top of page

Shizen Style Culture Blog
The Shizen Style Blog has foundations in Japanese aesthetics and culture, with topics surrounding Japanese gardens, photography, flow state and creativity, Ikigai (life purpose), as well as product reviews that help us figure out what's worth our time, attention, and money.


The Japanese Design Secret That Works for Gardens, Homes, and Even Your Mind
Discover how one ancient principle can transform your space from chaotic to peaceful—and why this isn't just about having less stuff Have...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jul 226 min read


Embracing Ichigo Ichie: Transforming Your Photography Through Mindful Presence
In the fast-paced world of photography, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the perfect shot, often overlooking the profound...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 82 min read


What Japanese Gardens Teach Us About Depth—And Life
Japanese gardens are more than just beautifully arranged plants, stones, and water features. They’re spaces that invite you to pause,...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 24 min read


The Three Pillars of Japanese Minimalism: Beyond the Trends
While minimalism has become a popular trend in the West, in Japan it's deeply woven into the cultural fabric, appearing in everything...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Dec 17, 20243 min read


Sensory Symphony: The Therapeutic Wonders of Japanese Gardens
There’s something timeless about Japanese gardens—a sense of peace that seems to pull you from the noise of daily life into a world of...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Nov 9, 20243 min read


Unlocking Your Creative Flow: Photography Techniques to Capture Perfect Moments with Ease
Hey there, photography and flow enthusiasts! Welcome back to our channel. Today, we're diving into the captivating world of flow state...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Apr 23, 20243 min read


7 Tips for Fostering Creative Flow in Photography
Are you looking to enhance your photography skills and creativity? Whether you are a seasoned photographer seeking inspiration or a...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Apr 22, 20242 min read


Photography's Secret Ingredient: How Intrinsic Motivation Fuels Creativity
As a photographer for over 20 years now, I know what it’s like to fall in and out of flow. There was even a time after we moved back to...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Apr 1, 20245 min read


Flow State Photography: Elevate Your Shots with This Essential Flow Trigger
The flow state is such an underestimated and overlooked key to improving your photography, boosting your creativity, and living life to...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 31, 20244 min read


What Does Flow State Feel Like in Photography? Recognizing Photographic Flow
Whether you are a beginning photographer or a seasoned pro, I guarantee you’ve experienced flow before. I’ve got 4 ways that we can...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 29, 20244 min read


5 ESSENTIAL Camera Accessories I’m Using in 2024
I’ve never talked about some of the camera accessories that I use on a regular basis, so today I thought I’d share what I consider as...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 20, 20243 min read


Unlock Your Creativity: Join Our Membership Group Courses
Are you looking to take your photography skills to the next level? Do you want to unlock your creativity and capture stunning...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 17, 20242 min read


5 ESSENTIAL Camera Accessories I’m Using in 2024
I’ve never talked about some of the camera accessories that I use on a regular basis, so today I thought I’d share what I consider as...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 10, 20243 min read


Essential Reading List for Developing a Shizen Style
Here is a list of some of my favorite books to get you started in developing your own Shizen Style: 1 - Japanese Garden Design By Marc P....
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 10, 20241 min read


sakura | 11 things you never knew about japanese cherry blossoms
Although sakura cherry blossom trees have spread all throughout the world now, nowhere other than Japan is it more celebrated and...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
May 30, 20234 min read


6 Benefits of Drinking Matcha Green Tea Regularly
I’ve started drinking matcha green tea every day and it has become the perfect fit for a shizen style. If you are new to the channel,...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 21, 20234 min read


Sanzenin Temple and Japanese Garden in Kyoto | A Lesson in Patience and Slowing Down
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson Japanese gardens have taught me a thing or 2 about patience and...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 18, 20232 min read


Exploring the Japanese Concept of Yugen | Mysterious Beauty
One of the things that has always drawn me to Japanese aesthetics is their appreciation of beauty. Japan has shown me that it’s ok to...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 11, 20232 min read


The Importance of Spatial Design in Japanese Gardens | 5 garden design elements
Artistically what we might call negative space is an often overlooked defining characteristic of the Japanese garden. First, I’ll go over...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Sep 4, 20225 min read


keys to japanese garden composition | hira-niwa or "flat gardens"
Today I’m going to talk about how we can gain some insight into balance and composition in Japanese gardens through looking at Hiran-Niwa...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Sep 3, 20223 min read
bottom of page