03/07/2026
What I Noticed — On Paying Attention
Recently, we changed the window in our house.
A strong wind blew into the room, and a large painting fell from my bookshelf. It hit one of my plant pots and shattered it into pieces.
I bought a new pot immediately.
A few weeks later, I noticed the plant was slowly dying.
When I looked more closely, I found that the roots had started to rot.
The new pot wasn't breathable.
I hadn't noticed.
For five years, this plant had been healthy.
At first, it felt like a sudden death.
But then I realised—
perhaps there is no such thing as a sudden change.
Sometimes, I simply wasn't paying enough attention.
I was physically there,
but I wasn't really there for the plant.
The plant didn't suddenly change.
It had been telling me,
little by little.
I just wasn't listening.
Now I see it.
I'm back.
—
This July, I'm holding a few quiet spaces before taking a short pause.
From 20 July to 3 August, I'll be in Japan, saying hello to my anscestors and stepping away from the digital world for a while.
During this period, I'll be on a digital detox and won't be checking emails or messages. I'll reply when I return.
If you've been meaning to join me before then, I would love to see you before 20th Jul.
If not, I will see you in August!
L'Atelier Ku
Haruka