a riverbed, a weathered piece of wood, or a plant growing where it will—beauty comes not from perfection, but from uncontrived formation.

2. Effortlessness and Spontaneity

This does not mean lack of effort, but rather effort transformed into flow. A calligrapher practices endlessly so the brush eventually moves without conscious control—art becomes nature moving through the hand.

3. Harmony Over Domination

Western thought often emphasizes mastery over nature. Shizen asks: What if we move with nature instead of against it? Control is replaced by coexistence.

4. The Beauty of Imperfection

Like the related concept wabi-sabi, shizen embraces asymmetry, roughness, change, and decay. Life is not polished—it is living, shifting, flowing.

5. Collapse of the Human-Nature Divide

The self is not separate from the world. Humans are expressions of nature, not exceptions to it. To live according to shizen is to remember we are part of the river, not standing outside it.

6. Moral and Aesthetic Implications

Shizen encourages:

simplicity over excess

authenticity over display

presence over control

patience over speed

listening over imposing

Wisdom arises by aligning with natural unfolding rather than resisting it.

In Summary

Shizen is:

Naturalness without coercion

Spontaneous flow rather than rigid design

Authenticity over artifice

Unity between human and environment

Beauty revealed through imperfection and time

A life lived according to the rhythm of the world

More designs

Some are commissions for my biggest commissioner, and then others are trades

Okay ! These are ice-creams by THISIS , A ICE-CREAM shop in Shizen , Kyoto

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🕊️ Japanese Calligraphy Series –「自然」(Shizen / Nature) 🌿

In the stillness of the forest, on the breeze that moves the bamboo, in the silence between temple bells—there lies 自然 (shizen), the Japanese word for nature. More than just a label for the environment, shizen expresses a deep-rooted philosophy of harmony, simplicity, and existing in tune with the world around us. It’s one of the most beloved and spiritually resonant concepts in Japanese thought.

🖌️ This sumi-e inspired calligraphy design captures the essence of shizen with clean brush strokes, a soft watercolor backdrop, and a quiet bamboo motif fading into the paper. It’s minimal, meditative, and full of meaning.

🎨 Now available on clocks, prints, magnets, t-shirts, and more in my Redbubble shop. Every piece is designed to inspire calm and connection in your daily life. Let the spirit of nature flow through your space or wardrobe.

🛒 Browse the full collection here: 👉 Redbubble - Shizen Collection

🔖 Kanji meaning breakdown:

自 (ji) – self, spontaneous

然 (zen) – so, thus, naturally

Together, 自然 expresses the idea of "that which arises by itself"—nature, unforced and free.

AU where all the Haikyuu dorks go to the same high school and are in the Concernt + Marching Band together. 

Sakusa (Itachiyama) - Percussion, Snare/Pit (Marching)

Forced to join with Komori

Was very grossed out when the trumpet leaked on him when he tried it and swore off wind instruments

He likes percussion instruments, the players on the other hand...

His wrists are bendy, very useful, 32nd notes, no problem and perfect playing playing posture/ergonomics

Teams up with Osamu in getting the band to eat healthier, it’s an on going battle

Helps Kita out a lot on cleaning up the band room together

For some reason Atsumu latches onto him like a leach and he can’t think of anything he did to deserve it

Komori (Itachiyama) - Percussion, Quads (Marching)

Joined a youth orchestra in elementary school cause he’s adventurous and was bored over summer

Learned how to play twinkle-twinkle on a xylophone and went ‘yup, this is my thing’

Is very flexible personality wise and gets along with everyone

Enjoys being on quads with Bokuto because it is never ever boring playing with him

One of the good kids who loves band, enjoys trips and competitions, keeps the positive energy flowing

Daishou Suguru - French Horn, Mellophone (Marching)

Actively sought out band after seeing a parade when a tiny-tike; the sounds were, well music to his ears

Gets into a youth orchestra and demands to be handed the hardest instrument to master

Postures a lot on being ‘I’m too good for band, they don’t deserve me’ when in actuality he is among the biggest band nerds of the band

He’s enrolled in the music history/theory classes, and composes his own music sometimes, and gets a part time job at a music store over summer breaks and volunteers to teach mini music lessons at day-cares

You talk shit to him about band don’t be surprised when he one ups you in your passion of choice